Former Royal Alberta Museum to be demolished, public input sought on future green space – Edmonton

For years, the former Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton has sat vacant, with the future of the site uncertain. While details have yet to be finalized, the Alberta government announced Thursday that it plans to transform the site into a new green space and is asking for public feedback on how to proceed.

“A new, inviting green space on the site of the former museum will add to the tranquility of Government House and Edmonton’s river valley,” said Minister of Arts, Culture and the Status of Women Tanya Fir in a press release unveiling plans for the site in the Glenora neighbourhood.

In 2018, the new Royal Alberta Museum opened in downtown Edmonton. The old building was built in 1965 and closed in 2015. On Thursday, the provincial government confirmed that the old museum will be demolished, while Government House and the Carriage House will remain on the site.

“The old Royal Alberta Museum building has been part of our province for decades, and we know many Albertans have fond memories and sentimental stories about their visits there,” acknowledged Infrastructure Minister Pete Guthrie.

“The green space we are planning will give residents and visitors the opportunity to create new memories in one of Edmonton’s most beautiful areas.”

The Alberta government has posted a survey on its website for Albertans to fill out to give their input on what the new green space should look like. People have until August 30 to complete the survey.

The government said Alberta Infrastructure is also consulting with Indigenous communities about the plan.

The Alberta government estimates the cost of demolishing the old RAM building will be somewhere between $22 million and $48 million.

“This includes remediation, demolition, civil works and engineering,” officials said, adding that the cost of “deferred maintenance to the structure is estimated at $75 million.”

“The cost of repurposing the building would be at least $150 million, including deferred maintenance costs.”

Officials said Alberta Infrastructure is currently absorbing “more than $700,000 annually in operating and maintenance costs” for the vacant building.

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