Edmonton Council Secures Land for K-Days Festival Amid Exhibition Lands Redevelopment
City officials have confirmed that development plans for the former home of the Edmonton Oilers will not compromise the future of K-Days, as councillors advance a new vision for the Exhibition Lands. On Tuesday, the urban planning committee approved a motion from Ward Métis Coun. Ashley Salvador and Ward papastew Coun. Michael Janz to explore redeveloping the site of the former Coliseum into housing while examining construction of a permanent parkade for the Edmonton Expo Centre.
Preserving Festival Infrastructure
These changes are part of a broader $143.1-million plan to transform the Exhibition Lands around Rexall Place and the Expo Centre, which has long hosted the 10-day carnival. Officials emphasize that the redevelopment will preserve long-term access and parking for festivalgoers even as the area evolves. "Other cities are investing in their festival and event infrastructure, so I think it's important Edmonton does the same," said Explore Edmonton vice president of business development Arlindo Gomes.
Gomes added that the Expo Centre relies on parking for part of its operating revenue and highlighted the unique nature of the site: "Our exhibition lands is one of one in the city — there is no other site like it. An asset like that, once it's gone, cannot really be put back together. Over time a lot of investment has gone into the underground infrastructure — drainage connections, electricity, water access. All those things help support events on the site."
Housing Development and Festival Needs
As part of the city's infill plans, the 55-hectare stretch formerly known as Northlands was flagged for potential residential development. There's enough space for over 6,500 people to live, with the city hoping to construct more than 3,500 homes — though completion is projected to take 30 years.
However, Explore Edmonton also uses the lands for K-Days, which Gomes says brings in over $84 million annually to the economy and supports more than 627 jobs. With no other large lots connected to the power grid available, there truly isn't anywhere else that could host the massive midway of rides, food vendors, and concerts. The site is also used for Farmfair and houses Edmonton's Urban Farm, which was relocated south of Bonanza Park at a cost of $1.75 million.
Land Allocation and Financial Implications
Initially, the plan was to set aside 15.7 acres of land for future K-Days celebrations, but Explore Edmonton states it needs at least 30 hectares to run the flagship festival. This issue is tied to the twice-delayed demolition of the historic Coliseum, which the city plans to complete using a $55 million grant from the province.
The city has allocated $35 million for redeveloping the 6.4 hectares of land once the iconic arena is demolished, with overall redevelopment of the Exhibition Lands budgeted at $53.1 million. According to Parcel Economics Inc., the city could generate over $20 million from land sales and collect an additional $4 million per year in property tax once the neighborhood fills up.
Council's Commitment and Future Plans
"(The motion) essentially ensures that Explore Edmonton has enough space on site to continue being successful in our community," said Salvador. "It also ensures we're maximizing development opportunities and potential at Exhibition Lands. We've managed to accelerate the demolition of the Coliseum. Since we're freeing that land up, how do we activate that?"
Another aspect of the motion involves retrofitting Coliseum LRT station, potentially connecting it to the Expo Centre, and possibly expanding Borden Park for use by K-Days and other events. Salvador suggested this could include adding courts for athletics. A second LRT station is being constructed on the southern part of the lands, further enhancing accessibility as the area undergoes its significant transformation.
