Edmonton – A community leader is raising money for a project he thinks will transform a part of Edmonton’s River Valley.
Sol Rolingher is raising $50 million in private funds, to build a canal district in the Rossdale area. The idea is to create a destination full of shops, restaurants, commercial businesses and condos that get people into the heart of the River Valley.
Water would be pumped from the North Saskatchewan River in to the canal.
“It would be a piece of heaven right here in Edmonton. Imagine living down there, and you look south, and you look towards the riverbank on the other side and you think you’re out in the wilderness. It’s just beautiful,” says Rolingher.
Developing around the River Valley has been an idea thrown around for years, but there’s always been concern about preserving the natural environment; Rolingher believes his idea accomplishes both.
“It’s what everybody speaks of as the most valuable asset of Edmonton, this wonderful River Valley that thank goodness we’ve preserved, and we want to continue to preserve, and hence, we don’t want to be by the bank,” says Rolingher
Stantec has already drawn up detailed plans of the concept. Water would be pumped up from the river, to fill a canal that would snake through the district.
Rolingher says the project can be a reality in the near future.
“It can be finished within a couple years. We can see the benefits of it within the decade,” explains Rolingher.
The development would be used year round. The plan is to have the water would only about three feet deep, providing a flowing stream in the summer, and a place for skating or other activities in the winter.
Not everyone is favour of the concept. Some people believe the land is sacred and should be preserved.
In a Global Edmonton viewer poll, 62% of voters are in favour of the concept, while 38% oppose the idea.