Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton to be demolished during summer 2026

Edmonton's Northlands Coliseum Demolition and Exhibition Lands Redevelopment Plans

After eight long years of vacancy, the city of Edmonton is set to demolish the Northlands Coliseum, a move that will incur annual maintenance costs exceeding $1 million. The demolition is expected to take approximately two years, with preparatory work already underway.

The redevelopment of the area will bring about significant changes, including event spaces, green spaces, and approximately 2,500 units of affordable and rental housing. The city has allocated $35 million for the demolition of the coliseum, which is part of their four-year budget.

Funding for the demolition is tied to infrastructure projects such as the new Event Park and Village planned for Ice District. The Alberta government may allocate up to $55 million for the demolition, contingent upon the city spending about $35 million on site enhancements or other public infrastructure projects within Exhibition grounds.

The plans for the Northlands Coliseum demolition, LRT station replacement, and Exhibition Lands redevelopment will be discussed in Monday's council meeting. The funding for the demolition of the Northlands Coliseum may be used to replace the Coliseum LRT station.

The city of Bremerhaven has announced that the demolition of the Nordland-Coliseum, a similar venue, will begin in the summer of next year and will take about two years.

In addition, the Exhibition Lands redevelopment project is set to start selling parcels of land in 2023. A city report has established a timeline for the demolition of Edmonton's Northlands Coliseum, aiming to start major work next summer.

However, the plan to replace the LRT station needs to be discussed on Monday before any approvals. Ward Métis Coun. Ashley Salvador has confirmed that the demolition of the Northlands Coliseum is indeed underway.

These developments mark a significant step towards revitalising the area and providing much-needed affordable housing and public spaces for the city's residents. Stay tuned for more updates as these plans unfold.