Coronation Park could be future home of velodrome

By Tejay Gardiner

EDMONTON — Edmonton cyclists are excited about the prospect of a new velodrome that has been slotted into the development plans for Coronation District Park.

The project was introduced at an open house discussion hosted by the City of Edmonton on Nov. 3. Attendees were mostly cyclists from around the city, but a few curious neighbours came to see what the updated concept included.

“The multipurpose facility is approved and the plan is to include a cycling track,” project co-ordinator Rachel Dumont said. “Now we have to submit to capital budget for the required funding.”

Overall, construction of the recreation facility, which will include a fitness centre, two full size gymnasiums and the cycle track, is expected to cost $120 million. Argyll Velodrome Association board member, Jeff Bakal said the AVA is planning to contribute roughly $8 million towards the cycle facility, but exact numbers are still being discussed. The City will also continue to look for additional funding sources.

From Argyll to Coronation

Currently, track cyclists use the Argyll Velodrome, built in 1976 to host the Commonwealth Games. The 30-something track is in need of a face lift.

“Simply, the existing facility has reached the end of its service life,” Bakal said.

Plans to upgrade the Argyll facility began nearly five years ago but were foiled when Argyll residents opposed expanding the velodrome.

The debate culminated with a court case initiated by the Argyll Community League. In the end, the City of Edmonton and the Argyll Velodrome Association were forced to look for alternative locations.

A new improved velodrome

Relocating the velodrome to Coronation may prove to be a better fit. Being part of a multipurpose, indoor facility means athletes can cycle, run and train with weights under one roof and year-round.

The Argyll Velodrome is an outdoor track, forcing track cyclists back to the roads or stationary bikes during winter months, just as competition season is starting.

“From the racing and training side, track cycling has moved to a winter sport,” Bakal said. “The World Championship series of races take place between November and March.”

Reverting to road and stationary cycling during winter and peak competition times puts our cyclists at a disadvantage. Top athletes have no choice but to leave Edmonton in search of better training grounds.

Edmonton is home to Olympic gold medal track cyclist Lori-Ann Muenzer, as well as Olympic hopeful Tara Whitten. Whitten trains in Los Angeles, leaving a “void” for younger generations who don’t get to see these high-calibre athletes, Bakal said.

A new velodrome may not guarantee that world-class cyclists will stay in Edmonton, but it will be a more promising home for future cycle champions.

The new track design will meet a world cup standard but it will cater to all levels from recreational track cyclists to those training for international competitions.

“In order to make a cycling track viable, you really have to cater to all needs,” Dumont said.

The facility will offer drop-in and learn-to-cycle programs for the general public. The AVA and City are also committed to encourage school groups to offer students a taste of the track.

Community response

Dumont said the feedback from the open house has been generally positive.

“The main concern for residents in the area is traffic impact.”

Originally, the Coronation Park plans included a new twin arena, but the arena has been relocated to accommodate the velodrome.  The twin arena complex would have drawn more traffic to the area than the cycling, Dumont said. The location for the new arena has not been confirmed, but will remain in the North West quadrant of the city.

Zenon Martynkiw, who lives in Woodcroft, is concerned about large developments eating up green space.

“My big concern is for future generations,” he said. “The city is growing quick, and there’s a high demand for green space, and if they put buildings all over it and pave it all over, then I think it’s something that future generations are really going to lose out on.

“I cycle there on a daily basis with my family, it’s a beautiful park,” Martynkiw added.

But Martynkiw doubts he will use the new velodrome. He prefers outdoor, recreational cycling.

What’s next?

The City of Edmonton has completed its rounds of public presentations concerning the facility amenities. Should funding be approved, the next phase of the project will be design concepts and new rounds of public consultation will take place.

Coronation Park is bound by 142nd and 135th Streets, and runs along 111th Avenue. The park is home to the Peter Hemingway Fitness and Leisure Centre and the Telus World of Science.