by Niki Luymes
Mar 24, 2025 issue: The Town of Edson Administration presented an update on the YCE multiplex project during the Committee Of The Whole meeting on March 11.
In April, 2024 the budget was officially approved with a total of $80,240,000. In 2025 the Town of Edson allocated $27,000,000 toward the project in the Capital Budget. This latest update provided new details on the plans for the parking lot, the official start date for early construction, and details on the tendering process.
The issues of parking have been fully explored by the Multiplex Project Committee. After much consultation the future parking plan for the Edson & District Leisure Centre site has been released. “The parking lot design creates a clear, organized structure, making it easy to navigate,” said Doug Wagstaff, General Manager, Community and Protective Services.
A majority of the parking will be located along the northern side on the multiplex. Additionally, the plan is to convert the top four quarters of 48th Street into one-way angle parking. The overall parking design strives to guide users with a natural flow toward the additional parking stalls on the east side along 48 Street, and then to the ones on the south side as well.
Converting 48th Street into a one-way with angle parking has several benefits. It is cost effective, it adds the stalls needed to support parking at the facility, and it provides visibility for pedestrians as there’s only one lane of traffic to monitor. “When we did the engagement, both the public and the internal, the public was certainly clear that if we can limit cutting the tress and limit using the green space used by the community, that was the preferences. It is also very cost effective,” said Wagstaff.
The full project mobilization is scheduled to commence on April 7, 2025. The initial phase of this mobilization will focus on preparing the space. This means fencing, tree removal, asphalt stripping and the development of temporary access into the facility during construction.
“It’s exciting that we are getting to that point when we’re going to beginning to see, as a community, the actual construction activity. It won’t just be talk and drawings and plans. It will be actual activity,” said Wagstaff.
There are plans to hold an official ground breaking ceremony later in the spring after more substantial work has begun.
The procurement schedule is progressing and is on track for completion in July 2025. The tender package for site services, tree removal, and site stripping has begun. “Its scopes were intentionally segmented to encourage participation from local contractors, as evidenced by a well attended pre-bid walkthrough. Contractors interested in being considered for future bidding opportunities can submit their company name, contact information, and relevant qualifications to YCEMultiplex@clarkbuilders.com,” added Wagstaff.
Councillor Ed Moore asked, “How will the current tariff issues affect our multiplex construction schedule and costs.” Wagstaff responded, “That is a question that the project team is asking our consultants fairly regularly, as is the steering committee. Frankly, they don’t have a strong answer for us at this point in time. Some of the things that they have done already is try to secure some of our pricing.”
Councillor Peter Taylor asked, “With the parking and changing 48th Street to a one way, did you notify the GYPSD school division, and did they have any comments?”
“We did.” Answered Wagstaff. “We have been in contact with the transportation department at Grand Yellowhead and they were glad to hear that it will not impact routing for this school year.”
Council accepted the update for information.