Edmonton just had yet another glow-up. After years of anticipation, the doors are finally open at the Peter Hemingway Fitness and Leisure Centre. But this isn't just a reopening; it’s the centerpiece of a massive, $153 million transformation that has turned Coronation Park into North America’s premier indoor triathlon training hub.
As a passionate advocate for the City of Champions, we’re not just interested in where you live—we’re interested in how you live. This facility is a game-changer for West-End residents and an incredible asset for local property values.
A Meeting of Architectural Masters
Let’s start at the beginning. The magic of the new Coronation Park hub lies in the harmony between two of Edmonton’s most legendary architects: Peter Hemingway and Gene Dub.
The Hemingway Legacy
Originally built in 1967 as a Canadian Centennial project, the Peter Hemingway Leisure Centre is a masterpiece of "Prairie Modernism." Hemingway (1929–1995) believed that buildings in the North should be bold and simple to reflect the vast landscape.
Did you know? Its soaring, cable-stayed roof was so revolutionary it won the Massey Medal, Canada’s highest architectural honor. Today, it holds a Municipal Historic Designation, ensuring its "Space Age" silhouette is preserved forever.
The Gene Dub Vision
To bring the facility into the 21st century, the city partnered with Gene Dub (now 82 and still a powerhouse in the industry). Dub, the mastermind behind Edmonton City Hall, designed the new Coronation Park Sports and Recreation Centre. This 150,000-square-foot addition connects to Hemingway’s pool via a heated underground tunnel, creating a unified fitness "mega-hub."
Inside the Facility: "Shock & Awe" and More
The upgrades are as functional as they are beautiful. The rehabilitation project modernized the structural and mechanical "guts" of the original pool while adding cutting-edge new features:
Edmonton’s First Public Cold Plunge: Dubbed "Shock & Awe," this sub-10°C pool is a magnet for athletes and wellness enthusiasts looking for the ultimate recovery dopamine hit.
A Category A Velodrome: A 250-metre indoor Class-A cycling track that makes Edmonton a global destination for competitive track cycling. An experienced cyclist on a Class-A track can reach speeds exceeding 110 km/h - so no, you can’t just hop on and hope for the best. Not if you like your teeth and internal organs, that is.
The Triple Threat: With a 50m Olympic-sized pool, a 333m indoor running track, and a velodrome all under one roof, this is the only facility of its kind in North America. But you don’t need to be an elite athlete to enjoy it - go for a soak or take in one of the many facilitated classes - regardless of your fitness level or age, the City offers something for you.
The "Amenity Effect": Boosting Your Home Value
As real estate professionals, we’re often asked: “Does a gym really make my house worth more?” The answer is a resounding YES. And I’m not just talking out of my butt here, this is backed by multiple peer-reviewed studies including those from Statistics Canada, Texas A&M University, and multiple sources closer to home.
This effect is known as the "Proximate Principle." Research by experts like Dr. John Crompton and reports from the Alberta Recreation & Parks Association (ARPA) show that residential properties within 500 metres of high-quality recreation hubs command a price premium of 5% to 20%.
Beyond the raw numbers, these projects increase "Neighborhood Liquidity." Homes in Woodcroft, Westmount, Inglewood and North Glenora now offer a lifestyle—walking to a world-class training center or a historic landmark—that simply cannot be replicated in the suburbs.
Active Listings Near Coronation Park (Jan 2026)
Ready to live steps away from the action? Here is a snapshot of the current market:
Plan Your Visit: Hours of Operation
The facility is now open to the public daily.
Monday – Friday: 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM (Pool: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM)
Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Pool: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM)
Sunday: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Pool: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM)
Statutory Holidays: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Is the cold plunge included in general admission?
A: Yes! You can access the "Shock & Awe" pool with any standard drop-in or MoveLearnPlay membership.
Q: Did Gene Dub design the Muttart Conservatory too?
A: That is a common myth! Peter Hemingway designed the Muttart Pyramids. Gene Dub is responsible for Edmonton City Hall and the new addition at Coronation Park.
Q: Where can I see more about the renovation process?
A: Full details on the structural work can be found via Alberta Major Projects.
Q: I’d like a tour of the new facility, can that be arranged?
A: Yes! Ask the staff at the main entrance for a guided tour. They’ll be happy to show you around.
Q: Where can I find even more information on this facility?
A: On the City’s website here.
I’ll be heading there myself this weekend to try it out. If you’re not sure whether it’s for you, my only advice is to go there in person and walk around. After all, you helped to pay for it, you might as well enjoy it.
Mike Pabian is a REALTOR® with REMAX Excellence and lifelong Edmontonian. He’s called Wes Edmonton home since 2009 with his wife Grace and his senior-citizen pugs Frank and Pickles. For information on your property value, the market, or if you just want to know “What’s Up With That?!”, call or text Mike at 780-232-2064.
