Ground has officially been broken on the highly anticipated YCE Multiplex project, a joint venture between the Town of Edson and Yellowhead County.
While site preparations began in April, the official groundbreaking ceremony took place on May 21, with residents, the construction team and representatives from the provincial government, Town of Edson and Yellowhead County in attendance.
“Edson town council is very excited to see the progress being made on the site,” said Edson Mayor Kevin Zahara. “This has been a long time coming and we’re very happy to see it starting to take shape. This investment in our facility means more recreational opportunities for residents and will go a long way in helping to attract people to our region. We thank Yellowhead County for being at the table as an equal partner in this regional facility.”
The first phase of construction is expected to continue into July this year and includes clearing and grading the site, starting the aquatics and lobby foundation and setting up temporary access and parking.
Phase Two will see the remainder of the aquatics construction, including lane and leisure swimming, as well as a new arena and gymnasium, which features an elevated walking track. This phase is expected to be complete in 2027.
Finally, the third phase will include demolishing the existing pool, completing renovations to the new Centennial Arena and converting Memorial Arena into a curling facility. The entire project should be finished near the end of 2027, officials say.
“This groundbreaking is an important milestone in the completion of the new YCE Multiplex,” said Wade Williams, mayor of Yellowhead County. “We’re very proud of our work together with the Town of Edson in the development of this facility. The facility’s new amenities and upgrades will benefit our region’s residents and highlights our commitment to working with our regional partners towards our community’s continued growth and development.”
Now that construction is underway, users of the existing Edson and District Leisure Centre should be mindful of parking changes and building access. A new temporary access point through the pool area is under construction to accommodate work on the new ice arena, which will be located on the west side of the facility.
The project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and Government of Alberta, in partnership with Yellowhead County and the Town of Edson.
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