Where Glenora is
Glenora sits in west-central Edmonton, overlooking the North Saskatchewan River valley. Its edges are easy to picture:
- East: Groat Road, with Westmount on the other side
- North: 107 Avenue, with North Glenora beyond
- West: 142 Street, with Grovenor beyond
- South: the river valley and MacKinnon Ravine
It's a few minutes' drive west of our office on 124 Street.
A short history: why the streets look the way they do
The land was once part of a river lot farm homesteaded by Malcolm Groat, the namesake of Groat Road. Montreal grain merchant James Carruthers bought it in 1905. In 1909 he agreed to build a bridge over the ravine if the City extended streetcar service; the bridge was finished in 1910 and now carries 102 Avenue. The 1913 real estate crash slowed building for years.
That start still shows today:
- Old Glenora has curving streets, mature trees and Alexander Circle, a large round block at its centre. A City inventory counted 75 historic resources there.
- Architecture runs to Craftsman, Edwardian and clinker-brick homes from the early 1900s, alongside post-war houses.
- Government House, completed in 1913, was home to Alberta's first six lieutenant governors and is now used for government receptions and dinners.
An inventory listing doesn't legally protect a house. Only homes designated as Municipal Historic Resources are protected from demolition or inappropriate changes, so ask about a home's status before you plan a renovation.
What homes are like in Glenora
Most of Glenora is detached homes on mature, tree-lined streets, and most were built before 1970. You'll also find:
- early-1900s character homes, some restored and some ready for work
- newer infill homes on lots where an older house came down
- apartment buildings, including a few high-rises
Inspecting an older home
With older houses, the inspection matters more than usual. Ask your inspector to look closely at:
- the sewer line (a camera scope is worth it on older lines)
- the electrical panel and wiring
- the foundation, grading and basement moisture
- older materials that may contain asbestos, before you plan any renovation
Infill in Glenora: what to check first
If you're looking at Edmonton infill homes for sale, or a lot to build on, Glenora has rules you won't find in most neighbourhoods.
Zoning. Edmonton's citywide zoning bylaw, in effect since January 1, 2024, allows small multi-unit homes in every neighbourhood. Council has kept debating the details through 2025 and 2026, so check the current rules for the exact lot.
The Carruthers Caveat. In parts of Glenora, a restrictive covenant registered in 1911 limits each lot to one house, sets setbacks and bans commercial use. It runs with the land, so it binds every owner who comes after. In 2026 the Court of King's Bench removed it from one vacant corner lot whose zoning required more homes. That decision is under appeal, and it applies only to that lot.
In parts of Glenora, a covenant registered in 1911 still limits each lot to one house, and it binds every owner who comes after.
Before you firm up on any Glenora property:
- Pull the land title and read every caveat on it. We do this for our clients.
- Check the current zoning and any heritage designation.
- Have a real estate lawyer review anything unusual before your conditions expire.
- Buying a newer infill? Ask for the new home warranty certificate. Homes built since February 1, 2014 carry 1-year, 2-year, 5-year and 10-year coverage.
Getting around
- By car: Stony Plain Road and 102 Avenue run east to downtown, and Groat Road drops into the river valley and across the Groat Bridge to the University of Alberta and the south side.
- By LRT, soon: the Valley Line West will run 14 km from downtown to Lewis Farms, with stops including Glenora and Grovenor/142 Street. The City expects construction to finish in 2028, followed by testing before opening.
- During construction: Stony Plain Road has had closures for LRT work, so check current detours when you test a commute.
Parks, ravines and the river valley
- MacKinnon Ravine forms Glenora's southern edge, and Groat Ravine runs along the east, both leading down to the river valley.
- Government House Park sits in the river valley below Government House.
- The community league grounds at 136 Street and 104 Avenue have a hall, tennis and basketball courts and an outdoor rink.
- The former Royal Alberta Museum site next to Government House: the museum moved downtown in 2018, and in 2024 the province announced plans to demolish the old building and create green space.
Schools and shopping
- Glenora School (Edmonton Public), 13520 102 Avenue NW, in a building that opened in 1940.
- Every Edmonton address has a designated public school, and it isn't always the closest one. Check the exact address with Edmonton Public Schools' Find a School tool or Edmonton Catholic Schools' Locate Your School page.
- 124 Street, a few minutes east, is lined with shops, galleries and restaurants, and Stony Plain Road has everyday services.
What to weigh before you buy
Why buyers look here
- Historic streets, mature trees and character homes
- Ravine and river valley trails on two sides
- A central location, with an LRT stop on the way
Trade-offs to think about
- Older homes can need more upkeep, so budget for the inspection findings
- LRT construction along Stony Plain Road until it's finished
- Covenants and heritage rules can limit what you build or change
Glenora homes for sale: how we help
Glenora is close to home for us. Before you write an offer, we pull the land title, flag any caveat, zoning or heritage issue, and price your offer from recent sales on comparable streets. If you're planning a renovation or infill, we'll help you line up the right lawyer and inspector early.