City begins next phases of Edmonton Exhibition Lands development

Edmonton-based entertainment production company Trixstar plans to bring live concerts back to the city by creating a physically distanced venue on the infield of the former racetrack of Northlands Park. (Courtesy: TogetherAgainYEG)

The city has begun the next phases in developing the Edmonton Exhibition Lands.

Construction has begun on the city’s urban farm located on 73 Street at Borden Park Road which is expected to open some time in 2026.

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Work is also underway to prepare for the demolition of structures on the former property of the Northlands racetrack and casino.

The demolition project began this fall and is scheduled to be completed in the spring. The city says the work does not pose a health or safety risk to residents.

Once complete, the demolition will open additional land for more residential parcels to be prepared and sold.

Last month, utility servicing work began for the first residential parcels. Neighbourhood-level construction on the initial residential units is anticipated to start in 2026 with full construction of the first units expected to wrap up in early 2027.

“We’re really excited for these significant milestones in the Exhibition Lands development,” said project lead Lovey Grewal in a statement Tuesday.

Racing began at the old Northlands site in 1910. In 2019, it closed its racetrack and casino, the last of its enterprises after losing arena business to Rogers Place. Northlands ceased operations in 2021 with Explore Edmonton Taking over K-Days and Farmfair International.