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The_Cat said:
In the 1940’s and 1950’s, Edmonton didn’t want the refinery in their city limits, which is why it was built on the outside. Sherwood Park was built in 1956, partly as a bedroom community, and partly to house some of the employees and families that worked there.
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The reason they didn’t want it built in the city limits was because it would have been too close to downtown. Can you imagine a refinery right across the river from the city centre? The intention was to annex the land that was a suitable distance away but were denied by the GOA. workers accommodation was constructed in what is now the Capilano area.
 
The_Cat said:
In the 1940’s and 1950’s, Edmonton didn’t want the refinery in their city limits, which is why it was built on the outside. Sherwood Park was built in 1956, partly as a bedroom community, and partly to house some of the employees and families that worked there.
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Glenco said:
The reason they didn’t want it built in the city limits was because it would have been too close to downtown. Can you imagine a refinery right across the river from the city centre? The intention was to annex the land that was a suitable distance away but were denied by the GOA. workers accommodation was constructed in what is now the Capilano area.
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Interesting, build first and annex later. Somewhat surprised to see Edmonton's forward thinking attitude goes that far back...
Was there an older, closer refinery that was built first and since shut down? Wikipedia says the Strathcona refinery was commissioned in 1976.
 
HappyJazzz said:
Interesting, build first and annex later. Somewhat surprised to see Edmonton's forward thinking attitude goes that far back...
Was there an older, closer refinery that was built first and since shut down? Wikipedia says the Strathcona refinery was commissioned in 1976.
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Yes. The original refinery was second hand I believe. During the Second World War the Americans built a refinery in Whitehorse
en.wikipedia.org

History of the petroleum industry in Canada (frontier exploration and development) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org en.wikipedia.org

After the war, there was no use for the Canol pipeline. It simply fell out of use, with pipe and other equipment lying abandoned. The Whitehorse refinery kept on going – in a different locale. Imperial bought it for $1, took it apart, moved it to Edmonton, Alberta and reassembled it like a gigantic jigsaw puzzle to handle production from the fast-developing Leduc oil field near Devon.

This refinery was replaced in 1976.
 
edmontonjournal.com

Emmy Award-winning META production company sets up shop in Edmonton

While the company has worked often in Edmonton in the past, "It just kind of felt like a natural extension to finally do this."
edmontonjournal.com edmontonjournal.com

"Apart from some iconic locations to shoot like the river valley, Edmonton’s many bridges and the legislature, Cameron spoke highly of the municipality’s friendliness toward the production community."

"...two main things that drive productions to certain locations are surroundings and people, and Edmonton has a diverse stock of both, making it a strong choice for more to come."
 
IMG_2148.png
 
So, interesting thing...
I've been consulting for a company working for Adidas for the past few weeks. Now that the job is done, my embargo on some of the information has been lifted.
They're actively looking for a new location and, to my absolute astonishment (and joy), their target area is downtown (with Whyte Ave as a remote possibility due to the high lease costs and lack of large enough storefronts). Their shortlist includes a space in RHW, ICE Distric and 104st. There is a preference for ICE District for obvious reasons, but they are very interested in the RHW possibility, as well.
ECC was the first place approached, but management didn't come up with an attractive proposal, and the lacklustre foot traffic in the areas of the mall where they actually came through was a deal-breaker.
 
ChazYEG said:
So, interesting thing...
I've been consulting for a company working for Adidas for the past few weeks. Now that the job is done, my embargo on some of the information has been lifted.
They're actively looking for a new location and, to my absolute astonishment (and joy), their target area is downtown (with Whyte Ave as a remote possibility due to the high lease costs and lack of large enough storefronts). Their shortlist includes a space in RHW, ICE Distric and 104st. There is a preference for ICE District for obvious reasons, but they are very interested in the RHW possibility, as well.
ECC was the first place approached, but management didn't come up with an attractive proposal, and the lacklustre foot traffic in the areas of the mall where they actually came through was a deal-breaker.
Click to expand...
I feel like a renovated ECC would've had a higher chance but it seems like current management isn't really keen on doing anything. If more opportunities like these pass them up, hopefully that lights a fire for them to actually try and compete with the Ice District rather than coasting by.

Good to hear that they're considering downtown! Adidas would probably bring in a whole chunk of foot traffic downtown, and depending on their success, that could cascade into other retailers as well. Good to attract a younger crowd as well.
 
The incompetence at ECC is getting beyond intolerable - I want this mall sold to a more reputable developer who'll get something done already.

Meanwhile, I'm glad Adidas is setting up shop in downtown. My preference is the 4th St Promenade, but having them in ICE District or RHW would be fine too.
 
Gronk! said:
The incompetence at ECC is getting beyond intolerable - I want this mall sold to a more reputable developer who'll get something done already.

Meanwhile, I'm glad Adidas is setting up shop in downtown. My preference is the 4th St Promenade, but having them in ICE District or RHW would be fine too.
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Ice district, 104th or along 102 Ave if there was a space - ideally between 103-105st would be great (I think there is space along 102 Ave at corner of 104st). I don't like RHW as much.

102 Ave will be a mess for a while though so Ice may be preferred.
 
Gronk! said:
The incompetence at ECC is getting beyond intolerable - I want this mall sold to a more reputable developer who'll get something done already.

Meanwhile, I'm glad Adidas is setting up shop in downtown. My preference is the 4th St Promenade, but having them in ICE District or RHW would be fine too.
Click to expand...
Unless you have inside knowledge, to say that the management group and/or owner is incompetent or disreputable shows a lack of understanding of what may be going on behind the scenes. Maybe the investor doesn't want to pour money into the mall because of financial issues not related to the mall, maybe they're working on a plan to demolish portions of the mall and so won't do long-term leases. Even leases with termination clauses could be costly for the owner down the road. Maybe they have big plans that can only be acted upon once many many things fall into place.

For the record, I have no inside knowledge.

TLDR; not knowing what's going on behind the veil does not necessarily mean it's a crap show back there. It could be a crap show, but without firm evidence....
 
Offworld said:
Unless you have inside knowledge, to say that the management group and/or owner is incompetent or disreputable shows a lack of understanding of what may be going on behind the scenes. Maybe the investor doesn't want to pour money into the mall because of financial issues not related to the mall, maybe they're working on a plan to demolish portions of the mall and so won't do long-term leases. Even leases with termination clauses could be costly for the owner down the road. Maybe they have big plans that can only be acted upon once many many things fall into place.

For the record, I have no inside knowledge.

TLDR; not knowing what's going on behind the veil does not necessarily mean it's a crap show back there. It could be a crap show, but without firm evidence....
Click to expand...

Valid points.

I would love to see owner of ECC be better in touch with the city and stakeholders like Downtown Business Association if possible - or maybe they are. But can some info be shared to let community know of vision for the future or current status? ECC and its space is a major part of our downtown. Are they working in silo or is there opportunity to be part of a larger downtown plan/vision. Who would be responsible for bringing the players in this together?
Does Coun. Stevenson have a role, or is this outside of a councillor role?
 
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