A Prestigious, Established River Valley Neighbourhood
Laurier Heights is one of Edmonton's most coveted mature neighbourhoods — a riverside community with deep roots,
irreplaceable location, and a quiet distinction that newer developments simply cannot replicate. Named after
Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier, it was developed through the post-war era with most homes built between 1946
and 1970.
📍 Location
Northwest Edmonton, perched above the North Saskatchewan River Valley. Bounded by 87 Ave (N), 149 St (W),
Whitemud Drive (S), and the River Valley (E).
🏡 Housing Character
Predominantly single-family homes — most built 1946–1970 on generous lots. Ridge homes feature impressive
river valley views. Strong renovation and infill trend.
🌲 River Valley Access
Direct walking access to 160+ km of the North Saskatchewan River Valley trail system — Edmonton's crown
jewel of urban parkland.
🏛️ Community Heritage
The Laurier Heights Community League, established in 1958, has anchored neighbourhood social life for
nearly 70 years — a rare and vibrant community culture.
🎓 University Proximity
The University of Alberta — one of Canada's top research universities — is approximately 10 minutes away
via Whitemud Drive.
🗺️ Ward
sipiwiyiniwak Ward · Councillor: Thu Parmar · Elevation: 667 m (2,188 ft) · Edmonton City Council
administration.
Quick Fact
Details
Full Name
Laurier Heights, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Quadrant
Northwest (NW)
Population (2019)
2,612 residents in 1,242 dwellings
Land Area
1.32 km² (0.51 sq mi)
Named After
Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier (served 1896–1911)
Development Era
~58% built 1946–1960; ~40% built 1961–1970
Sector
Mature Area (City of Edmonton designation)
Community League
Laurier Heights Community League (est. 1958) — 14405 85 Ave NW
Lifestyle & Amenities
The River Valley — Edmonton's Greatest Natural Asset, At Your Door
Ask any Laurier Heights resident what they love most, and the answer is almost always the same: the river
valley. Edmonton's 7,400-hectare river valley park system is one of the largest urban park systems in North
America — and Laurier Heights residents have direct, walking access to it.
🥾
160+ km of Trails
Multi-use trail system for walking, cycling, jogging, and Nordic skiing — all seasons.
🦁
Edmonton Valley Zoo
Family-oriented zoo in the river valley below, accessed via Buena Vista Road.
🎭
Hawrelak Park
Edmonton's premier festival park — accessible via a neighbourhood footbridge.
🏕️
Fort Edmonton Park
North America's largest living history museum — just across Whitemud Drive.
🧘
Community Programs
Outdoor rink, tennis courts, community hall, gazebo sessions, and social events.
🚴
Bike Classic
Annual Alex Stieda Bike Classic — a beloved community cycling event in the river valley.
Community League Programs & Events
Event / Program
Details
Wednesday Gazebo Sessions
Weekly live local music in the park, May through July
Alex Stieda Bike Classic
Annual community cycling event — all ages and abilities welcome
Laurier Heights 70th Anniversary
Milestone neighbourhood celebration — June 2026 weekend
Food Forest Youth Program
Youth gardening program for ages 12–14 in the community food forest
Heritage Tea
Annual celebration of the neighbourhood's rich history and character
Winter Rink
Outdoor ice rink maintained by the community league through winter months
Tennis Club
Community tennis courts and organized club at 144 St & 85 Ave
Hall Rentals
Community hall available for private events — contact lhcl.ca
Schools · Huge for Families
Quality Education Close to Home
Laurier Heights is served by a strong school ecosystem. The neighbourhood has its own public school, with
additional public and Catholic options in adjacent communities — and the University of Alberta just 10 minutes
away.
School
Type
Grades
Notes
Laurier Heights School
Public (Edmonton Public)
K–9
The neighbourhood's own school — located directly within Laurier Heights
Crestwood School
Public (Edmonton Public)
K–6
In the adjacent Crestwood neighbourhood; another excellent public option
Archbishop Joseph MacNeil
Catholic (ECSD)
K–9
Catholic school district option serving the West Edmonton area
Jasper Place High School
Public (Edmonton Public)
10–12
Main high school serving the Laurier Heights catchment area
Victoria School of Arts
Public — Alternative (EPS)
K–12
Arts-focused alternative school; accessible for families seeking specialized programming
University of Alberta
Post-Secondary
University
One of Canada's top 5 research universities — approx. 10 min via Whitemud Dr
University Hospital / AHS
Medical / Academic
—
Adjacent to the U of A — makes Laurier Heights a top choice for healthcare professionals
School boundaries subject to change.
Confirm current catchment with Edmonton Public Schools (epsb.ca) or Edmonton Catholic Schools (ecsd.net).
Parks, Trails & Outdoor Living
Nature Woven Into Every Day
Laurier Heights sits at the edge of one of North America's finest urban park systems. The North Saskatchewan
River Valley — 7,400 hectares of connected parkland — begins at the neighbourhood's eastern boundary.
