Latest news with #NordicSpa
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Plans for Nordic spa in Edmonton's river valley now official, developers say
Edmonton has been selected as the location of a new spa that promises to make a secluded corner of the city's southwest a destination for cold plunges, steam heat and silent relaxation. The city's first Nordic spa is slated for construction in Brander Gardens, overlooking the North Saskatchewan River. Canadian wellness brand Scandinave Group Inc. has been floating plans to construct the facility on property owned by the University of Alberta Properties Trust known as the Soaring lands. Following a pitch to the City of Edmonton and a series of public consultations, councillors voted unanimously to pass a rezoning application for the project in February, clearing the way for construction. In a joint news release Wednesday, officials with Scandinave Group, along with the provincial government and Travel Alberta, announced that those plans are now official. The spa is expected to open in the summer of 2028. Steve Arsenault, the company's president and CEO, said with city approval — along with support from the province and Travel Alberta — the company feels confident moving forward. In an interview with CBC News Wednesday, Arsenault said the project will now move into the design phase as the company works with engineers and architects to draft detailed plans for the facility. He expects construction to get underway by 2027. "It's exciting," he said. "Actually it's the most exciting phase, until we get to open the doors. "And we chose Edmonton because it aligns perfectly with our vision of offering a nature-inspired wellness experience." Nordic spas, known as a Scandinavian spas or thermal spas, are centred around the concept of hydrotherapy where clients gently heat their bodies in saunas or hot tubs before cooling off with a cold bath and repeating the cycle. Scandinave Group Inc. has built similar spas in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia. Arsenault said Edmonton's spa will follow a similar model to their other facilities with a mix of saunas, steam baths, cold plunges and outdoor relaxation areas. "It's a silent experience. It's really to unwind, to relax," he said. "It's not a social experience. Some other spas have that concept. Not ours. We want to replicate what our DNA is in Edmonton, and we feel that's what people are are looking for." Wednesday's announcement was lauded by Andrew Boitchenko, Alberta's tourism minister, who said the provincial government is proud to support the new venture. The project is expected to generate approximately $121 million in total economic impact over its first decade of operation, the ministry said. It's expected to result in 330 temporary jobs during construction and 52 permanent full-time jobs after the spa opens. The project is moving forward with support from Alberta's Investment and Growth Fund. "This landmark project sets the stage for future tourism development, fuelling the growth of our visitor economy by enhancing Edmonton's iconic river valley and promoting Alberta as a premier wellness destination." In an interview, Jon Mamela, Travel Alberta's chief commercial officer, described the project as an incredible win for Alberta tourism sector and a fast-growing wellness tourism industry. He expects the project will attract new visitors to the city, along with new collaborative investments in tourism ventures within Edmonton. "It raises the reputation and allure for other investors and operators to come in," he said. "It definitely will be a game-changer." During consultations with the community some residents questioned how a private venture in the city's beloved river valley would serve Edmonton. Arsenault said the company has done their "homework" to calm those concerns and get residents on board. He said the company is focused on giving Edmontonians and its visitors the chance to relax and unwind, in a new way. The scenic river valley is the perfect place for a silent, electronic-free escape that the company has planned, he said. "We're focused on bringing this exciting project to life now, and we feel the community is going love it," he said.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Edmonton Nordic spa announced, set to open in 2028
After getting zoning approval in Riverbend earlier this year, Scandinave Spa has picked Edmonton for its first Alberta Nordic spa location. In a Wednesday news release, Travel Alberta announced the selection of Edmonton by Scandinave, which has four other locations in Canada, including Whistler in B.C. and Mont Tremblant in Quebec. Edmonton's location, set to open in the summer of 2028, will back onto the North Saskatchewan River valley off Whitemud Road in Riverbend. Scandinave's president and CEO Steve Arsenault said the company is proud to bring a new recreational offering to the city. 'Bringing Scandinave Spa to Edmonton is a natural fit with our vision to create unforgettable wellness experiences in iconic destinations,' he said in the release. Former Edmonton Oilers forward Vincent Damphouosse, who is a co-founder of Scandinave, said the city holds a 'special place in my heart.' 'I'm thrilled to see Scandinave Spa become part of the city's vibrant future,' he said. 'For me, this project is more than just a development. It's a way to give back to the community and help position Edmonton as a premier wellness destination.' According to the release, the spa is expected to bring in about $121 million in economic impact in its first decade, supporting about 330 temporary and more than 50 permanent jobs. The spa project was supported through Travel Alberta's Investor Concierge program as well as the province's Investment and Growth Fund, as well as the City of Edmonton, Edmonton Global and Explore Edmonton. 'Travel Alberta's holistic destination management focus on developing new tourism experiences across the province, such as this transformative project with Scandinave Spa Edmonton, aligns perfectly with global wellness trends and the rising demand for wellness-focused travel,' Travel Alberta's chief commercial officer, Jon Mamela, said. 'As Alberta continues to lead the nation in tourism growth, the Edmonton region plays a vital role in drawing visitors year-round. We're excited about the impact this new tourism development will bring to the city and to the province.' The province calls the spa 'an exciting new experience for both Albertans and visitors.' 