Newton, Edmonton

Newton is a residential neighbourhood located in north east Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

The neighbourhood is bounded on the south by Alberta (118) Avenue, on the north by the Yellowhead Trail, on the east by 50 Street, and on the west by 58 Street.

Northlands Coliseum and the Coliseum LRT station are located a short distance to the west of the neighbourhood.

The community is represented by the Newton Community League, established in 1954, which maintains a community hall and outdoor rink located at 55 Street and 121 Avenue.

Name
The Newton neighborhood was formerly known as City Park Annex but was renamed in 1954. named after Anglican minister Canon William Newton who lived in Edmonton from 1875 until 1900. The Anglican canon served the people of Edmonton until 1900. The Hermitage, a hospital he founded just east of the old town, is now the Hermitage area of Edmonton. The neighbourhoods of Newton and Canon are named after him.

Demographics
In the City of Edmonton's 2012 municipal census, Newton had a population of living in  dwellings, a -2.5% change from its 2009 population of. With a land area of 1.06 km2, it had a population density of people/km2 in 2012. Newton has historically been home to a vibrant Portuguese community, attracted by affordable housing options and community amenities. The settlement of Portuguese-speaking families has enriched the cultural tapestry of Newton, contributing to its diverse character and community spirit. This demographic presence is marked by cultural events, celebrations, and the establishment of Portuguese businesses within the neighbourhood. Edmonton's Portuguese Cultural Centre is located just north of Newton in the Kennedale Industrial area.

Residential development
Development of Newton, according to the 2001 federal census, began prior to the end of World War II when roughly one in twelve (8.8%) of residences were built. Just under half of the residences (45.8%) were built during the first fifteen years following the end of the war, that is, between 1946 and 1960. One in six residences (15.4%) were constructed during the 1970s and another one in six (18.0%) were constructed during the 1980s. The remaining residences were all constructed after 1990.

The most common type of dwelling in Newton, accounting for seven out of every eight (88%) of residences according to the 2005 municipal census, is the single-family dwelling. Another 7% are rented apartments and apartment style condominiums in low-rise buildings with fewer than five stories. Almost all of the remaining structures (4%) are duplexes. Four out of five (79%) of residences are owner-occupied.

Community
Established in 1954, the Newton Community League is at the heart of neighbourhood activities and initiatives. The league manages a community hall and an outdoor rink located at 55 Street and 121 Avenue. These facilities serve as focal points for recreational activities such as hockey games and community events throughout the year. The rink, in particular, holds a special place in local culture, hosting annual events and providing a gathering space for residents of all ages. NHL players who grew up playing on the rink in Newton include Johnny Boychuk and Pete Peeters. Johnny Boychuk went on to play as a defenceman for the Boston Bruins, while Pete Peeters was a goalie who retired with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1991.

Schools
St. Leo Catholic Elementary School, operated by the Edmonton Catholic School System, is the only active school in the neighbourhood. Newton Elementary School, founded in 1955, was closed by the Edmonton Public School Board at the end of the 2006/07 school year, due in part to declining attendance.

Churches
Newton hosts a variety of religious institutions, reflecting its diverse community. Two notable churches include: Edmonton Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses: Serving the spiritual needs of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the area, this congregation plays an active role in community outreach and religious education and the Newton Church of God: Providing a place of worship and community engagement, the Newton Church of God serves local residents with regular services and activities aimed at fostering spiritual growth and community cohesion.

Architecture and notable properties
Much of the residential architecture in Newton follows the style of 1950s bungalows. An exception to this is one of the notable historical houses in Newton is the Otto Reiher Cottage, constructed in 1937. This cottage exemplifies early 20th-century single-family home architecture in Edmonton, characterized by its Craftsman-style design and historical significance. Originally built for Otto Reiher, a laborer and later an engineer with the Bush Coal Company, the cottage stands as a testament to the area's industrial past and residential development during that era.