Park / Attraction
Description
Access
Laurier Park
Beautiful family picnic area nestled in the river valley below the neighbourhood
Via Buena Vista Road
Buena Vista Park
River valley park with walking trails, part of the city-wide trail network
Via Buena Vista Road
Hawrelak Park
Edmonton's premier festival and recreation park — hosts major events year-round
Footbridge from NE neighbourhood
Edmonton Valley Zoo
Family zoo in the river valley — beloved by families for generations
Via Buena Vista Road
Fort Edmonton Park
North America's largest living history museum — across the river via Whitemud
Short drive via Whitemud Drive
Community League Park
Neighbourhood park at 144 St & 85 Ave — outdoor rink, tennis courts, and greenspace
In-neighbourhood
River Valley Trail System
160+ km of maintained multi-use trails — walking, cycling, skiing, and snowshoeing
Multiple access points
Nearby Amenities & Location
Urban Convenience Without Compromise
Laurier Heights offers outstanding access to all corners of Edmonton. Major retail, the university, West
Edmonton Mall, and downtown are all within a short drive — while the neighbourhood itself remains quiet and
residential.
🛒 Shopping & Dining
Destination
Est. Drive
Laurier Heights Shopping Centre
In neighbourhood
West Edmonton Mall
~10 min west
Westmount Centre
~8 min
Whyte Avenue / Old Strathcona
~12 min via Whitemud
Southgate Centre
~12 min via Whitemud
Downtown Edmonton
~15 min
🚗 Transportation
Route / Service
Details
Whitemud Drive
Major freeway — south to U of A & ring road
149 Street
North-south arterial corridor
87 Avenue
West to West Edmonton Mall
Anthony Henday Drive
Ring road — all quadrants
ETS Bus Routes
Multiple routes along key corridors
YEG Airport
~35 min via Whitemud & Henday
Safety & Crime
A Safe, Family-Focused Community
Laurier Heights is consistently regarded as one of Edmonton's safer, more established residential
neighbourhoods. As a predominantly owner-occupied, single-family community with strong neighbourhood cohesion,
residents report a high sense of security and community belonging.
Well above Edmonton city average — mature owner-occupied community
Consistent with established, family-oriented residential communities
Minor opportunistic incidents (vehicle break-ins) — common to all suburban communities
Active community league fosters strong neighbourhood watch culture
Safety Indicator
Assessment
Overall Crime Rate
Below Edmonton city average — a safe, family-oriented neighbourhood
Typical Incidents
Minor property crimes (vehicle break-ins) — common to any suburban neighbourhood
Violent Crime
Very low — consistent with mature, owner-occupied residential communities
Community Watch
Active community league fosters neighbourhood vigilance and communication
Comparison
Safer than central / inner-city Edmonton; comparable to Crestwood and Glenora
Emergency Services
Edmonton Police Service and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services — strong area coverage
Garbage, Recycling & Utilities
Edmonton's Four-Stream Waste System
As part of the City of Edmonton, Laurier Heights residents benefit from Edmonton's award-winning four-stream
curbside waste collection system — a Canadian leader in waste diversion.
⬛
Black Cart
General household garbage — non-recyclable, non-organic waste
Food scraps and organics — composted at Edmonton's world-class facility
Weekly (Summer) / Biweekly (Winter)
🍂
Yard Waste
Grass, leaves, and yard trimmings — seasonal schedule
Seasonal Pickup
💡 WasteWise App: Download the free City of Edmonton WasteWise App for personalized pickup
reminders and item sorting guidance.
📦 Big Bin Events: The City of Edmonton hosts Big Bin events
throughout the year for large items, electronics, and hard-to-dispose materials — free of charge.
Utilities & City Services
Service
Provider
Contact / Notes
Electricity
EPCOR / Retailer of Choice
Regulated rate or competitive retailer — epcor.com
Natural Gas
ATCO Gas / Retailer of Choice
Regulated rate or competitive retailer — atco.com
Water & Sewer
EPCOR
City of Edmonton water and wastewater — epcor.com
Internet / Cable
Telus, Shaw/Rogers, Bell
Multiple providers; fibre options available in the area
The common thread among Laurier Heights' happiest residents is a deep appreciation for irreplaceable location,
mature neighbourhood character, and a genuine sense of community — paired with the convenience of one of
Edmonton's best-connected addresses.
🎓 University & Healthcare Professionals
Proximity to the U of A and University Hospital makes this a top choice for faculty, researchers, and
medical professionals seeking a short commute without sacrificing quality of life.
🏠 Executive & Move-Up Buyers
Prestigious address, generous lots, and river valley views attract buyers upgrading from other NW Edmonton
communities or relocating from other cities.
👨👩👧👦 Established Families
The neighbourhood school, active community league programs, parks, and the safe, quiet character of the
streets make Laurier Heights an ideal long-term family home.
🔨 Renovation & Infill Buyers
Builders and owner-renovators drawn to the combination of prime location and the opportunity to build or
substantially renovate on large, established lots in a prestigious address.
🌿 Lifestyle-Driven Buyers
Anyone who prioritizes trail access, river valley views, a true four-season outdoor lifestyle, and a
neighbourhood with genuine community culture will feel immediately at home.
🏡 Empty Nesters & Downsizers
Long-time residents who want to remain in the community they love, with senior living options at Canterbury
Court and Canterbury Manor within the neighbourhood.
"One of Edmonton's most irreplaceable addresses."
River valley access, mature character, and outstanding location — there is no other neighbourhood in
Edmonton quite like Laurier Heights.
Talk to the RJ Homes Team
780-222-8222
rjhomes.ca
Explore Further
Key Community Resources
Everything you need to know about life in Laurier Heights — direct links to the sources
that matter.