What mainstay Edmonton attractions are reopening this summer

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A variety of Edmonton attractions will be able to open in the next week based on Alberta’s tentative start date for Stage 2 of its relaunch plan, but what will actually open?

Recreational centres such as casinos, libraries, museums and galleries will be able to open to a third of their fire code capacity when the province officially enters the next step of it’s summer reopening plan. Premier Jason Kenney has previously stated that date is tentatively set for June 10, as long as hospitalizations are below 500 and dropping.

With a number of these centres based in Edmonton, here is a list of what family outings will be opening this summer.

Already decided

Telus World of Science — Edmonton (TWOSE): The science centre said it will partially reopen with several exhibits on July 1. Members will get access a day earlier on June 30.

TWOSE will open its IMax theatre as well as an exhibit on dinosaurs. The gift shop and Zeidler Dome will also reopen. Ursula Pattloch, a spokeswoman for the centre, said they needed time to complete renovations to the building. July 1 marks TWOSE’s 37th anniversary.

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Small scale Saturn V rockets launch in front of the Telus World of Science on July 16, 2019.
Small scale Saturn V rockets launch in front of the Telus World of Science on July 16, 2019. Photo by Shaughn Butts /Postmedia, file

Muttart Conservatory: City of Edmonton spokeswoman Debi Winwood confirmed to Postmedia that the Muttart Conservatory will reopen next week but declined to comment further on an exact date.

“We have confirmed an opening date for the Muttart Conservatory next week,” said Winwood in an email. “We’re still working on details, so more information will be coming out soon.”

The conservatory has been closed for more than 15 months as renovations were being completed.

Rain moves into the area over the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton, on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. The botanical conservatory is under rehabilitation and is slated to re-open in 2021.
Rain moves into the area over the Muttart Conservatory in Edmonton, on Monday, Oct. 7, 2019. The botanical conservatory is under rehabilitation and is slated to re-open in 2021. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

Royal Alberta Museum (RAM): The museum’s official website notes it is able to reopen in Stage 2 and is “looking forward to welcoming visitors back this summer.”

Guests are asked to watch the museum’s web pages for further updates, but the website adds the Children’s Gallery will not open until Stage 3.

The final stage of the reopen plan is set to begin two weeks after 70 per cent of all eligible Albertans have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccines.

A replica of a Allosaurus head named Big Al greets visitors that flocked to the Family Day free admission at the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton, February 17, 2020. It lived 155 to 145 million years ago during the late Jurassic period.
A replica of a Allosaurus head named Big Al greets visitors that flocked to the Family Day free admission at the Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton, February 17, 2020. It lived 155 to 145 million years ago during the late Jurassic period. Photo by Ed Kaiser /Postmedia

Cineplex Theatres: The national chain announced on Twitter that its Alberta locations will open June 10, noting they will welcome guests just in time for some of the biggest titles scheduled to come out.

Libraries: All Edmonton Public Library branches are scheduled to reopen June 14 with limited in-person services, including browsing the book shelves, printing and computer access.

The front entrance of the Mill Woods Library in southeast Edmonton, in February 2016.
The front entrance of the Mill Woods Library in southeast Edmonton, in February 2016. Photo by File photo /Photo

Delaying a decision

West Edmonton Mall: Most attractions at West Edmonton Mall are slated to open June 10, including the Ice Palace, Ed’s Bowling, Drive Go Karts and both mini golf courses. Opening dates haven’t yet been announced for World Waterpark or Galaxyland.

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Requests for comment weren’t returned.

Gateway Casinos announced Friday that the Starlight Casino in the mall will be reopening June 10 with slot machines and table games, except poker. The casino’s restaurant and bar will also be reopening.

A man drinks a coffee at West Edmonton Mall on Tuesday March 24, 2020.
A man drinks a coffee at West Edmonton Mall on Tuesday March 24, 2020. Photo by Larry Wong /Postmedia

Alberta Gallery of Art (AGA): The gallery has not said if it will be opening or not this summer. Follow their website for more details.

City recreation centres – The City of Edmonton hasn’t yet announced if recreation facilities, pools and arenas will reopen when the province enters stage 2.

Already open

Restaurant patios across the city have been abuzz with diners since they were allowed to reopen Tuesday under the first stage of the reopening plan.

Diners are passed by walkers at Julio’s Barrio on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, on Tuesday, June 9, 2020.
Diners are passed by walkers at Julio’s Barrio on Whyte Avenue in Edmonton, on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Photo by Ian Kucerak /Postmedia

The City of Edmonton received 144 temporary outdoor patio applications as of May 27 from businesses looking for more room.

Road adjustments have also been made to provide more space including on Whyte Avenue where the curb parking lane has been closed off to vehicles in both directions between 103 and 105 Streets to allow for pedestrian access.

— With files from Dustin Cook 

dshort@postmedia.com

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