Let’s Bring Arcades to Canada!

When people think of arcades, people normally think of Pac-Man and huge Mario Kart machines to play with friends. However, there exists a unique style of retail in Europe with jaw dropping architecture that I believe would succeed in Canadian cities if implemented, even on a smaller scale. Shopping arcades are characterized by indoor spaces with high glass ceilings and “small, interesting, often independent” shops. 

In 2023, I had the pleasure of touring the United Kingdom and had the pleasure of walking into several arcades that I believed would fit seamlessly into Canadian life and culture with their unique architecture and style. One of the shopping arcades I came across was the Wyndham Arcade in Cardiff which not only provided me with relief from the rain but provided me with a host of cafes, restaurants and shops to explore! Cardiff is actually known as the “City of Arcades” and has over seven Victorian and Edwardian arcades in its city center, a testament to “150 years of Welsh retail history”. 

After walking through these arcades, mesmerized by the unique architectural decisions and small shops offering a host of goods and services, I wondered why we don’t have more of these in Canada. As well as providing shopping destinations and helping independent businesses, these arcades may also serve as pedways for people to walk from one area to another. 

In Edmonton, this would improve walkability and could be implemented most efficiently in downtown areas to add charm and memorability to those exploring or commuting to other areas. The development of these arcades would also align with the Winter City guidelines set out by the City of Edmonton including ameliorating access to infrastructure that supports everyday life during the winter months. Arcades would be wonderful places to display Edmontonian or Canadian culture while giving people a chance to relax and shop!

-Written by Hussain Cochinwala (Photo courtesy of Alamy on The Times)