Committee to deliver recommendations by April 15, 2015
EDMONTON, AB – On Thursday, October 16, the Northlands Board of Directors agreed to the formation of an Arena Strategy Committee. The Committee is comprised of 17 members of the community who have been tasked to deliver a recommendation to the Northlands Board of Directors regarding future facility and site use of Rexall Place by April 15, 2015.
“Our goal is to be as collaborative as possible through this process,” said Laura Gadowsky, Chair of the Northlands Board of Directors. “We need a strategic plan that helps ensure the continued and enhanced contribution of Rexall Place and Northlands to the residents of our community.”
The Committee is responsible for collaborating with external stakeholders to identify and assess the community’s needs and build consensus regarding the recommendation. The facility or site must further several interests including agriculture, arts, culture, education, commerce, athletics, entertainment and community enrichment.
“The opening of Rogers Place will change the competitive market place for Rexall Place,” said Tim Reid, President & CEO of Northlands. “We need a short and long-term plan that meets Northlands’ objectives while identifying and assessing viable opportunities for the future use of Rexall Place and its site.”
By April 15, 2015, the committee will deliver a report which includes:
– facility and design recommendations
– estimated operating, facility and site cost projections
– construction plan and timelines
– revised business plan and operating overview for the site
– facility and site use plans; and
– community support for the recommendation.
As part of the research for the recommendations, the Arena Strategy Committee will be visiting venues to see mixed-use development models. The Committee will be touring venues in Columbus Ohio including Nationwide Arena, home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Columbus Blue Jackets; Huntington Park (home of Major League Baseball’s (MLB) Columbus Clippers; an independent concert venue; an independent cinema; and residential and support facilities. The Committee will also gather information in Kansas City in the Power and Light district, a vibrant, new eight-block neighborhood in the heart of downtown Kansas City; Sprint Centre; Sporting Park, home of Major League Soccer’s (MLS) Sporting Kansas City, Legends Outlets Kansas City; and CommunityAmerica Ballpark.
Arena Strategy Committee Members
As per the terms of reference, the committee will be comprised of the Chair of the Northlands Board of Directors, First Vice Chair of the Northlands Board of Directors, Second Vice Chair of the Northlands Board of Directors, one director of the Northlands Board of Directors, and one Governor from the Northlands Board of Governors.
• Mrs. Laura Gadowsky, Chair, Northlands Board of Directors (who is an ex officio member of all committees)
• Mr. Harold Kingston, First Vice Chair, Northlands Board of Directors
• Mr. Burke Perry, Second Vice Chair, Northlands Board of Directors
• Mr. Andrew Ross, Arena Strategy Committee Chair, Northlands Board of Directors
• Mr. Gerry Yuen, Northlands Board of Governors
In addition, the Committee includes Associate Directors representing areas of expertise including sports and entertainment, arts, culture and education, agriculture, economic development, planning and development, audit and finance, industry and commerce, and youth and community groups.
• Mayor Don Iveson, City of Edmonton
• Mr. Dave Quest, MLA, Government of Alberta
• Mr. Tom Ruth, President & CEO, Edmonton Airports
– Industry and Commerce
• Mr. Dave Mowat, President & CEO, ATB Financial
– Audit and Finance
• Mr. Brad Ferguson, President & CEO, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation
– Economic Development
• Ms. Jerri Cairns, Vice Chair, Edmonton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
– Industry and Commerce
• Mr. Ashif Mawji, Founder & CEO, NPO Zero
– Audit and Finance
• Mr. Len Rhodes, President & CEO, Edmonton Eskimos Football Club
– Sports and Entertainment
• Mr. Stephen Petasky, President & Founder, Luxus Group
– Industry and Commerce
• Mr. Ray Block, Vice President of Administration and CFO, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
– Arts, Culture and Education
• Mr. Mack D. Male, Blogger of MasterMaq’s Blog and software developer/entrepreneur
– Youth and Community Groups
• Ms. Geraldine Bidulock, Private Business Owner
– Rural
Tim Reid, President & CEO of Northlands is a non-voting member of the Committee.