Edmonton's Urban 'Pits': More Than Just Empty Lots

Ever walked past an empty lot, perhaps a fenced-off demolition site or a stalled construction project, and just wondered? In Edmonton, a surprising number of people are now doing more than just wondering; they're actively exploring them, all thanks to the brainchild of an anonymous Instagram account, "@edmontonpittour." Launched back in May of this year, this quirky social media presence began shining a light on the city's urban "pits," turning what might seem like eyesores into fascinating points of local history and urban development discussion.

So, what exactly is a "pit," according to these urban explorers? Well, it's pretty specific, you see. A "pit" is a place where a building once stood, but now, there's absolutely no active construction happening. It's just... a void. But the lexicon doesn't stop there! There's the "almost pit," which is a derelict building patiently awaiting its transformation, and the "almost-not-pit," a former pit that’s thankfully now buzzing with construction activity. And my personal favorite? The "PFKAP"—that's a Pal Formerly Known As Pit. It’s all delivered with a delightful dash of humor and sharp, insightful commentary, often pulling from old news reports and local development blogs.

The online buzz around these urban voids quickly spilled over into the real world. On a balmy Tuesday evening in August, the first-ever in-person "pit tour" kicked off, led by the wonderfully knowledgeable Stephanie Swensrude of Taproot Edmonton. Imagine eighty eager attendees, all gathered at the majestic St. Joseph's Cathedral Basilica in the bustling Wîhkwêntôwin neighbourhood, ready to embark on a journey through these overlooked spaces. The tour was completely sold out – a testament to how deeply this unusual fascination resonates with Edmontonians. This neighborhood, with its over 18,000 residents and dozens of businesses, also happens to be a hotspot for many of these intriguing empty lots.

One of the tour’s star attractions, if you can call it that, is the infamous Jameson Pit, affectionately dubbed "The Deep." Tucked away at 121 Street and 102 Avenue, it's more than just a hole; it’s a three-storey chasm that formed back in 2021. This was supposed to be the site of the ambitious 22-storey Jameson Tower, proposed in 2019 by Vancouver-based Open Sky Developments. Rezoning approval came in 2020, with an initial completion date optimistically set for 2024. But as often happens with grand plans, the timeline slipped to 2026, and then, sadly, the entire project was cancelled in 2025. Despite a developer's promise to resume construction that same year, their website has since gone inactive, leaving behind a truly impressive, self-sustaining ecosystem within its depths. Yes, an ecosystem!

And then there’s the Emerald Pit, a more-than-decade-old gap near Jasper Avenue and 114 Street, courtesy of Regency Developments. Or the "GOAT," the BMO Pit at 101 Street and 102 Avenue, a space with layers of history. It's been a pit since the 1984-built BMO building was demolished in 2018. Before that, the elegant Tegler Building, a true city landmark from 1912, stood proudly on that very corner. Even a derelict residential property, "Dwayne's House" on 102 Street and 100 Avenue, got its moment in the spotlight before finally being demolished after years of sitting vacant, a poignant "almost pit" now gone.

It's clear that these tours aren't just about pointing fingers at stalled projects or lamenting empty spaces. They're a fantastic way to engage the community in discussions about urban planning, the challenges developers face, and the future of their city. As Ward O-day'min Councillor Anne Stevenson wisely noted, she hopes the tour highlights the ongoing progress, however slow, on these derelict properties. The unique blend of humor, local history, and genuine civic engagement that the Edmonton Pit Tour offers is truly something special. After all, who knew an empty hole could tell such a rich, complex story about a city's aspirations and its evolving landscape?