Round Table #6: Save The Coliseum – Held @ Cactus Club, Jasper Avenue, 12:30pm, Friday September 6th, 2024
with Councilor Jennifer Rice, Dennis Paproski & Tom Orourke

This week’s Round Table brought together Councilor Jennifer Rice, Dennis Paproski, and Tom Orourke of Domcor Canada for an in-depth discussion on the future of the Edmonton Coliseum.

Councilor Rice arrived fresh from meetings with Edmonton Heartland and the city’s Industrial Green Energy base. She shared the latest insights on the projected costs of demolishing the Coliseum, revealing that estimates had risen from $35 million to $65 million—a figure that, ironically, would more than double just the following year.

While the escalating costs gave us a bit of breathing room, negotiations with provincial authorities remain challenging. The province was not pleased with the city’s direct approach to federal funding, and outstanding tax grants continue to impact progress. On a positive note, Councilor Rice highlighted some forward movement with Randy Boisonau, and there’s optimism about further progress with the new MP for Edmonton Centre.

Dennis Paproski and Tom Orourke of Domcor Canada were invited by Councilor Rice to participate in future public service meetings. Their involvement was greatly appreciated, and everyone agreed that the discussion was productive and insightful.

The Round Table continues to be an invaluable forum for community leaders, stakeholders, and citizens to collaborate on preserving and revitalizing Edmonton’s landmarks.