FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How will the project be financed?
    • Much like any other land development project, a Developer secures the land, adds value to it, and then sells it at a profit to then buy more raw land to recreate the same cycle.  Unlike the typical Developer however, the St. Albert Sports City Group will put those profits towards the funding of sport facility and sport programming. 
  • Who are the owners / developers?
    • The development is coordinated and managed by a St Albert Sports City Senior Management Team and its leader Pat Cassidy. It will include future partners for multiple purposes. The development is ultimately owned by it tenants, residents, and business owners.
  • What is the timeline for construction?
    • Major services (horizontal construction) are anticipated to be completed by 2013. In the best case scenario at the end of 2012.
    • Vertical construction (buildings) of residential, commercial and light industrial by 2014.
  • How long before it might be approved?
    • The first and most significant stage has now been approved by City Council.  We are projecting approval of the Area Structure Plan (ASP) mid 2012.
  • How are you associated with Avenir?
    • St Albert Sports City is not associated with Avenir. They are a neighbor.
  • Who is Rampart?
    • A partner in the Avenir / Rampart Development.
  • What kind of sport facilities will be included?
    • High performance Sport Centre will include such things as speed & power development, conditioning, sport science, technical and medical services, physiotherapy, massage, sport vision and sport physiology services. The major event facilities will include a baseball stadium, a major multi sport field house, hockey arenas, track facilities, bicycle and running trails.
  • What kind of academy?
    • High performance sports programming blended with the best of academic programs.
  • How many arenas?
    • The final number is to be determined in association with experts in the field and the community of users. We are suggesting 3 to 5 ice surfaces under the same roof.
  • When can homes be purchased?
    • At the earliest in the spring of 2013. At this time we have not determined the property sales strategies.
  • What will be the process for industry involvement?
    • Regular business practices such as RFP and bid processes will be used as necessary.
  • How can I get involved?
    • There are many expressions of interest in all facets of the project. You can express your interest in involvement through the website, or by calling.
  • Is there a golf course?
    • A high performance golf training facility will be a part of the development. We anticipate this featuring 3 regular holes of golf as well as other practice and training facilities with a host of instructors.
  • Can you swim in the lake?
    • At this time we are not planning on the feature lake to be swimmable.
  • How many houses?
    • The residential area to the south of the sports facilities will include approximately 800 living units. The core of the development may also feature many different types of residences including condos, apartments, and commercial property blended residences.
  • Do you think baseball stadiums are needed?
    • Yes. A baseball stadium can be a multi use facility, as well as provide resources important to a professional baseball team residing in St Albert, a summer college program and/or league and a year-round Academy program catering to various age groups.
  • Who are the home builder partners?
    • Although there are multiple expressions of interest this has not yet been determined and negotiations are under way.
  • Is a pool planned?
    • At this time a pool is not planned.
  • Where is it?
    • In the North west corner of St Albert directly west of the Ray Gibbons Drive extension between Giroux and Villeneuve Road on the west side of the City. Ray Gibbons Drive is directly linked to the Anthony Hendey Edmonton ring road two minutes south.
  • How do I get there?
    • North off Antony Hendey Drive on to Ray Gibbons Drive north.
  • Is their industrial opportunity?
    • The northern section of the project includes industrial development with additional industrial planned further north of that.
  • What is the clean technology idea?
    • St Albert Sports City will focus on adhering to modern standard and practices. Top of mind in all of the development will be Energy consumption levels, water use, waste management and low maintenance landscape programs.
  • Will the project be complete in five years?
    • Yes. It is currently anticipated to be completed at that time.
  • Any plans for curling clubs?
    • Not at this time.
  • Any music programs planned?
    • Although details are not yet developed, it is hoped this project can include many elements of the arts and culture, including a high performance programming and academic plan.
  • Will it be bad for Servus Place?
    • As Greater St Albert establishes a strong sport leadership position in the sporting world we anticipate an accelerated pace of use for other sport and recreation facilities such as Servus Place and other venues. We believe it will be complementary.
  • Does the city support this?
    • City Council has voted to support the development in July of 2011, and have provided a strong level of support since.
  • Is there a big enough market that cares?
    • Yes. Significant research has shown that the trend towards healthier living and youth learning through sports are powerful. Many examples of success are present in the Greater Edmonton area, throughout Alberta, and around the world.
  • How will the sports facilities be funded?
    • They will be self sufficient.
  • Why have high density residences?
    • To accommodate the requirements of the Capital Region Board regulations and the diverse groups that are interested in living within this new vibrant community.
  • Will there be a spa element?
    • Yes.