This project will demolish structures on the Edmonton Spectrum property (formerly known as the Northlands Park Racetrack & Casino).
Coliseum Demolition Project
The Edmonton Spectrum Demolition Project is separate from the Coliseum Demolition Project. The Coliseum Demolition Project will demolish the Coliseum site (formerly known as the Northlands Coliseum, Rexall Place, Skyreach Centre and Edmonton Coliseum).
About the Project
After 119 years as a horse racing facility, the Northlands Park Racetrack & Casino closed in 2019. After the City of Edmonton took ownership of the vacant property from Northlands, it served various purposes before preparations began for its future redevelopment as part of the Edmonton Exhibition Lands redevelopment.
In preparation for the next phase of this redevelopment, the City of Edmonton will demolish structures on the Edmonton Spectrum property, located at 7410 Borden Park Road NW. Following demolition, these areas will be regraded (a process that reshapes the land to ensure proper drainage and stability).
The project will involve hazardous materials abatement, site remediation and regrading, demolishing constructed structures and decommissioning relevant site utilities.
The project will demolish the:
- Edmonton Spectrum building (formerly known as the Northlands Spectrum)
- Chiller building
- Winter barns
- Veterinary building
- Winner’s Circle
- Racetrack in-field tunnel
- Satellite dishes east of the chiller building
The structures that will be demolished as part of the Edmonton Spectrum Demolition Project.
The demolition of these structures will be completed using heavy equipment, including excavators, cranes and dump trucks. A misting system will apply water to the debris to control airborne dust.
Impacts of the Demolition
The demolition will not pose a health or safety risk as all hazards will be managed. Steps will be taken to reduce dust, as well as minimize noise and vibrations. The project is not anticipated to impact events or parking at the Edmonton EXPO Centre.
The City of Edmonton is working to reduce demolition impacts while keeping residents and business owners informed.
After the Demolition Project
The land will be put up for sale as part of the Edmonton Exhibition Lands redevelopment. The planning, design and construction associated with any future redevelopment are not part of the demolition project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Comprehensive land use and development planning had to be completed before the demolition and redevelopment could move forward. This planning was guided by the vision outlined in the Edmonton Exhibition Lands Planning Framework (10.03 MB) and Implementation Strategy.
The structures currently do not provide any services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Edmonton Spectrum building operated as a temporary emergency shelter.
In 2023, the Edmonton Spectrum building was deemed unsuitable for occupancy.
No, the demolition work is not anticipated to impact events at Borden Park.
No, the demolition work will not impact the pool as it is anticipated to begin after the pool has closed for the 2025 outdoor pool season, and is expected to be completed before the pool reopens for the 2026 season.
The Edmonton Exhibition Lands is redeveloping more than 80 hectares (200 acres) of centrally located land that will provide opportunities for Edmontonians to live, work and play in new ways, only minutes from downtown and easily accessible by multiple modes of transportation.
