Why was the west Edmonton mall built?

- Edmonton experienced rapid population growth in the 1960s and 1970s, driven by the city's booming oil industry.

- The city's population increased by over 50% during this period, from about 300,000 in 1961 to over 450,000 in 1971.

- This population growth led to increased demand for retail and commercial space.

Vision of the Ghermezian Brothers

- The idea for the West Edmonton Mall came from the Ghermezian Brothers, Iranian-born developers who had immigrated to Canada.

- The Ghermezian Brothers saw an opportunity to create a large-scale shopping and entertainment complex that would serve the growing population of Edmonton and the surrounding area.

- They believed that a megamall could attract shoppers from across Western Canada and the United States.

Government Incentives and Land Availability

- The Ghermezian Brothers were able to secure government incentives and land for their project, making it financially feasible to build the West Edmonton Mall.

- The Alberta government provided $20 million in funding for the project, and the City of Edmonton provided tax breaks and zoning changes to support the development.

- The Ghermezian Brothers also purchased a large parcel of land in the western part of Edmonton, which was ideal for the location of a megamall.

Tourist Attraction and Economic Development

- The Ghermezian Brothers envisioned the West Edmonton Mall as a tourist destination as well as a shopping center.

- The mall would feature a variety of attractions, including an indoor amusement park, a waterpark, an ice rink, and a movie theater.

- The goal was to create a place where people could come to shop, dine, and be entertained all in one location.

Employment Opportunities

- The construction of the West Edmonton Mall created thousands of jobs in Edmonton.

- The mall itself employs over 20,000 people, making it one of the largest employers in the city.

- The mall's success has also spurred economic development in the surrounding area, leading to the creation of additional jobs and businesses.