Riverhawks to trial park-and-ride ahead of potential loss of lot
The Edmonton Riverhawks are planning ahead in anticipation of major changes to the Rossdale neighbourhood. On April 15, city council is set to vote on giving the green light to the first phase of the River Crossing Community Redevelopment Project, which would see the first steps toward housing development on the parking area north of Re/Max Field. "If it's done right, it's going to be the most happening area in Edmonton," said Steve Hogle, the Riverhawks fun advisor and 2026 Edifier, adding, "it does create some challenges for us in terms of the movement of people, for sure."
The Riverhawks will introduce a park-and-ride with shuttles departing from Churchill Square this season to help improve access to the field. "This will be the first time that transit is a viable option, because the transit service to the ballpark in the past has been spotty at best, so this will help to address that," Hogle told Taproot. The organization also encourages people to use rideshare services, e-scooters, and cycling to get to games. If council approves the project at a meeting on April 15, construction staging and underground work could limit access to some or all of the parking spots in the lot starting in the fall. Hogle estimates the lot holds up to 2,500 vehicles.
The River Crossing Community Redevelopment Project aims to eventually provide housing for up to 4,000 people. The project will also see an upgraded transportation network and improved underground infrastructure. If approved, the first phase will create three lots for medium-density housing and one for high-density housing on the field where Riverhawks fans now park; lot sales are targeted for late 2027. City administration said future phases will expand the underground work, create a park honouring the rich history of the area, and support the redevelopment of the Rossdale Power Plant.
