BranderGardens

On Monday city councillors gave their unanimous support to a rezoning application for the Nordic Spa project in Brander Gardens. The Nordic Spa project would be developed on land owned by the University of Alberta Properties Trust.

Those in support of the project seem to agree with Steve Arsenault, Scandinave Group Inc. president and CEP who says the spa will enhance Edmonton's reputation as a wellness destination and bring investment dollars, jobs and tourism revenue to the city.

Those opposed to the project think the project will harm the environment, brought up concerns about consultation with First Nations and expressed the desire for a public walkway on the top of the bank, overlooking the river.

Tim Cartmell, who represents Ward pihêsiwin, where the site is located, said if the nordic spa development did not go ahead, the land would be used for residential development.

The City is seeking feedback on a proposal by Hospitality company Scandinave Group Inc. to build a nordic spa in the Brander Gardens neighbourhood. There a number of municipal approvals needed and the City is collecting feedback until Oct. 17.

The 10 acre parcel of land was gifted by Sandy Mactaggart and Cécile Mactaggart to the UofA which has listed it for sale or redevelopment by  U of A Properties Trust as it is land "not central to its academic mission." If approved, the Scandinave Group will purchase the site and build on it, but if the rezoning fails, the U of A Properties Trust is planning new residential development.

The proposal is being met with mixed reactions from nearby residents, and an open house for public engagement on the project is scheduled for the evening of Oct. 29 at the John Janzen Nature Centre.