Round Table #7: Save The Coliseum – with Mayority Candidate, Councillor Tim Cartmell on Monday, the 28th, 2024, at 10 am @ the Tutti Fruitti , Breakfast & Lunch, 11304-104 Ave.

Everyone attending Round Table #7 was looking forward to meeting with Councillor Tim Cartmell. Personally, I was optimistic—his leadership campaign had promised a practical, cost-saving approach to city management. My hope was that he would consider the ongoing effort to Save and Reuse the Edmonton Coliseum and explore how the facility could be rehabilitated for the benefit of northeast communities and the city as a whole.

To everyone’s surprise, including a full table of participants, Councillor Cartmell dismissed all ideas related to preserving or reusing the Coliseum. His response was clear and repeated:

“The building is coming down—it’s coming down.”

He further stated that the latest demolition cost, projected at $65 million, would not affect property owners. When presented with structural data confirming that the Coliseum remains sound and concrete-built, he reduced the discussion to a crude “V” diagram drawn on a napkin, insisting that the matter was settled.

When asked about the building’s structural support columns, he again responded:

“It’s coming down.”

This was particularly surprising given his background in engineering and business leadership.

During the discussion, I cited examples of the Coliseum’s historical success as a revenue generator—such as concerts where ZZ Top drew over $5 million in ticket sales in one night, with tickets priced around $400 each. However, Councillor Cartmell focused solely on net profit after expenses and downplayed major acts like The Eagles, Reba McEntire, Clint Black, and Supertramp, all of whom performed to sold-out crowds.

Several round table participants who had worked at the Coliseum noted they had never once encountered Tim Cartmell during their time at Northlands, raising further questions about his familiarity with the venue’s operations and history.

A Structural and Financial Perspective

In essence, Edmonton does not have a spending problem—it has a revenue problem. Continually raising property taxes is not sustainable. Neither is demolishing older, structurally sound buildings that can be rehabilitated and reused for a fraction of the cost.

Rehabilitation of the Coliseum could deliver massive long-term savings for federal, provincial, and municipal governments while creating new opportunities in:

• Education

• Healthcare

• Arts and cultural programs

• Community services

• Tourism

All of this could be achieved within an existing structure that is already built, historically proven, and paid for.

Leadership and Community Responsibility

Unfortunately, Councillor Cartmell’s performance at this round table was disappointing and dismissive. Instead of offering leadership and solutions, he ignored well-researched proposals and relied on rhetoric over reason.

Based on this interaction, it is difficult to view him as a credible front-runner for Edmonton’s top office. The city deserves a leader who listens, collaborates, and recognizes the value of rehabilitation and practical investment—not one who dismisses opportunity and repeats:

“It’s coming down.”

The Save and Reuse the Coliseum initiative remains a practical, cost-effective, and community-minded path forward, demonstrating that historic structures can continue to serve Edmonton’s residents for decades to come.

Security and Infrastructure Considerations

Tactical Protection Services and Domcor Security were in attendance in respect to VIP and Coliseum–LRT Tourism Hub security. Domcor also provided an online submission outlining their recommendations for safety, infrastructure integration, and site repurposing in alignment with the Coliseum’s potential redevelopment.

Their participation highlighted how the site could easily integrate security and transportation planning to support tourism and large-scale community use, underscoring the feasibility of adaptive reuse rather than demolition.

Recent Developments and Public Conduct

More recently, during discussions surrounding infill housing, Councillor Tim Cartmell took time off and later lashed out at fellow council members for holding a meeting in his absence. He attacked Councillor Andrew Knack for maintaining a near-perfect attendance record—while Tim’s own record remains less than stellar.

This incident has left many questioning why Councillor Cartmell continues to miss meetings that are fundamental to his role as an elected official.

To add insult to injury, he further increased division within City Council by labeling his colleagues as “vindictive.” Such behavior raises legitimate concerns about his ability to foster collaboration or lead effectively.

If Edmontonians are looking for a more divisive and combative council with little hope of progress, then—based on his actions—Tim Cartmell appears to be that choice.

Conclusion

Round Table #7 revealed the clear contrast between constructive civic planning and dismissive leadership. While residents, professionals, and local security partners presented feasible, cost-saving, and visionary ideas for the Coliseum’s future, Councillor Cartmell chose to close the door on dialogue.

Edmonton deserves leaders who believe in revitalization, collaboration, and community-driven development—not demolition by default.