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The City of Edmonton has released an online survey regarding the proposed redevelopment of the former Northlands campus in Northeast Edmonton, and is urging full participation from Edmontonians of all ages. Originally proposed back in 2016, plans for the area, colloquially known as the “Edmonton Exhibition Lands” have shifted several times since its inception. Plans over the years have included a hockey rink, large residential towers, as well as a way to retain the space for the annual Edmonton Exhibition held there during the summer months.
After much deliberation and many public/private plans submitted to the City of Edmonton, the most recent plan (below) features a full range of uses, including transit, employment zones, residential space, pathways, and green space.
As seen in the image above, the two new LRT stations are highlighted in blue along the left side of the plan. Mixed-use transit villages will densify the areas north and south of the expo centre with an employment centre occupying the eastern edge of the development. Residential living will come in the form of towers and low-rise dwellings that will each account for 50% of the available units.
Quick facts about the proposed development:
200 acres of land to be developed
3,500 homes/apartments are to be constructed
When fully built out the Exhibition will be home to approximately 8,500 residents
Post-construction jobs will total 4,200
Full build out timeline estimated to be 20-30 years
There are several key elements to this proposal. The first of which is the transit villages that are intended to make the site accessible to those living within and those visiting. High density TOD that comes in a mix of residential living as well as commercial amenities is a definite priority within the area. In addition, two new LRT stations along the Capital Line at 118th Avenue (to replace the current Coliseum Station) and 115th Avenue are included in the plans to anchor the transit villages. Another key element to the current proposal is an employment anchor within the development.
Furthermore, expanded green space/recreation space plays a major role in the new plan for the development. Specifically, a partial redesign and subsequent expansion of Borden Park, as well as the addition of greenway-lined thoroughfares will be key to providing open spaces within the development.
Interested in the future of the Edmonton Exhibition Lands? Take the survey before it closes on July 9th, to ensure that your voice is heard!
SkyriseEdmonton will be sure to return to this project as progress continues. For more information, check out the associated Database file and Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.
