Whitemud Equine Centre Riding Arena Replacement
The City of Edmonton and the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association (WELCA) are working in partnership on redeveloping a new equine riding arena in Whitemud Park. This new facility will replace the deteriorating riding arena and stables.
Project Timeline
2008 - 2011
WELCA’s submission to the City of Edmonton for $16 million redevelopment project including business case, current facility assessments, fundraising plan, stakeholder consultation, concept plans and alternatives
2011 - 2014
- WELCA engages in fundraising, concept design, public involvement, required land studies
- WELCA and City staff collaborate to develop phased approach to project, consultant develops new concept and operating plan
- City Council directs Administration to confirm scope and budget of project considering available funds
- City Council approves project with revised scope and budget
2015
- Developed concept drawings for arena replacement
- Completed design development report based on public survey and feedback collected through consultations held in February and March 2015
Whitemud Equine Centre Site Plan and Renderings
What We Heard (April 2015)
- Developed an environmental impact assessment and studies on traffic and parking impacts, site location, and an updated geotechnical study
- Developed detailed design and City Council approved the environmental studies and presentation to Edmonton Design Committee
Spring 2016 - Summer 2017
New riding arena facility construction
Fall 2017
New riding arena facility opening and demolishing of old facilities (arena, attached barn, classroom/offices)
Project Overview
City Council and the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association (WELCA) approved the Whitemud Equine Centre riding arena redevelopment in 2015. This project rebuilds the most crucial infrastructure on site and supports WELCA to continue offering equine-related opportunities for the citizens of Edmonton.
This renewal project includes:
- indoor riding ring
- stables with horse stalls for educational opportunities
- two large tack rooms
- teaching spaces
- multi-purpose room
- indoor washrooms
- upgrades to gravel access road and utilities
Since 1999, WELCA has been connecting people to horses and other equine-related activities along with providing programs to approximately 1,000 visitors each week. For more than 40 years, the centre has also been the home of the Little Bits Therapeutic Riding Program for persons with disabilities.
WELCA and the City of Edmonton have worked together to engage the membership and public during the concept and design phase of the new riding arena through public meetings, stakeholder workshops, surveys, presentations and ongoing updates.
The old arena will be demolished once the new facility is open which allows WELCA to continue offering its programs throughout construction. The City of Edmonton will continue annual structural assessments and ensure the current facility is maintained at a level to ensure the safety of everyone on site.
For More Information
Program & Project Development
PO Box 2359
12th Floor CN Tower
Edmonton, AB T5J 2R7
| Telephone |
In Edmonton: 311 Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311 |
|---|---|
| CMSParkAndFacilityDevelopment@edmonton.ca |
Information about the Whitemud Equine Learning Centre Association (WELCA):
| Telephone |
780-435-3597 |
|---|---|
| Website | (http://welca.ca/future) |
