Building activity in downtown Edmonton could heat up significantly in 2012 and beyond, depending on the outcome of a January 18 public hearing and whether city council backs what city officials are recommending.
Edmonton bureaucrats have completed their review of The Katz Group's application to rezone lands for a downtown arena and entertainment district, and are generally supportive of the proposal.
"The recommendation for approval is strictly for rezoning the lands north of 104th Avenue, between 101st and 104th Streets," said Gary Klassen, general manager of the city's planning and development department.
"This is not about the approval of a new downtown arena," emphasizes Klassen. "This is strictly about the rezoning of those lands for use as an arena and entertainment district in the future. The actual development and financing of a new arena are separate issues that, if approved, would be covered under other potential agreements with the city."
The Katz Group, owner of the Edmonton Oilers, submitted the rezoning application in April 2010.
from Western Investor, February 2011
