Nordic spa being considered in Brander Gardens
Developers are eyeing up Edmonton for a new hot-and-cold outdoor attraction.
Scandinave Spas is looking to open a Nordic spa in the capital city, promising "extreme temperatures, silence and digital detox."
Alternating cold, hot and relaxation is a traditional hydrotherapy practice in countries like Finland and Norway, believed to boost immune function and physical health.
The company, which operates four other Nordic spas in Canada, has its sights set on a multi-acre property in Brander Gardens, just south of Fort Edmonton Park.
The lot currently belongs to the University of Alberta, but it used to be home to local philanthropist and entrepreneur Sandy Mactaggart – one of the founders of the Citadel Theatre.
"He was a bit eccentric," said Ward pihêsiwin Coun. Tim Cartmell. "The home was a bit eccentric and it was gifted to the university, and they were using it as a bit of a hospitality place."
The house was demolished and the university is now looking to sell the land, Cartmell said. Stantec Consulting has applied for it to be rezoned, and if it's approved, Scandinave could buy it.
"It's a natural setting, good views – could be a really unique development," Cartmell said.
According to that proposal, the thermal spa would be integrated with existing trees and pools would not dip below the river bank.
Henry Heuver has lived across the street from the wooded, walled-off section of land for almost 25 years. He believes the spa would be a good fit.
"Better than having apartments being built on that property, that's for sure," Heuver said. "Because that's prime property backing onto the river."
Public engagement is underway on the proposal, and the City of Edmonton is hosting an open house on the rezoning on Oct. 29. For more information, visit the Engaged Edmonton website.
In 2019, another company proposed a Nordic spa for Fort Edmonton Park. According to the Alberta government's website, that project was cancelled after developers were unable to come to an agreement with the park and the city.
Alberta currently has one Nordic spa in Kananaskis. Two others have been announced for Canmore and Harmony (west of Calgary), but neither appear to have opened.
With files from CTV News Edmonton's Jeremy Thompson
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police release bodycam video of officer-involved incident at Hindu temple protest in Brampton, Ont.
Police say an officer who forcefully removed a 'weapon' from a protester outside of a Hindu temple in Brampton was acting 'within the lawful execution of his duties' after bystander video of the incident circulated widely online.
RCMP begins deploying body-worn cameras to frontline officers across Canada
Within days, thousands of frontline RCMP officers will be starting their shifts equipped with a body-worn camera, as the national police force begins deploying the program across Canada.
'Countless lives were at risk:' 8 charged, including teen wanted in deadly home invasion, after West Queen West gun battle
A teenage boy arrested along with more than 20 others following a gun battle in Toronto’s West Queen West neighbourhood was wanted in connection with a deadly home invasion in Etobicoke back in April, Toronto police say.
Here's how a potential Canada Post strike may affect Canadians
A disruption in Canada Post services would hit some Canadians harder than others. As the deadline approaches for a potential strike at midnight Friday, CTVNews.ca asked readers how it would affect them and how they are preparing.
Scotiabank users facing 'intermittent' access to banking
Scotiabank users say they are having issues using their bank’s services following a scheduled maintenance period that ended days ago.
Everything is under US$20 at Amazon's newest store
Amazon is targeting retail rivals Shein, Temu and TikTok Shop with a new deeply discounted storefront that sells a wide array of products for US$20 or less.
W5 Investigates Car security investigation: How W5 'stole' a car using a device we ordered online
In part two of a three-part series into how thieves are able to drive off with modern vehicles so easily, CTV W5 correspondent Jon Woodward uses a device flagged by police to easily clone a car key.
Many long COVID patients adjust to slim recovery odds as world moves on
There are certain phrases that Wachuka Gichohi finds difficult to hear after enduring four years of living with long COVID, marked by debilitating fatigue, pain, panic attacks and other symptoms so severe she feared she would die overnight.
Marble bust bought for US$6 and used as doorstop could sell for more than US$3 million
A sculpture bought for just £5 (US$6) and used as a doorstop could sell for more than £2.5 million (US$3.2 million) after a Scottish court gave the green light for its sale.