A majority of Edmontonians would like to see the municipal government assume control of facilities at Northlands, concludes a new independent survey on the troubled site.
The Mainstreet Research-Postmedia survey of 817 city residents was conducted Sept. 7 to gauge opinions on the future of Edmonton Northlands, the non-profit organization that runs the Northlands site including the Northlands Coliseum, formerly known as Rexall Place.
Northlands is trying to reinvent itself as the new Rogers Place arena officially opens its doors in downtown Edmonton, leaving the old arena without its key attraction..
Festival plan hits the right note
Fifty-seven per cent of residents polled in the survey would like to see the city manage the organization, even if it means spending more public money on Northlands operations.
Only nine per cent of those polled were undecided on the question of who should operate the site. Thirty-four per cent said Northlands should maintain control.
‘With so many proposals being floated that see the city of Edmonton investing more money into Northlands, perhaps it should come as no surprise that Edmontonians would rather see the city assume control of operations as well,” said Quito Maggi, president of Mainstreet Research.
The survey found wide support for converting the Coliseum into a festival and concert site for up to 100,000 people. Forty-seven per cent of survey respondents approved of the proposal.
A total of 27 per cent said no to the idea, while 26 per cent said they were unsure.
Split decisions
There was no consensus on the question of selling part of the Northlands property for mixed use and residential development if it would offset part of the costs of redeveloping the site.
Almost 40 per cent were not sure about that idea. Thirty-two per cent were opposed and 29 per cent in favour.
Responses were also split on a proposal to convert the site into a hockey and curling venue, with 34 per cent in favour, and 34 per cent opposed.
“Edmontonians are much more decisive when it comes to the future of who should operate Northlands itself,” said Maggi in a statement.
“Support is broad among every demographic.”
The automated landline and cellphone poll of 817 people was conducted for Postmedia. It has a margin of error of 3.43 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.