Statement from the Edmonton Heritage Council

The Edmonton Heritage Council stands united in our commitment to the preservation of the former Royal Alberta Museum (RAM) building in Glenora. This Centennial building is not merely a structure; it embodies a significant chapter in our city’s history and architectural heritage. Listed as one of the National Trust of Canada’s Top Ten Endangered Buildings, its potential loss represents more than just the demolition of a building—it signifies the erosion of our collective memory and cultural identity. Opened to the public on December 6, 1967, as the Provincial Museum and Archives of Alberta, the Royal Alberta Museum marked a significant milestone in Alberta’s cultural and architectural development. This achievement showcased Alberta’s cultural coming of age during Canada’s centennial year. It reflected a strong commitment to establishing a provincial museum dedicated to Albertans, a vision that continues with the new Royal Alberta Museum. 

We acknowledge that the legacy of museums as “collectors” of Indigenous culture is problematic. This history must be recognized as part of the past, present, and future of the site. We support consultation with Indigenous communities on how best to move forward. This includes exploring the reuse of the building or recognizing its place as a site that overlooks the North Saskatchewan Valley and its importance to all of us on Treaty 6 land.

In response to the escalating concerns about this issue, we convened a group of dedicated community advocates committed to preserving the former RAM building. Alongside other leaders in Alberta’s heritage conservation field, this group is dedicated to raising awareness and mobilizing community support for preserving the RAM building and enabling a sustainable plan for preservation and reuse of the site.

The challenges Edmonton faces with its municipal inventory of heritage buildings are significant. The loss of structures like the Royal Alberta Museum will have repercussions extending beyond our local and provincial boundaries. Such demolitions are notable losses to the National Trust’s List of Endangered Buildings, underscoring the broader impact on our national heritage landscape. As a Centennial building, the RAM represents not only a local landmark but also a piece of our shared national history. 

We are concerned by the lack of clarity from the Infrastructure Alberta office regarding why proposals for adaptive reuse of the RAM were not pursued. The decision to demolish rather than repurpose this historic structure not only disregards its historical and architectural value but also overlooks the environmental benefits of reuse. Tearing down the building has a far greater ecological footprint compared to adapting it for new use, making the preservation of the RAM a critical issue both for our heritage and for environmental sustainability. 

We recognize that preserving our heritage is a complex endeavor, requiring careful consideration and action. The destruction of the former RAM building would not only impact our city’s historical fabric but also set a troubling precedent for the treatment of mid-century modern heritage buildings across Canada. As we move forward, we remain dedicated to advocating for the preservation of this irreplaceable piece of our community and to ensuring that our heritage continues to be valued and protected for future generations.

The Edmonton Heritage Council calls on all stakeholders—government officials, community members, and heritage advocates—to join us in this crucial effort. To show your support, please sign one or both community petitions (links below) advocating for the preservation and sustainable reuse of this historic landmark. Your involvement is essential in our collective effort to safeguard this piece of our heritage. 

Petitions

June Acorn Community Petition 
https://www.change.org/p/alberta-infrastructure-save-the-museum-building-in-old-glenora 

MLA Sarah Hoffman Petition 
https://www.albertasfuture.ca/take-action/ram-petition 

Government of Alberta Survey

Glenora Green Space Development
The Government of Alberta is developing a green space at the site of the former Royal Alberta Museum in Edmonton’s Glenora neighbourhood.

We are asking Albertans to share their feedback on what the new green space could look like. Relevant input will be shared with the project consultant for consideration in the design.