Edmonton Construction 12 (December 2013)

[canucklehead2]

I have a feeling the Rexall thing is more of a community gimme more than anything else. Since the land value and demo costs would be roughly equal there is no real advantage to demolishing a solidly built building. I'm sure the conversion to a 8-9 rink venue on multiple levels (ala kinda like Maple Leaf Gardens) won't be cheap but because hockey rink space is still at a premium it would build a lot of goodwill towards getting $ towards the other projects...

Also briefly touched upon was the casino. If the horse track is closed, the casino will be re-licensed and moved to a new space adjacent to Expo Centre and a new hotel was my understanding. This would allow it gain tables which are currently now allowed by law... That would also be a big cash generator towards paying off the construction costs me thinks...

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Originally Posted by canucklehead2

Calgary is also trying to snag CFR away from Rogers Place, so that will be announced within the next few months as well…

Sorry, what exactly will be announced? That CFR is moving to Calgary?

[canucklehead2]

Northlands is trying to retain the event here in Edmonton at Rogers Place but there is intense lobbying in Calgary to snag the event... So who knows about that one...

[240glt]

Interesting.. Very ambitious. I look forward to seeing the detailed plans

The one takeaway from the consultations was that people don't want the site to sit fallow and Tim was very receptive to that response. Last time I spoke with Don Iveson about it he said that the city was committed to redeveloping and activating the lands

[canucklehead2]

I'm mildly upbeat about the future as well... There is a LOT going for Northlands and it's about making all those pieces work especially since the status quo is no longer an option. I do like the fact that the arena is still in place and potentially down the road could be reactivated as a competing venue... maybe.

Can't wait for the official announcement and to see the renderings released...

[240glt]

Hopefully this paves the way for better neighbourood integration, something I've long argued is sorely lacking at the site

[Black Star]

[QUOTE=canucklehead2;7099877]I'm mildly upbeat about the future as well... There is a LOT going for Northlands and it's about making all those pieces work especially since the status quo is no longer an option. I do like the fact that the arena is still in place and potentially down the road could be reactivated as a competing venue... maybe.

Its definitely a free market. It could be a healthy situation for Edmonton. Time will tell.

[canucklehead2]

I agree about the integration thing. That's one thing that is sorely missing. And with Coliseum being one of the busiest spots on the LRT line, it's prime for an integrated mixed-use development. Hopefully one that goes better than the Belvedere project...

[SHOFEAR]

As long as the ponies stay, that's all I care about.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Heard on the news that we'll be getting a 102 Ave Bridge update today.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Downtown airport closure gives rise to Edmonton’s changing skyline
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/business/...t+closure+gives+rise/11228274/story.html

EDMONTON - Almost two years after the City Centre Airport closed, developers appear to be following through on their promise to build taller towers around downtown as height restrictions that once protected flight paths have been removed.

Proposals for residential towers between 30 and 40 storeys are regularly passing through city hall. Questions about whether taller towers are better, how to incorporate them into existing neighbourhoods, and what the city skyline should look like, are being raised.

[EdmTrekker]

Originally Posted by SHOFEAR

As long as the ponies stay, that's all I care about.

I used to go but now dont care. The facility is old and not people friendly. may be they will build a new one like Calgary has done out by the airport. That would be nice.

[240glt]

I like going to the track every once in a while. We had a christmas party at the Spectrum last year and it was awesome

Having said that I think horse racing is on it's way out and from the looks of things maybe doesn't align with Northlands new strategy

I'd absolutely LOVE to see 115th ave re-activated through the site so that Borden park becomes more accessible

[MalcolmTucker]

I bet ponies are on the way out. The local MLA, now Minister Mason last year (page 167):

the basic fact of the matter is that
we don’t believe that the provincial government should be
continuing its subsidization of this industry. It is in many respects
a dying industry, and there are fewer and fewer tracks simply
because other forms of entertainment and other forms of gaming
have emerged, that have cut very much into its market share. We
believe that we need to respect the choice of the people who make
their entertainment choices, their gaming choices, if that’s what
they want to do, and not be picking winners and losers and using a
skewed formula for allocation of — revenues in order to
continue subsidization of this industry.

Though in Ontario the horse racing industry was able to kick up enough of a ruckus they had their agreement renewed (albeit during a minority government).

Now bringing in a full service casino to that neighbourhood, not really something an Ontario NDP or BC NDP government would do, but who knows about these guys.

[Hallsy's Toupee]

Twisted girders over Groat Road weren't properly braced
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/t...t-road-weren-t-properly-braced-1.3160105

Three girders on the bridge over Groat Road buckled in March because the subcontractor hired to install them "misinterpreted" the bracing requirements, the city says.

The subcontractor, hired by Graham Group, has 40 years experience in the field and is considered an industry leader, said Barry Belcourt, the city's branch manager of road design and construction.

The girders twisted on March 16 while they were being installed. A preliminary report into the cause found that the subcontractor "misinterpreted the precise bracing requirements between the last four girders."

The bridge was originally scheduled to reopen this fall.
The city now says the bridge is scheduled to open in late summer or early fall of 2016.

[EdmTrekker]

Originally Posted by 240glt

I like going to the track every once in a while. We had a christmas party at the Spectrum last year and it was awesome

Having said that I think horse racing is on it's way out and from the looks of things maybe doesn't align with Northlands new strategy

I'd absolutely LOVE to see 115th ave re-activated through the site so that Borden park becomes more accessible

Horse Racing (breeders) gets a big subsidy from the Alberta Government...which needs to end now. Its the sport of Kings and it should be a user pay industry or die and wither like car racing or any other luxe sport.

[Coldrsx]

But 'It's a way of life'.

[Landlocked]

Originally Posted by EdmTrekker

Horse Racing (breeders) gets a big subsidy from the Alberta Government...which needs to end now. Its the sport of Kings and it should be a user pay industry or die and wither like car racing or any other luxe sport.

Can the same be applied to religion and tax exempt status, please?

[240glt]

Originally Posted by EdmTrekker

Horse Racing (breeders) gets a big subsidy from the Alberta Government...which needs to end now. Its the sport of Kings and it should be a user pay industry or die and wither like car racing or any other luxe sport.

Yes I'm aware.. A good friend is a breeder and trainer down south and she runs horses up here

I don't really care about the subsidies, and I won't be upset if & when racing leaves the Northlands site. I see greater opportunity there for much better use of the land and I bet Time Reid does too.

[bulliver]

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