Westend Major Capital Updates

It truly is an exciting time in our city, the snow and ice is thawing, the weather is getting warmer and in true spring fashion we are at a stage of transition and growth. For the west end of our city, we are seeing three major capital projects that were just approved coming our way:

The Coronation Recreation Centre

The Lewis Farms Recreation Centre and Library

Edmonton Valley Zoo, Nature’s Wild Backyard Phase 2

Exciting things are on the way for the Coronation Recreation Centre. The Coronation Centre, at 114th Avenue and 142 Street, that has serviced the west end, northwest and central communities alike, was approved for a budget of $153M. This major investment will see a velodrome project in partnership between hcma, Dub Architects and FaulknerBrowns Architects. A velodrome is a track for cycling, an indoor track such as this could see world class events coming to our very own city. This will connect to the Peter Hemingway Fitness and Leisure Centre, which will give a range of complementary programs.

On Monday March 14th, council passed a third reading of the borrowing bylaw for the Lewis Farms Recreation Centre and Library. For those asking what that means, it means that City staff now have the approval to borrow the necessary funds to build this critical community hub. With this step now approved, council has completed all the necessary steps so once the contract is signed with the company that will build it, work on that site can begin.

Lastly, the Edmonton Valley Zoo is moving forward with Nature’s Wild Backyard Phase 2 which sees the construction of the Above, Between and Under zones and the Yard. The Above Zone lifts visitors into elevated boardwalks that provide views into mesh enclosed aviaries featuring gibbons, tamarins, anteaters and a variety of birds. The boardwalk will also be a connection to the observation tower.

Above Zone

The Between Zone, celebrates the unique adaptations of animals who live both on land and water which will submerge visitors into active wetland and aquatic environments.

Between Zone

The Under Zone focuses on the relationship between animals that live below the earth and predators that prowl above which will also feature an underground climbing structure.

Under Zone

Finally, The Yard is a central free play space. It’s southern half is dedicated to unstructured play and offers a space to stop and picnic or play tag. In the winter months, the lawn is converted to a backyard skating rink. Highlights include a water play area, original 1950s carousel and warming shelters.

The Yard

I couldn’t be more excited for the developments coming our way to Ward Nakota Isga, I know that they will contribute to a more vibrant community and way of life within not just our community but entire city.