The Jackson family has been operating their farm just outside Edmonton since 1881, but now their livelihood is in jeopardy due to a county announcement to build a new arena for the Sherwood Park Crusaders. The $86-million four-sheet arena is set to be built right next to the Jackson Homesteaders property, with the county gifting the team a 17-acre site for the building. The Jacksons believe that the traffic from the arena alone will drive them out of business, as patrons will be driving right in front of their farm to access the arena.
The proximity of the proposed arena to the Jackson property poses safety concerns for the family, as their large crop-carrying semis and tractors would have difficulty maneuvering around the traffic. The site allocated for the arena was previously owned by the Jacksons, but was sold to the county in 2013 after the county threatened to expropriate it for stormwater pond and road upgrades that have yet to be completed. Despite not being contacted by the county about the new plans for the site, the Jacksons have reached out to councillors to express their concerns and invited them to view the property.
The Jacksons feel that the county and the Crusaders have not fully considered the impacts of building the arena on their farm. They have requested councillors to visit the property and see firsthand the potential consequences of the arena being constructed nearby. A public hearing is scheduled to allow people to express their opinions on the proposal, with nearly two dozen individuals expected to speak in opposition to the rezoning change that would allow the project to proceed. The Jacksons hope that the county will listen to their concerns and reconsider the location of the proposed arena.
The family’s farm has been their way of life for generations, and they are fearful that the construction of the arena will force them to shut down their operations. With the county and the Crusaders aiming to have the arena open by September 2026, the Jacksons are facing a time crunch to fight for the preservation of their farm. Despite the challenges they are facing, the family remains hopeful that their voices will be heard and that the county will take into consideration the impact of their decision on the Jacksons’ livelihood.
It is evident that the Jackson family is deeply connected to their farm and is unwilling to give up without a fight. Their concerns about the safety of their livestock, employees, and equipment in light of the proposed arena highlight the potential risks that come with the development. As a longstanding part of the community, the Jacksons are calling for the county and the Crusaders to reconsider the location of the arena and to find a solution that does not threaten the existence of their farm. The outcome of the public hearing will determine the future of the Jackson family’s livelihood and their legacy on the land that has been their home for over a century.
In the face of uncertainty and potential loss, the Jackson family is standing up for what they believe in and advocating for their rights as landowners. Their story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many small-scale farmers in the midst of urban development and commercial growth. As the county and the Crusaders move forward with their plans for the arena, the Jacksons are determined to make their voices heard and to fight for the preservation of their farm and way of life. The outcome of this conflict will have far-reaching implications for the Jackson family and the future of farming in the area.
