Downtown Edmonton is loved by residents and visitors alike for its forests, pathways and parks along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River.

Most downtown Edmonton condo properties come in under $1 Million, with some entry level units in older buildings in the low six figures. Living here, you’ll find quick access to exciting night spots, world class cuisine, coffee shops and bars galore, arts, fashion, culture and more.

There are five districts in the zone: Commercial Core, Government Centre, Warehouse District, McKay Avenue and Rice Howard Way.

There’s also an exciting new arrival on the skyline: The Pearl. It’s topped by a condo with this description: “On the market at $2,295,000, this 3,476-square-foot Edmonton penthouse is situated at the top of a 36-storey masterpiece offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city."

Keep watching the news for updates on Canada’s mortgage regulations.

On February 18, Bill Morneau, Canada’s Minister of Finance, unveiled changes to the “stress test” that were scheduled to come into effect on April 6. “The new benchmark rate will be the weekly median 5-year fixed insured mortgage rate from mortgage insurance applications, plus 2%,” he announced at the time. These changes are now on hold, pending further review as a result of the current COVID-19 situation.

Industry experts had recently suggested the “stress test rate” be adjusted to make it easier for people qualifying for mortgages. The Canadian government heard them and had initially acted on their recommendations. The basic idea behind the stress test? Even if interest rates rise or you run into financial difficulties, you’re approved for an amount you’d still have a good shot at paying back.

For information on federal and provincial financial support right now if you need it, please visit Canada.ca (Government of Canada) and alberta.ca (Government of Alberta) websites where you’ll find information regarding COVID-19 on each home page.