Report states Northlands and Oilers should collaborate and repurpose Rexall Place

A report released Wednesday outlined options for the future of Rexall Place; once Edmonton’s new downtown arena opens its doors.

The Northlands Arena Strategic Committee wrapped up their investigation into options for Rexall Place once Edmonton’s downtown arena, Rogers Place, opens for the 2016-17 NHL season.

The committee was tasked with finding options and making recommendations to Northlands on what could be done with Rexall Place.

In the report, the committee’s primary recommendation is to have Northlands repurpose Rexall Place, reducing scale and hosting mid-sized events, and longer term sporting events like the CFR.

The report states Northlands would have to work with the Oilers Entertainment Group to develop a non-compete agreement.

“I think it’s a really make something Edmonton opportunity for us to define a different model that benefits all parties, maybe it’s around dirt events or not double-booking concerts,” Mayor Don Iveson said.

The secondary recommendation is to demolish the arena, and develop the land – if Northlands can’t secure partners to collaborate with to redevelop Rexall Place.

Despite tension in the past, both sides – Northlands and the Oilers – appear to want to work together.

“I think our relationship on an operational level has been really strong, I think it’s been professional,” Northlands President and CEO Tim Read said.

“I’ve always felt that you reach out to potential partners and that’s what we’re going to try to do,” Bob Nicholson with the Oilers said.

However, Nicholson added his organization is mainly focused on the downtown core.

“Any type of entertainment, any type of music, sport, if it’s something this city wants we’re certainly going to be in that process of trying to bring it downtown,” Nicholson said.

Now, it will be up to the Northlands Board of Directors will review the recommendations and work on options for the redevelopment of Rexall Place.

“[Northlands is] an organization that’s 137 years old, and no one wants to see it fade away and if we don’t consider demolition and repurposing that will happen,” Reid said.

Whatever happens, it will come with a price tag – it’s estimated demolishing the arena would cost about $8.1 million, just shy of the cost of the land. Money would also be needed to repurpose the arena, but no estimate on that has been made.

With files from Brenna Rose