Northlands
Northlands is a non-profit, volunteer organization in Edmonton, Alberta. It was founded in 1879, before the official incorporation of the city of Edmonton, or the province of Alberta.
Non-profit Organization | |
Founded | 1879 |
Headquarters | 53°34′2″N 113°27′15″W, Edmonton, Alberta , |
Key people | Gordon Wilson, Chairman Kevin Gunderman, Interim President & CEO |
Website | www.northlands.com |
Northlands hosts events, notably Farmfair International, Amazing Agriculture, and K-Days. [1] It formerly hosted Edmonton Oilers hockey, the Canadian Finals Rodeo, as well as live horse racing.
Northlands facilities
Events hosted by Northlands take place in the Exhibition Lands. [2] This area was formerly known as Northlands Park, with 'Park' being dropped from the name in 2006. Northlands had previously operated all the buildings on this site.
Following the departure of the Edmonton Oilers to Rogers Place, Northlands submitted its Vision 2020 redevelopment plan to the city of Edmonton. [3] The city rejected the plan, and instead brought operations of these facilities in-house. The city also forgave Northlands' $47-million debt. [4]
Facilities previously operated:
- Edmonton Expo Centre (1984 - 2017) - Completed in 1984, as the "Agricom", it underwent a 200,000-square-foot (19,000 m2) expansion in 2009.[5] The Edmonton Economic Development Corporation assumed operations on January 1, 2018.
- Northlands Coliseum (1974 - 2017) - completed in 1974, previously named Edmonton Coliseum, Skyreach Centre, and Rexall Place. Closed January 1, 2018.
- Northlands Park (1951-2019) - Horse racing circuit completed in 1951 as the "Spectrum", renovated in 1995. Features over 625 slot machines, 700 seat restaurant, live harness and thoroughbred racing and simulcast racing from around the world. Closed on January 31, 2019. [6]
Now demolished:
- Northlands Sportex - Convention hall built in 1963 and demolished in 2008 to make room for the expansion of the Edmonton Expo Centre.[7]
- Edmonton Gardens - Completed in 1913, held 5,200 spectators until its demolition after the completion of the Coliseum.
References
- "About Us - Northlands". Northlands. Retrieved 2018-11-01.
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/edmonton-city-council-coliseum-1.5383330
- "Northlands unveils long-term strategic plan as new arena rises in downtown Edmonton". Edmonton Journal. Retrieved 2018-11-01.
- "Council votes to forgive Northlands' $47M debt, take over Expo Centre". Edmonton Journal. Retrieved 2018-11-01.
- AgriCom Evolution.09 expansion Archived October 24, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
- "Emotional farewell for Northlands staff on final day of casino's operation". Globalnews.ca. Retrieved 2019-04-08.
- "Northlands Sportex demolished for new building". ctvedmonton.ca. 2008-10-20. Retrieved 2011-03-10.