Rexall Arena survey shows support for re-purposing building

Rexall Place does not have to be demolished to make way for the new downtown arena, according to nearly half of the 26,000 people surveyed by the Northlands Arena Strategy Committee.

Forty six per cent of the 26,019 people who responded to the online surveysaidthere was room for two major arena facilities to survive in Edmonton.

"With over 26,000 people that responded, people care," said Tim Reid, Northlands president.

The survey included questions, ranging from the importance of the Rexall Arena to the types of events respondents had gone to there.

Highlights of findings:

• 51 per cent said Rexall Place was somewhat important to them personally; 20 per cent said it was very important
• 86 per cent agreed that Rexall Place was either very important or somewhat important to Edmonton as a city
• 39 per cent of people said they went to at least three events at Rexall Place each year, on average
• Most (75 per cent) people drive themselves to events at Rexall

How Rexall Place should be used:

• 40 per cent of people surveyed said Rexall Arena should be re-purposed for other uses once the new downtown arena opens up
• 30 per cent said Rexall Place should remain as is with no major retrofit
• 14 per cent said the building should be demolished.

Thursdays report lists several suggestions for how the building could be re-purposed, including turning it into a dedicated recreation hall, a recreation and training centre, market and shopping centre, orhousing.

Nearly three quarters of those surveyed said Northlands should continue hosting agricultural events like 4H, livestock programs and dog shows.

"So clearly people see a future for RexallPlace in Edmonton," said Mack Male, a member of the Northlands Arena Strategy Committee.

The survey also found that younger people were more likely to vote in favour of re-purposing the building, while people with a higher household income were more likely to vote in favour of demolishing it.

The new Rogers Place Arena is slated to open its doors in time for the 2016 NHL season.

Read the full report below:

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