Edmonton city council is asking the province to step up and help fund a non-profit agency that helps at-risk youth move to a new downtown building.

iHuman uses the arts to mentor and build trust with hundreds of young people who are at risk of substance abuse and crime who can't or won't get help elsewhere.

The group has moved five times in 10 years, but purchased its own building at 96th Street and 102A Avenue last March.

While the city has committed almost $2 million to the project, the group needs at least $4 million more to move in and renovate the space.

iHuman asked the province last March for $1 million to help buy the building but did not hear back.

Coun. Don Iveson wants to see other levels of government step up.

"The province and I think the federal government too should really step up with an agenda of prevention," he said.

"That's what everything this council and our mayor have been working towards is based on. That's at the real heart of this project and it has a side of inspiration in it which is why I think it works."

If the funds don't come through from the province iHuman might have to delay moving for a year.

The group said it is hoping to disclose later in the week the Edmonton architectural firm donating $600,000 in design and engineering specifications.