Oliver
Oliver, nestled just west of downtown and embraced by the River Valley to the south and 124 Street to the west, stands as a testament to Edmonton’s rich history. Once known as the “West End,” it was rechristened in the 1950s in honor of esteemed pioneer Frank Oliver. Its development traces back to the 1880s, marked by the emergence of institutional landmarks like the General Hospital and Misericordia Hospital, accompanied by churches, schools, and cloisters.
By World War I, Oliver boasted a flourishing residential landscape, especially in its southern and western sectors, characterized by grand homes and leafy boulevards. While the northern reaches saw the rise of smaller dwellings, the neighborhood’s allure remained undiminished. With Edmonton experiencing a surge in growth during the late 1950s, Oliver, situated close to the downtown core, became a focal point for apartment redevelopment, gradually transforming into a bustling enclave with a vibrant commercial pulse.