Round Table #1

From our First Round Table Discussion: I received a number of submissions of which I also will add an overview and report that will follow. 

Lets start off with Eugene Lin who gave an excellent summary of his take and thoughts on the meeting.

During our discussion, we delved into the various aspects and challenges associated with the Save-the-Coliseum initiative, such as the significant annual costs associated with maintaining the unused coliseum, amounting to approximately $1.5 million per annum.

Additionally, we discussed the upcoming plans for its demolition,projected to cost around $35 million. This decision is part of the broader Exhibition Lands Redevelopment Project, aiming to transform the area into a vibrant mix of housing, retail, and recreational spaces. This raises important questions about the viability of restoration versus demolition, considering both the financial implications and the potential benefits of preservation. Moreover, this initiative has considerable potential for collaboration with various key stakeholders such as Explore Edmonton, the EDMH, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce, and Murray Soroka from Jasper Place Wellness Centre, to name a few. These connections could prove invaluable in garnering broader community support and exploring sustainable solutions that benefit all parties involved.

The projects associated with the Save-the-Coliseum initiative, such as the development of a resort/hotel, affordable seniors’ housing, retail spaces, and event spaces at the coliseum, each serve distinct but complimentary purposes that together could create a vibrant, multi-use community hub.

1.) Resort/Hotel – This component would likely aim to attract tourists and visitors, potentially revitalizing the area and boosting local tourism and hospitality industries.

2.) Affordable Seniors’ Housing – By integrating affordable seniors’ housing, the project addresses a critical community need; providing accessible, affordable living options for seniors. This aligns with broader societal goals of supporting our aging population and fostering a sense of community among our residents.

3.) Retail Spaces – Retail establishments would not only serve the immediate needs of residents and visitors, but also create job opportunities and contribute to the economic vitality of the area. These retail spaces could range from local boutiques to larger chains, all adding to the attractiveness of the area.

4.) Event Space – From concerts and sporting events to conferences and community gatherings, this versatility would make it a central feature of the redevelopment, likely driving further traffic to the other facilities within the project.

Together, these projects weave into the broader narrative of the Save-the-coliseum initiative by proposing a sustainable, integrated approach to redevelopment. This approach not only preserves a piece of Edmonton’s history but also repurposed it in a way that meets contemporary community and economic needs. The combination of hospitality, residential living, retail, and entertainment options in one area can significantly enhance the site’s appeal, making it a bustling hub that serves multiple demographics and interests. The impact of this initiative would be multifaceted:

Economic – Stimulating our local economy through tourism, retail, and event hosting.

Social – Providing of essential services and amenities to the community.

Cultural – Preserving a historical landmark while repurposing it in a way that adds value to our community.

Each element supporting the other, creating a synergistic effect that could make the entire area more valuable and vibrant than the sum of its parts.

Moving forward, I believe there are substantial opportunities for collaboration between our organizations, especially with the increase in tourism and local activities stemming from this redevelopment. I look forward to our next round-table meeting.

Followup Remarks by Gregory N Reimer;

“By in large and in part Eugene is dead on with his summary and evaluation of our discussion. A few points worth making. First, the annual costs associated with maintaining the unused coliseum, amounting to approximately $1.5 million per annum is misleading.

Apparently the coliseum has been in what is called ‘dark mode’ since the doors have been closed almost ten years ago. There has been absolutely no maintenance on the building. If there was, we could hold an event there tomorrow and what that building could generate in revenue with one night of ticket sales would make that cost pale in comparison. In fact we do not know exactly what the power and gas cost really is, as I simply had asked for two months worth of bills paid to get the city a better deal through my broker. The reaction was from Ashley Salvadors’ office was that I would need a FOIP to get it. Really?

Secondly is the demolition cost reported to be around $35 million. That was way back when imploding the coliseum was an option. Not anymore. Oh yes, the City Administration would have you believe the same figure is the case to now knock it down after removing the lead paint, asbestos in the walls, all the wiring and fixtures, not to mention the protected species of bat hanging in the rafters. The added costs submitted by A Clark Builders bidding on the job, taking the building down piece by piece are not being divulged. However, sources close to such an undertaking (in favor of saving it) have heard the number is much closer to well over $60 million. This could be just as much or more than to refurbish the coliseum and put the building back in use. Another loss to Edmontonians is not only the cost to take the building down, but the loss of the building itself with a net worth pegged at $100 million. So one must ask, are we willing to spend our property tax dollars to not only knock down a perfectly structurally sound building, but also lose the building itself. There was in January 2023 an interview by TSN who reported on the fact the coliseum also sits on something like sixty-three piles that have settled the building for almost 60 years now. Solid as a rock and built to last another 50 to 100 years, she ain’t going nowhere.

And as to Affordable Housing, we are talking Community Housing, based on the needs of members of the community. Be they young, middle aged, with families trying to get a start, those dealing with disabilities, our veterans, and our seniors.

Moving on to Ben Gardner of Gardner Architects; Suffice it to say, the man has many gifts and you will find out much more about him and his firm from Round Table #2 and postings already made to savethecoliseum.ca.

He is truly an asset to our discussions with many projects under his belt. Not only did he make a valuable contribution indicating the cost to build a hotel would be in the area of $10 million, he picked up the bill for the lunch twice. The lunch was supposed to be on me.

Next on the list is David Marsh of Domcor.  We met once before as I did with Ben Gardner.  Wonderful man.  David’s main concern was saving the Edmonton Coliseum.  His thought was to find a developer and secure the ownership of the building.  He was concerned that the other projects on site attached an not in the building would detract from our mission to save it.  I’d like to put Davids’ concerns to rest as yes, the main concern is saving the coliseum.  Finding a developer and securing the ownership of the building is a priority.  We know the people of Edmonton own the building, and they should have the final say as to what happens to it and the site itself.  Already posted to the site are the three most proven and successful forms of ownership.  All three scenarios allow for the employment of investment models to raise funding for the facility and maintaining it.  There is also the leasing of space for the retail and travel industries.  All will be unveiled in the business and revenue plan for the majority of the project.