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Erosion Threatens Edmonton’s Keillor Point Lookout
By Drooid · · How we work
Recent Structural Concerns at Keillor Point
Heavy rainfalls in June and July 2023 accelerated erosion at Keillor Point, the popular “End of the World” viewpoint in Edmonton’s Belgravia neighbourhood. The city’s engineering assessment indicates that the extreme conditions caused additional loss of support for the viewing platform, which rests on the remnants of an old pile wall originally built to stabilize the former Keillor Road. As a precaution, the City of Edmonton has installed barricades and temporary signage to restrict access to an expanded portion of the platform and plans to add permanent informational signs soon. Ongoing inspections will monitor safety risks while longer-term engineering options are evaluated.
History of the Site and Past Mitigations
Keillor Road was closed to traffic in 1994 after erosion undermined the roadway, leaving a steep embankment that attracted clandestine visitors. In 2017 the city approved engineering work to formalize the area, and on July 17, 2019 a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the opening of a staircase, hand railing, and granular trail that officially renamed the spot Keillor Point. The improvements were intended to protect visitors from falling or injury on exposed rebar and deteriorating concrete that had previously served as an informal ledge.
Community Feedback from 2015 Survey
A 2015 city-commissioned survey on “The End of the World” attracted 2,568 participants, of whom 2,282 completed the questionnaire, including nearly 600 residents of Belgravia. Roughly half of respondents reported having visited the site in the preceding year. The primary concerns expressed were the height of the fence surrounding the platform and the potential loss of the area’s “natural” character.
City’s Planned Response
The municipality has not released a definitive repair plan but indicated that the forthcoming permanent signage will provide additional information to the public. Engineers will continue regular inspections, and the data gathered will inform future decisions about reinforcing or redesigning the viewing area to ensure long-term safety.
Outlook for the Viewing Area
While immediate access is limited, the city’s ongoing assessments suggest that a longer-term solution is under consideration. Residents and visitors can expect periodic updates as engineering studies progress and any permanent modifications are approved.