December 03, 2014 (Edmonton, AB) – Pedal has learned from reliable sources that the City of Edmonton has just approved the 250-metre indoor velodrome that is part of proposal for an athletic facility in Coronation Park. In addition to the velodrome the $112-million facility will include a running track, a fitness centre and three courts for such sports as basketball, volleyball and field hockey.
The motion apparently passed Edmonton council with a vote of 13 to 0. The initial funding approved is $1.45 million for the project design (funded by the Argyll Velodrome Association and the Edmonton Triathlon Academy), that is expected to be completed in 2017 with construction taking place from 2018 to 2020.
The Argyll Velodrome Association (cyclists) and the Triathlon Academy (triathletes) will share the burden of raising $20 million of the total $112 million cost and fundraising efforts will soon be underway. The Edmonton proposal could become North America’s first fully indoor triathlon training centre.
The new facility seems to part of the city’s strategy to secure the 2022 Commonwealth Games. In September, Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson, who is an avid cyclist, Alberta Culture Minister Heather Klimchuk, and others officially initiated the campaign to bring the Games back to the Alberta capital. The existing outdoor velodrome in Edmonton was built for the 1978 Commonwealth Games.
More details as they unfold.
December 8th, 2014 at 1:14 am
Could be wrong but I’d thought that the Argyle Velodrome was built for the 1982 World University Games. Hadn’t thought there was track cycling in the 78 Commonwealth Games.
December 8th, 2014 at 1:16 am
Disregard that last one. I’m wrong…. but there doesn’t seem to be a way of deleting the comment!
March 23rd, 2016 at 9:46 am
Great news.
So according to the article the velodrome will be completed and open in 2016, and even before construction has even taken place from 2018-2020. That’s what I call ahead of schedule !