'This landmark project sets the stage for future tourism development, fuelling the growth of our visitor economy by enhancing Edmonton's iconic river valley and promoting Alberta as a premier wellness destination,' Alberta Tourism and Sport Minister Andrew Boitchenko said in the release. The spa will beon the former site of the famed Mactaggart family mansion, at 5440 and 5450 Whitemud Rd. The University of Alberta Properties Trust was expected to sell the land to Scandinave after zoning had been approved. The renovated property will house saunas, steam baths, whirlpools and cold plunges. At the zoning hearing in February, there was also mention that the site could include a small bistro and retail area, plus future sleeping quarters for staff. First Nations representatives spoke out at the time over a lack of consultation on the part of the city. Other opponents raised concerns about the project being at odds with the city's conservation goals. For its part, Explore Edmonton is welcoming the project. 'We are grateful to see Scandinave Group's commitment to thoughtful design and working with natural landscapes,' said Melissa Radu, Explore Edmonton's executive director of destination stewardship in Wednesday's release. 'Explore Edmonton is eager to welcome a new attraction to Edmonton, one that provides a high-quality, all-season experience for visitors and residents alike.' Related Opinion: Edmonton council breaks city policies in Nordic spa rezoning Edmonton's first Nordic spa might land in former Mactaggart home You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun
CBC
16-07-2025
- Business
- CBC
Plans for Nordic spa in Edmonton's river valley now official, developers say
Edmonton has been selected as the location of a new spa that promises to make a secluded corner of the city's southwest a destination for cold plunges, steam heat and silent relaxation. The city's first Nordic spa is slated for construction in Brander Gardens, overlooking the North Saskatchewan River. Canadian wellness brand Scandinave Group Inc. has been floating plans to construct the facility on property owned by the University of Alberta Properties Trust known as the Soaring lands. In a joint news release Wednesday, officials with Scandinave Group, along with the provincial government and Travel Alberta, announced that those plans are now official. Steve Arsenault, the company's president and CEO, said the project is moving forward after garnering support from Alberta's Investment and Growth Fund. The spa is now expected to open in the summer of 2028. "Bringing Scandinave Spa to Edmonton is a natural fit with our vision to create unforgettable wellness experiences in iconic destinations," Arsenault said in a statement. "We're proud to be part of Alberta's tourism future and to offer Edmontonians a unique way to unwind, year-round." Nordic spas, known as a Scandinavian spas or thermal spas, are centred around the concept of hydrotherapy where clients gently heat their bodies in saunas or hot tubs before cooling off with a cold bath and repeating the cycle. Scandinave Group Inc. — which has built similar spas in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia — said the spa will include saunas, steam baths, cold plunges and outdoor relaxation areas. Following a pitch to the City of Edmonton and a series of public consultations, councillors voted unanimously to pass a rezoning application for the project in February, clearing the way for construction. Arsenault said the project is expected to generate approximately $121 million in total economic impact over its first decade of operation while making Edmonton a destination for the growing wellness tourism industry. It's expected to result in 330 temporary jobs during construction and 52 permanent full-time jobs after the spa opens, company officials said. The announcement was lauded by Andrew Boitchenko, Alberta's tourism minister, who said the provincial government is proud to support the new venture. "This landmark project sets the stage for future tourism development, fuelling the growth of our visitor economy by enhancing Edmonton's iconic river valley and promoting Alberta as a premier wellness destination."
CTV News
17-06-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Once the Eau Claire YMCA, Calgary's new athletic club opens this month
The space once occupied by Calgary's Eau Claire YMCA is now home to a different fitness facility – and this one has a Nordic spa. The iconic building, located in the 100 block of Third Street S.W., was vacated in 2021 when the YMCA said it was no longer financially viable to keep the location open. Now, it's home to the brand-new members-only Eau Claire Athletic Club. Chief operating officer Alix Williams says while the original structure has been transformed, they tried to preserve certain features like the four-storey floating staircase, the skylight, the six-lane lap pool, squash courts and the running track. 'We're honouring that legacy while ushering in a bold new chapter—one defined by purpose, care and an unparalleled range of fitness, wellbeing and social club amenities unlike anything Calgary has seen before,' she said. One of the new additions is an expansive Nordic spa, which has saunas, hot and cold pools, light therapy and a dry float tank. Eau Claire Athletic Club Inside Calgary's Eau Claire Athletic Club. (ECAC handout) The club also has four golf simulators (with golf club storage) and two racing simulators. Eau Claire Athletic Club Inside Calgary's Eau Claire Athletic Club. (ECAC handout) Cardio and weight facilities are spread out over two floors, and there are studios for spin, yoga and Pilates, in addition to indoor pickleball courts. Members will also get access to a heated rooftop wellness patio, as well as a rooftop fitness patio overlooking Eau Claire Plaza. The club has on-site child-care services, a coffee shop (Brooklynn's Café) and a dining area (The Exchange). Eau Claire Athletic Club Inside Calgary's Eau Claire Athletic Club. (ECAC handout) 'From urban professionals to young families, our members are seeking more than amenities; they're looking for meaningful spaces to connect, recharge and thrive,' said Williams. 'We wanted to create a place where wellness isn't just about working out, it's about how people connect, recharge and feel at home in the city.' 'It's not a gym. It's a club, and there's a difference.' Eau Claire Athletic Club Inside Calgary's Eau Claire Athletic Club. (ECAC handout) Mark Garner, executive director of the Calgary Downtown Association, says projects like the Eau Claire Athletic Club 'raise the bar' for recreation, wellness and lifestyle in downtown Calgary. 'It's the kind of space that inspires pride — not just from its members, but from the entire downtown community as a new hub of urban vitality in Calgary,' he said. Eau Claire Athletic Club Inside Calgary's Eau Claire Athletic Club. (ECAC handout) According to the club's website, the 'initiation fee' for an individual membership is $15,000 for a non-equity member and $35,000 for an equity member. Annual dues for primary members are $2,400.
