City Council Proposes a Giant Dome Over Churchill Square
I was reading the CBC news this morning and came across what may be the most ridiculous idea ever proposed in the Edmonton city council. Councilor Kim Krushell wants to put a giant, temporary dome over Churchill Square in the winter months, so that we can have an outdoor winter festival in Edmonton.
The idea was so absurd that I couldn’t help but leave a comment on the CBC website in response to the article. I’ve republished my comments here, and they can be seen below the excerpt.
Edmonton could extend its popular summer festival season by placing a transparent dome on Churchill Square, a city councillor suggested Monday.
At a cost of $200,000, the 15-metre high, 30-metre wide geodesic dome would allow the city’s main downtown square to be used even in Edmonton’s bone-chilling winters, Coun. Kim Krushell said.
“It would be a way to make Churchill Square, which we did spend a lot of money developing, to actually work for us,” Krushell said.
The dome is designed to be removed, but meant to remain up most of the winter.
The square, which received a $12.3 million makeover in 2004, is home to a succession of summer festivals, including the Works Art and Design Festival and Edmonton International Street Performers Festival.
The dome would allow natural light to enter and could be heated, providing room for up to 1,200 people, Krushell said. (More…)
What a ridiculous idea. I’m in favour of Edmonton having a winter festival (or several), and I think Churchill Square should be the focal point of any such festival. But, a giant temporary dome? How absurd.
Sure, having one or two smaller “warming tents” for people to go inside and warm up if it’s cold out during the festival would be good (and likely necessary), but to cover the entire Square in one big plastic dome? Please, let’s get serious.
The point of a winter festival is largely to embrace the outdoors, despite the cold temperatures. Hiding away inside of a dome is no different than hanging out in the mall during the winter.
If Edmonton is going to have a winter festival, it should be held outdoors, in the cold.
March 11th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
If I can’t attend it in shorts I will never attend a winter festival! We need to have STANDARDS.
Oh. And flip-flops. Shorts and flip-flops.
March 11th, 2008 at 2:33 pm
On second though, you might be onto something, Edward. I mean, if we build a giant dome, we can have all the February Luau parties we want! Topical vacations in the heart of Edmonton!