With funding from Alberta’s Budget 2022 Capital Plan and the joint federal-provincial Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, the legislature water features, walkways and decking will be repaired and reimagined.

“The Alberta legislature grounds are so much more than just the seat of government in Alberta’s capital city. The grounds are a beautiful spot for Edmontonians and visitors alike to escape and reflect right in the heart of our city. With this investment, we are ensuring that Albertans and visitors will enjoy their active experience of the grounds for decades to come.”

Randy Boissonnault, federal Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance, on behalf of Dominic LeBlanc, federal Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities

“The combined $20-million investment will ensure generations of families will be able to enjoy the legislature plaza area and water features long into the future. This investment will also support about 112 construction-related jobs and boost economic activity right here in Edmonton.”

Prasad Panda, Minister of Infrastructure
Renewing Alberta’s legislature grounds - May 27, 2022

Infrastructure Minister Prasad Panda, neighbourhood residents Willow Kaszuba and Merlin, and Government of Canada Minister of Tourism and Associate Minister of Finance Randy Boissonnault stand in one of the Alberta Legislature grounds wading pool areas.

A request for proposal to secure a prime consultant whose duties will include design work opened on May 12 and is expected to close on June 7. Later this year, the Alberta government will invite Albertans to comment on some design elements.

Construction is expected to be complete, with water features fully opened, by summer 2024.

Quick facts

  • The $20 million being invested into renewing or replacing the Alberta legislature grounds water features and walkways includes:
    • $10 million through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), with $8 million from the Government of Canada and $2 million from the Alberta government
    • $10 million through the Alberta government’s Budget 2022 Capital Plan
  • The ICIP funding will help replace the legislature walkways and concrete decking around the water features. It will also replace piping and controls for the dome fountain and reflective pool and replace the membrane on top of the 97 Avenue underpass.
  • 2022 Capital Plan funding will repair the water-related mechanical and filtration system; complete reflecting pool upgrades to meet current building codes, pool and health standards; repair the dome fountain; and redevelop the north wading pool area.
  • The dome fountain and reflecting and wading pools have been closed to the public since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and mechanical system and public safety issues.
  • The north plaza of the legislature grounds contains three distinct water features all built in the 1970s: a reflecting pool, an ornamental dome fountain, and four small connected terrace pools.