Edmonton Seeks Bold Ideas for Rossdale Power Plant Redevelopment

UPDATE: The City of Edmonton has urgently launched a request for innovative ideas to redevelop the historic Rossdale Power Plant as part of the expansive “River Crossing” project. This initiative comes after years of stalled proposals, aiming to transform the site into a vibrant community hub with new infrastructure.

The city is preparing to accommodate 2,500 housing units, parks, and vital transportation upgrades in the surrounding neighborhood. Avril McCalla, the project lead, emphasizes the redevelopment’s importance, stating, “It’s a pretty epic opportunity in our river valley.” The city has owned the power plant for nearly three years, during which officials have explored various options for its future.

In a significant move, Edmonton is now inviting external proposals through a Request for Information (RFI), open until April 30, 2026. This is an opportunity to gather fresh perspectives on how to integrate the power plant into the community’s future. McCalla notes, “We’re looking outside of the City of Edmonton…to see what other ideas there are for how to bring that into the future.”

The Rossdale Power Plant, operational since 1902 and decommissioned in 2012, has a storied history as Canada’s largest and most advanced facility of its kind. The city aims to reflect this legacy in the redevelopment, drawing inspiration from successful projects in other cities, such as Montreal’s Old Port and Vancouver’s Granville Island.

City councilor Anne Stevenson highlights the longstanding recognition of the area’s potential. “What’s encouraging is that all the pieces have been put into place,” she said. Stevenson stresses the importance of community consultation and Indigenous engagement in shaping the project, addressing gaps in past proposals.

One of the exciting components of the redevelopment is the “Touch the Water Promenade,” designed to connect the east edge of the Rossdale neighborhood at 94 Avenue to the west side of the Walterdale Bridge. Currently in the preliminary design phase, this promenade aims to enhance public access and interaction with the river.

As part of the revitalization efforts, the city plans to create an outdoor terrace and picnic area atop Pump House 2 by spring 2024. This initiative is set to give residents a glimpse of the site’s potential as a community space, further enhancing the appeal of the River Crossing project.

Edmonton’s RFI is a crucial step in the redevelopment process, allowing for innovative ideas to emerge that respect the site’s historical significance. The goal is to ensure any future developments reflect the needs of the community, particularly those of the Papaschase First Nation, who have longstanding ties to the land.

As this project moves forward, the city is focused on creating a vibrant, inclusive space that honors its past while embracing a dynamic future. Residents are encouraged to follow developments closely and participate in the ongoing dialogue surrounding this pivotal opportunity for the city.

The future of the Rossdale Power Plant is at a turning point. With the RFI now open, all eyes will be on the submissions that come in, as Edmonton seeks to transform this historical site into a cornerstone of community life.