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7/29/2010
Envision Edmonton has bold plans for City Centre Airport, should its drive to keep the airport open be successful.
During an open house at the airport Thursday, the group unveiled schematics to show what it believes can be done with the
property.
The cornerstone of Envision's vision, is a new terminal in the northeast corner. This would become a hub for air, rail, bus, and
private vehicle. Envision Edmonton's Ed Shlemko says the goal is to service rural northern communities.
"By having all those things centered in that one area, we'll have synergies to create an economic cluster up in that north
east corner," said Shlemko.
However, Shlemko couldn't put a price tag on the cost of a terminal, saying the uncertainty of the airport's future is
hampering efforts to attract developers.
Envision Edmonton is trying to garner 80,000 signatures on a petition to force a plebiscite on the future of the airport this
fall. As of Thursday, 45,000 had signed.
The city plans to close it down. However, Envision Edmonton has written the mayor's office, asking for a postponement of the
first runway shut-down, which is planned for Tuesday.(sj, bp, ccg)
On the Net:
Facebook.com: Envision Edmonton
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