Representatives from the Governments of Canada, Alberta and the City of Edmonton were on hand as the Fort Edmonton Park expansion project recently broke ground. Fort Edmonton Park is a 64-hectare living history park located along the city’s river valley.

The expansion will create new spaces and attractions that showcase the history of First Nations and the Metis, as well as new learning facilities, a treaty lodge, a new Ferris wheel, maze and new game booths for the 1920s Midway, a renewed admission area and expansion of the Hotel Selkirk. Once the project is complete, it will allow visitors to experience new educational programs and take advantage of the newly modernized facilities.

The Government of Canada is contributing up to $47,794,500 towards the expansion of Fort Edmonton Park. Of that amount, $500,000 was invested under the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program, which is supporting the renovation of the Fort Edmonton Park midway and fairgrounds. The remainder of the funds is being contributed through the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Fund – National and Regional Projects.

The Government of Alberta is providing $33.5 million towards the project aspects already mentioned, plus an expansion of the Hotel Selkirk. The City of Edmonton will provide the largest portion, $72,559,000 toward the expansion. The Fort Edmonton Foundation has committed to raise an additional $10 million for the project.

“We’re excited to work with our partners on this important project. The enhancements to the park, along with our new strategic direction, will make Fort Edmonton Park the premier cultural tourism attraction in Western Canada,” said Darren Dalgleish, president and CEO of Fort Edmonton Management Company, in a press release. “This project along with a focus on relevant experiences, accessibility and financial sustainability will lead the way in making Fort Edmonton Park a favourite destination for many years to come.”