Former Royal Alberta Museum building to be converted into green space for community
The end of an era for Edmonton landmark
The former Royal Alberta Museum building, a landmark of the local community, is set to be demolished. The Alberta government aims to convert the site into a new park to provide residents with recreational space.
The Royal Alberta Museum opened to the public in 1967 under its original name, The Provincial Museum and Archives of Alberta. It was renamed the Royal Alberta Museum in 2005 by Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to mark Alberta's centennial.
After 48 years at its 102nd Avenue location, the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton closed its doors in 2015.
Three-and-a-half years later, the museum opened its new $375-million downtown location.
For years, the former museum has been a topic of debate regarding its fate. Once a hub of cultural and educational activity, the building has sat vacant since 2015, leading the government to question its viability.
"Although it's served us well, it really has just come to the end of its useful service," said Minister of Infrastructure Pete Guthrie.
The government's decision to demolish the museum and replace it with green space has sparked strong reactions from the community.
Senator Paula Simons, a long-time Westmount resident, expressed strong reservations about the demolition.
"This became a place where we raised our daughter. She took some of her first steps inside this museum. She learned to ride a bicycle in the museum parking lot," she said.
Simons is also an advocate for heritage preservation and Alberta history.
"This building is so full of history. It is a fantastic example of modernist architecture and one of the most beautiful public facilities we have."
The senator's concerns are echoed by some local residents who argue that the museum's historical significance to the community should be considered before making irreversible decisions.
June Acorn, a long-time Glenora resident, points out that the museum once played a pivotal role in local education and community life. In 2016, she launched a petition to save the building, which collected nearly 10,000 signatures.
"I think that the city will be losing a bit of culture. The first mistake was when they decided to move the museum downtown," she said.
The government is seeking public input before finalizing the park's design. A survey has been put up on the Alberta government's website, asking Albertans to weigh in on the matter. The survey is open until Aug. 30.
In addition to public consultation, the government says they are also working with Indigenous communities.
Guthrie says the government is looking for every opportunity to utilize as much of the building it can.
"It is a building that was a gift to all Albertans, built with extraordinary artistry and craftsmanship," said Simons. "It breaks my heart that after a decade of trying to figure out a use for this building, we failed in imagination and courage to come up with something that would really honour the legacy of this site."
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With files from Janet French