Edmonton city council approves $400M deal to build event park, village at Ice District

The majority of Edmonton city council approved the $400 million master agreement plan after contentious deliberations on Monday. The vote came down 9 to 4. 

The terms are now set to build a new event park and village at Ice District, as well as demolishing the old Coliseum.

The majority of Edmonton city council approved the $400 million master agreement plan after contentious deliberations on Monday. The vote came down 9 to 4.

This plan would bring redevelopment to the Ice District area by bringing an event venue that could hold 2,500 people indoors and 6,500 people outdoors.

There are also plans to build 2,500 units of affordable and rental housing, as well as green space.

The Alberta government will spend $183 million, the city of Edmonton will contribute $138 million, and Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) will spend $87 million.

After lengthy discussions, some councillors questioned whether this deal was the right plan to approve.

Ward O’day’min Coun. Anne Stevenson expressed concerns that the list of options of what kind of events can be held at the venue wasn’t curtailed.

I was really surprised by the contemplation about conferences and conventions at the event park. That was not on my radar throughout these conversations and I think its a direct threat to our city-owned convention centre,” Stevenson explained.