Input from nearly 4,000 Albertans in a recent Government of Alberta survey has determined the design of a new water feature for the legislature grounds.

Albertans overwhelmingly supported the design concept “River,” which received more than 65 per cent of the vote.

The survey ran Jan. 12-27 and gave Albertans the chance to choose their favourite of three proposed designs for a new water feature that will be installed at the north plaza of the legislature grounds, replacing the deteriorated terraced wading pools.

Of the other two designs, “Aurora” received 17.1 per cent of the votes followed closely by “Strata” with 17 per cent. 

“Thank you to everyone who helped us choose the River design. Nearly 4,000 Albertans responded to the project survey. The feedback and suggestions provided have been crucial in determining the look, feel and future use of this part of our legislature grounds. Your input helps ensure that Alberta’s legislature and grounds will continue to be a destination for Albertans and visitors alike.”

Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Infrastructure

“Alberta’s legislature and grounds are a gathering place for Albertans and visitors from all walks of life. Thanks to this project, the north plaza will have a great new gathering place to enjoy in the summer months. Thank you so much to everyone who took time to submit their feedback. I cannot wait until the new features open in 2024!”

Nathan Cooper, Speaker, Legislative Assembly of Alberta

Removing the terraced wading pools and installing the new River area will be part of a larger project to refurbish the water features and improve the north plaza.

Project work at the north plaza is underway and is expected to be completed in 2024.

Quick facts

  • 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.
  • $20 million is being invested into renewing or replacing the water features and walkways on the Alberta legislature grounds:
    • $10 million through the Alberta government’s Budget 2022 Capital Plan
    • $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
  • The Jan. 12- 27 survey posted to alberta.ca received 3,663 responses to the question: Do you have a preferred North Plaza design concept?
    • River – 2,413 votes
    • Aurora – 628 votes
    • Strata – 622 votes
  • Reasons Albertans chose the River concept include:
    • tranquility
    • natural materials
    • use of planting/landscape for colour
    • more green space, less concrete
    • shade provided by trees
    • continuous flowing water
    • maintained site lines of legislature building
    • accessible water animation
  • Repairs will be made to the reflecting pool and ornamental dome fountain, replacing piping, updating mechanical and filtration systems, and fixing leaks. The cracked and weathered concrete decking and walkways around all the water features will be replaced. The water barrier on top of the 97 Avenue underpass will also be replaced with a new membrane.