John Janzen Nature Centre reopens after 18-month flood closure

John Janzen Nature Centre reopened to the public on October 13, ending an 18-month closure after a burst pipe caused significant flooding inside the building in April 2025. City crews completed repairs to restore the facility.

The centre, located at 7000 143 St. NW, first opened on October 6, 1976, and holds the distinction of being Canada's oldest municipally operated nature centre. It was named after John Janzen, superintendent of Edmonton Parks and Recreation Department from 1966 to 1972 and a key figure in protecting river valley lands as parks.

Visitors can now access the Tegler Discovery Zone, an indoor play space recreating local wildlife habitats designed for children up to 10 years old, and the Urban Ecology Exhibit, which features Life on a Log, live animal exhibits, and real fossils. The centre offers programs, events, exhibits, classes, and a composting school, and features a working honeybee hive.

Currently closed are the native plant demonstration garden and green roof. The facility's purpose remains to help visitors connect with the great outdoors.

The closure comes in the context of major flooding events affecting Edmonton's river valley. In June and July 2026, rainfall and a powerful storm flooded Edmonton river valley trails, roads, and facilities across the city. The cost of repairs at John Janzen has not been disclosed, nor has the cause of the burst pipe been explained. A timeline for reopening the native plant demonstration garden and green roof has not been stated.