The Strathcona County indoor fieldhouse is expected to begin construction in about five years.
Strathcona County Council had a meeting on May 17 where they discussed prioritizing their budgets. During this meeting, they reduced the scope and budget of the indoor fieldhouse.
This fieldhouse, which has been in the works since at least 2020, would include a gymnasium, fitness tracks, and multi-use program spaces. In a survey, 72 per cent of Strathcona County residents were in favour of the fieldhouse, which had an estimated cost of $90 million.
The location of the fieldhouse will be east of Broadmoor Boulevard on Buckingham Drive. The site was chosen for its potential as a central hub for sports, tourism, and major events.
However, council expects a reduced scope for the project, as well as an additional report at the end of the year. Mayor Rod Frank said that the vast cost of the project is what kept away most buyers.
"No bidders could meet the price. This is a result of COVID inflations."
Despite the budget cuts, the project is still expected to end the design phase by 2025, with construction planned to begin in 2027. More specific dates will be shared once confirmed.