Rollie Miles Park rec centre remains stalled amid $130 million price tag
The proposed pool and gym would replace the closed Scona Pool but cost 10% of the city's capital budget over four years.
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A proposed recreation centre at Rollie Miles Park in the Queen Alexandra neighbourhood remains in limbo after a city council committee received a project update on Monday. The facility, planned for 10450 72 Ave., would include a new swimming pool, gym, and fitness space to replace Scona Pool, which closed in 2022.
The challenge is cost: a $130 million price tag would consume 10 percent of Edmonton's entire capital budget over the next four years. "Realistically, that's not going to be possible," Mayor Andrew Knack said. The city report presented Monday noted that while there is long-term support for a rec centre in the south-central neighbourhood, immediate priorities lie elsewhere.
Preliminary design work was completed in 2023, but the project has been stuck in the design phase for years without funding. The city report said the Kinsmen Sports Centre to the north and Confederation Leisure Centre to the south currently meet the area's recreation needs. Knack framed the situation carefully: "I look at it as a 'when' not an 'if' conversation — and the 'when conversation' is very hard." The city has not revealed detailed budget breakdowns or identified funding sources being considered for the project.
What funding sources or partnerships is the city considering to bridge the $130 million gap?
How much longer will Scona Pool closures affect the Queen Alexandra neighbourhood if the project remains unfunded?
What was the original planned timeline before budget constraints hit?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
At a glance
Where would the new recreation centre be built?
Rollie Miles Park rec centre would be located at 10450 72 Ave. in Edmonton's Queen Alexandra neighbourhood.
What would the recreation centre include?
The facility would have a swimming pool, gym, and fitness space to replace Scona Pool, which closed in 2022.
How much would the recreation centre cost?
The proposed recreation centre carries a $130 million price tag, which would consume 10 percent of Edmonton's entire capital budget over the next four years.
