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.