Northlands makes its Vision 2020 pitch to city council

Northlands Vision 2020 could have spinoffs worth $1 billion to the city of Edmonton and northern Alberta.

That pitch is expected to be part of the message delivered to city councilors on Tuesday when Northlands makes a formal presentation of its plans, says Coun. Tony Caterina.

"We've had a lot of interest now from hoteliers," said Caterina, who sits on the Northlands board and represents the area on council.

"The re-purposing of Rexall Place as a community centre for amateur hockey, they're quite interested," he said.

Vison 2020 would see Rexall Place re-purposed with seven ice surfaces, at a cost of $85 million.

Horse racing will end in August 2016, and the plan is to spend $45 million to convert the racetrack and casino into a festival site.

Another $35 million is needed to convert the Expo Centre's Hall D into a 5,000-seat venue for smaller concerts and sports events.

Northlands came up with the 2020 plan because its revenue stream will dry up once major concerts, and the Oilers, move downtown to the new Rogers Place arena.

160 acres of prime land

Caterina said there are many possibilities for 160 acres of land located close to downtown, the river valley and a hospital.

"We're looking at retailers, commercial buildings, coffee shops, housing, all to be part and parcel of this re-development," he said.

The city owns the land and should be involved in its development, Caterina said. He said Northlands is in the best position to move this forward - together with the city. 

The massive project will likely happen in stages, he said.

Part of the presentation to council by Northlands CEO Tim Reid will be about what steps to take first, he said.

Rexall Place will be used by the Oilers until the end of this hockey season, and will host the Canadian Finals Rodeo in November 2016.

Caterina said he thinks reaction among city councilors to the plan has been quite positive. 

Community wants input

The Bellevue Community League has taken a cautious approach.

In a letter to city council, community league president Brian Finley said residents are pleased there is a plan that will keep the area vibrant.

"That does not suggest that we agree with every detail of the current plan, but rather that we are willing and eager to work closely with Northlands and the city in this effort," Finley wrote.

The area has embraced K-Days and other events while recognizing concerns from residents about noise and nuisances that often accompany larger events, he said.

The community league has not canvassed residents since Northlands put the proposal forward a month ago, Finley said, and such consultation with the community will be required.

The city and community need to take a long-term view, Caterina said.

"What's Edmonton going to look like 50 years from now? That's a consideration, too, with everything that's being proposed."