Earlier today, City Council held a public hearing regarding the rezoning application to allow for a thermal spa development in Brander Gardens, at the site of the former Soaring House. After careful consideration of all perspectives and thorough review of the proposal, I voted in support of this rezoning.

I want to take a moment to explain my decision and address some of the concerns raised by our community members.

A Unique Opportunity for Our Community

The Scandinave Spa proposal represents a rare opportunity to bring a world-class wellness facility to our city. This isn't just another commercial development—it's a thoughtfully designed amenity that works with, rather than against, the natural landscape that makes our river valley so special.

Edmonton has long embraced its identity as a winter city, and this facility supports that vision with an outdoor wellness experience that can be enjoyed year-round. Similar Scandinave Spa facilities in Whistler, Blue Mountain, and Mont-Tremblant have demonstrated their ability to integrate beautifully with natural surroundings while providing exceptional wellness experiences.

Instead of seeing more houses or a different commercial development on this beautiful piece of land, we'll have a facility designed to help people connect with and appreciate our river valley. Many residents pointed out that this allows both locals and visitors to enjoy the river valley in a way that residential development simply wouldn't permit.

Addressing Community Concerns

Let me say right off the bat – I know not everyone agrees with this decision, and I respect that. During the engagement process, I heard from many residents both supporting and opposing this development. Community input has been incredibly valuable throughout this process, with over 90 residents sharing their perspectives. What struck me was how this wasn't a one-sided conversation. We had thoughtful points made both for and against.

I've heard loud and clear from residents worried about traffic impacts, and I take those concerns seriously. But here's why I think this particular use makes sense:

The reality is that spa visitors tend to arrive during off-peak hours and stay for extended periods – this isn't like a restaurant or retail store with constant in-and-out traffic. Several residents noted that compared to residential development (which would mean more vehicles at all hours), the spa actually represents a lower-impact option for the neighborhood.

It's also going to be appointment-based, which prevents overcrowding and helps manage traffic flow. The existing roads can handle this type of traffic pattern without major disruptions.

To those worried about neighborhood character, I believe the spa will complement, not detract from, our community. The Direct Control zoning includes specific regulations to ensure the development maintains appropriate setbacks from neighboring properties and preserves natural screening through existing trees.

Some residents expressed concerns about the potential future viability of the spa and what might happen if it were to close. The Direct Control zoning we approved is highly specific to this particular use, containing only 10 permitted uses compared to 36 in a standard commercial zone. This means any substantial change to the site's use would require another rezoning process and public hearing.

Protecting and Enhancing Access to the River Valley

One of my biggest concerns with any development near our river valley is making sure we protect what makes it special. This proposal actually does that in several key ways:

• No development below the top of the river valley bank
• Preservation of existing trees in setback areas
• Development focused in already-cleared areas
• A modest 0.37 Floor Area Ratio (that's planning-speak for "not too dense")

Many residents specifically noted that this approach offers a less ecologically disruptive alternative to other potential developments like high-density housing. The spa is designed to integrate with the landscape rather than reshape it.

An important aspect of this project that hasn't received as much attention is the opportunity to improve public access to our river valley. There is an existing agreement between the City and the University of Alberta that will be triggered at the development permit stage for the potential purchase of a 10-meter wide strip along the north property line. This would connect Whitemud Road to the existing public land below the top of the bank, providing much-needed public access, as well as access for forestry maintenance and wildland firefighting.

Economic Benefits

This isn't just about having a nice amenity. The spa will create local jobs during both construction and ongoing operations, generating meaningful employment opportunities in our area. Wellness tourism is growing rapidly across North America, and as Explore Edmonton noted in their letter of support, wellness travelers typically spend more per trip than average visitors. This spending flows to local restaurants, shops, and other businesses throughout our community.

Unlike seasonal attractions, the Nordic spa will operate year-round, supporting Edmonton's winter city identity while providing consistent economic activity.

Looking Forward

As this project moves from rezoning to development, I will continue to advocate for our community's interests and ensure that the regulations in place are followed. I remain committed to working with community members, the developer, and City Administration to address any issues that may arise and to ensure this development delivers on its promise of enhancing our ward while respecting its unique natural setting.

I believe this development strikes the right balance between economic opportunity, wellness amenities, and environmental stewardship. While I respect that not everyone will agree with this decision, I believe it represents a positive step forward for our community.

I encourage residents to stay engaged as this project progresses, and as always, my office remains open to your questions and concerns.