Now that the Edmonton Oilers have moved into their brand new downtown arena, the question remains, what should be done with the old barn?
The City of Edmonton is asking the public to weigh in on the future of Northlands Coliseum at two open houses this week.
Northlands has proposed a six-sheet ice facility for the arena as part of its Vision 2020.
READ MORE: New $165M vision for Northlands includes 7-sheet ice facility, outdoor concert space
The city wants public input to help develop additional options for transforming the building into a sport and recreation facility.
City officials are also asking organizations to submit applications online if they are interested in partnering with the city to operate, invest capital or provide programming and services at a repurposed Coliseum. Expressions of interest can be submitted online until Dec. 9.
READ MORE: Dozens speak at public hearing for Northlands’ Vision 2020 at city hall
Earlier this year, Edmonton City Council asked administration to put together two or three options, including a budget, to transform the Coliseum into a community-based sport and recreation centre. The proposals are set to come back to council in April 2017.
Northlands pitched its Vision 2020 plan to council in March. The city reviewed the proposal and said Northlands’ plan to overhaul the arena, EXPO centre and horse racing track overestimated the amount of revenue the changes would bring in, and underestimates the cost of the massive overhaul.
READ MORE: Northlands Vision 2020 doing too much with too little: City of Edmonton
At the time, Mayor Don Iveson said there were elements of Vision 2020 he liked, including the idea to convert the arena into some sort of multiplex.
Open houses for the public will be held between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov.16 and Thursday, Nov. 17 inside multipurpose room 6 at the Commonwealth Recreation Centre. If you’re not able to make it to one of the open houses, a public survey will be available on the city’s website from Nov. 16 to Dec. 1.
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