Latest news with #HawrelakPark
CBC
06-08-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Edmonton's Hawrelak Park set to reopen this winter
Hawrelak Park is on track to open this fall after extensive repair work caused the park to close in 2023. Construction is anticipated to be completed in fall 2025, the city said in a statement to CBC. "Before reopening the park, the city will spend time preparing the park and staff for reopening," said Courtney Gillis with the City of Edmonton's Integrated Infrastructure Services. "The city is planning to reopen the park in winter 2025/2026. More information will be shared as details are confirmed." The project is on schedule and within its $134.5 million budget, Gillis said. "It'll be open this fall and I don't have a date, but I do know the hard guarantee is that it'll be open by the Silver Skate Festival," said Ward papastew Coun. Michael Janz in an interview with CBC. Current work includes paving of the roadways and shared pathways as rehabilitation work continues across the park. The city said a full closure of the park was needed to work on utilities, facilities and open spaces at the same time, and to account for safety concerns as repairs began.. Deep underground utility infrastructure, including the storm, sanitary, water distribution, power and irrigation systems, was all replaced. "There's been an enormous amount of work that's happened below the surface we've seen and had the opportunity to observe. It's really quite impressive what's been done and I just can't wait for it to be open again," Janz said. "With the closure, more people were discovering other parks and other spaces, be it Borden Park, Emily Murphy Park, or Rundle Park or other other spots in our river valley that offer incredible opportunities as well," Janz said. "As our city has grown, over the last four years, we've grown over 150,000 people, we're going to need more park spaces like this." 5 parks to check out while you wait for Hawrelak to reopen (in 2026) 2 years ago Hawrelak Park has been home to many events in Edmonton including the Silver Skate Festival, the Freewill Shakespeare Festival and Edmonton Heritage Festival. Heritage Festival executive Director Rob Rohatyn told CBC moving the festival to Borden park during Hawrelak's construction was an adjustment. "It's been a really great three years we've had it. It's had its challenges," Rohatyn said in an interview during Heritage Festival this past weekend. "However, it's been a really great learning opportunity, and we're excited to get back to Hawrelak and to see the upgrades that are available to us and and share our festival in the green space." The city said the remaining rehabilitation work includes electrical and mechanical work in the facilities, as well as paving the remaining roadways and pathways. This is anticipated to be completed throughout this summer and fall. The remaining landscaping work, including sod placement, tree planting, is also planned to be completed during that time. Landscaping will need time to establish before the park can reopen to the public.
CTV News
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Freewill Shakespeare Festival says fundraising campaign needed to keep festival afloat
The Freewill Shakespeare Festival has launched a fundraising campaign to save the festival. Organizers say the loss of the Heritage Amphitheatre due to renovations at Hawrelak Park, reduction of government grants, loss of corporate sponsorships, and the shrinking of its audience base after the COVID-19 pandemic has left the festival struggling for funds. 'We've calculated that if we do not build up our reserve at the end of this summer, we will not be able to come back to Hawrelak Park in 2026,' the group said in its fundraising push announcement. 'This fundraising push is ambitious but necessary. We need to build a reserve of $150,000 by the end of this year's festival. This may sound like a lot, but it is only about 20 per cent of our annual budget.' Organizers say funds raised will be used to pay artists and crew when the festival returns to Hawrelak Park next year. Donations to the fundraiser can be made online.
CTV News
07-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Edmonton officials map out city construction plans
City crews work on the construction of Warehouse Park in downtown Edmonton on May 7, 2025. (Brandon Lynch/CTV News Edmonton) More than 70 infrastructure projects are underway ahead of construction season, City of Edmonton officials said Wednesday. Speaking to media as crews worked on the site of a future downtown community space, Warehouse Park, city representatives said they are working within the more than $7 billion budget approved for 2023 to 2026 even with an uncertain economic climate. 'We all know that tariffs right now are an unknown, how that might impact us, and we are doing internal analysis right now, both within how our contracts are structured, as well as just navigating and being ready for what those implications might be,' said Craig Walbaum, the acting deputy manager of integrated infrastructure services. The city said in a media release work is continuing on: rehabilitation work at Hawrelak Park, which is in its third and final year of rehabilitation; the expansion of Terwillegar Drive; the Yellowhead Trail Freeway conversion project; and the Imagine Jasper Avenue project. Crews will begin work on several new projects in four communities as part of a neighbourhood renewal initiative and on rehabilitation of some city bridges. 'We are working to create a more vibrant and inclusive city where Edmontonians can access the places and things they love and need within a short walk, bike, roll or transit trip,' Walbaum said. The city is adding to its network of bike paths, following Edmonton's Bike Plan, which will see construction on 24 active routes this year and add 23 kilometres of trail. Transit work will also continue on the Valley Line West LRT and the first phase of the Capital Line south extension. Road closures were announced earlier this year as the city hopes to fast-track construction on the lines. Deputy Mayor and Ward O-day'min councillor Anne Stevenson says she hopes Edmontonians will continue to support the businesses impacted by the closures. 'Please seek them out and spend your understanding,' she said. 'Support is crucial in making these transformative projects a reality.' Two major recreation facilities are still under construction. The Lewis Farms Facility and Park Project, which began construction in the summer two years ago, will provide access to ice arenas, fitness, a library and pool on the west end. Work is expected to be complete in 2028. Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre in north-central Edmonton will provide year-round triathlon, cycling training and events. According to Walbaum, the construction is six months ahead of schedule and will open early next year. Construction for the centre broke ground on March 24, 2022. Walbaum says the city is working on more than 80 kilometres of residential roads and sidewalks, and is renewing 22 kilometres of alleyways. 'That represents 11 neighbourhoods that will undergo neighbourhood renewal construction this year to enhance the livability and longevity of these established communities,' he said. Officials encourage people to use city resources online to help plan their commute and navigate the construction work. 'We're building communities, improving neighborhoods and making places unique, safe and vibrant for residents and visitors alike,' said Stevenson. With files from CTV News Edmonton's Brandon Lynch
