NORDIC SPA
Residents offer feedback on proposed development
Edmontonians had a chance to share their thoughts on the proposed Edmonton Nordic Spa in Fort Edmonton Park Wednesday evening.
The City of Edmonton held a community engagement session at the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association at 12504 Fox Dr. N.W. to get public feedback on the proposed spa.
If approved, the Nordic spa would sit on two acres of land adjacent to Fort Edmonton Park that is currently an overflow parking lot between the river valley and the administration building.
The proposed design features eight pools varying in temperature with waterfall characteristics. Steam and sauna rooms, two dining options, including a bistro, and several massage therapy rooms would also be a part of the facility.
Stuart Crosley, vice-president of finance and administration for the Fort Edmonton Management Company, said the spa will benefit the park by providing financial stability — using excess capacity while minimizing the environmental impact thanks to the proposed location in the existing overflow parking lot.
“Developing a piece of land ... that is presently being used for construction staging and laydown area, we’re minimizing the environmental impact of the spa itself,” Crosley said.
“We’re in a design phase right now but there will be very little impact to any trees. There won’t be any natural part of the riverbank that will be disturbed.”
Danielle Arrand, Suzanne Gareau and Isabelle Chapados are self-described spa aficionados who attended the Wednesday information session and said the proposed spa is a great idea.
“I think it’s very exciting for a Nordic city, at least it will be an advantage to live so far north. I think it is going to add to the quality of life in Edmonton,” Arrand said.
The group has been to other Nordic spas, but for Chapados, the Kananaskis Nordic Spa — built by the same group proposing the Edmonton site — is not as easy to travel to.
“I don’t drive so I will be just thrilled to come here,” Chapados said.
“The spare parking lot of the Fort is just a muddy field. Of course, it won’t be cheap but it’s better than having to go to a hotel and all of those things. It still makes that kind of luxury easier to access for very many people.”
While no other public engagement sessions are planned for the Nordic spa, Edmontonians can still provide feedback online or attend the yet-to-be-determined city council public hearing on the matter.