Facts and Trivia about West Edmonton Mall
By Mark Gordon Brown, 28th Nov 2011 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutTravelNorth AmericaCanadaAlberta & The Rockies
West Edmonton Mall was once the world's largest shopping mall. It is only 1 hour from my home and is well worth visiting, even if you do not plan on buying anything, it is a very entertaining place to visit, you should plan on spending at least 4-8 hours.
WEM Phases
West Edmonton Mall, or WEM, or West Ed Mall, opened in a series of phases. The first was opened in September 1981. With phase II open in 1983, phase III open in 1985, and the final phase, phase IV, opening in 1999.
The first phase alone had 3 anchor stores and put a dent in business to other shopping malls in the area. the second phase had a skating rink and amusement park. The third phase had a massive water park, and the fourth phase saw an actual fire breathing dragon on the third floor above the Scotia Theater and a Hotel.
Bad Things that Happened at West Edmonton Mall
In June of 1986 there was an accident involving the Mindbender roller coaster, several cars came off the track while upside down and 3 people were killed.
In July 2004 hail damaged many of the roof areas, it also caused water damage and sewage problems.
The mall now has seals on display, but at one time had dolphins. Animal activists had called for the removal of the dolphins after two died in less than a year.
There was also a man who was found dead floating in the lagoon just before Christmas only a few years ago.
Highlights of West Edmonton Mall
Over 6 million sq feet (570,000 meters sq).
Over 800 Stores and Services.
Between 60,000 and 150,000 visitors daily, and believe me even on weekdays this mall is busy!
Parking for more than 20,000 vehicles and a major bus stop.
Employees over 23,000 and I often see "Help Wanted" signs in front of many stores!
Home to Canada's first Victoria's Secret Stores.
Has a bungie jump, miniature golf, and penguins (not all in the same place).
Two food courts and many other delightful restaurants.
My favorite store is Millennium, a goth store, but I also love the TNT grocery on the second floor.
Visit the West Edmonton Mall Website to learn more.
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Comments
28th Nov 2011 (#)
Good factual Article Mark, we need more like this, come on wikinutters lets see what YOU can do
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28th Nov 2011 (#)
thanks Johnny, yes I think we can attract more advertisers with more factual articles, although we all love poetry.
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29th Nov 2011 (#)
I absolutely hate shopping malls, but this is one I might like to visit. Thanks for an interesting and entertaining post, Mark.
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29th Nov 2011 (#)
The mall has provided 23000 jobs. I think it s a big achievement. Today with unemployment soaring high why don't people think of such solutions?
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29th Nov 2011 (#)
To be fair Steve, it can be a headache. It is a great place for people watching, and as I spend most of my time rurally it makes a good change.
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29th Nov 2011 (#)
Beautiful place Mark, will make it a point to go and visit there when I come to see my relatives who are in the same area. The man of the house is in the Canadian Mounty of the area too.
Have to say Wow!!!
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29th Nov 2011 (#)
Bravo on your star for a good factual article. ;-)
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29th Nov 2011 (#)
Thanks for this feature on West Edmonton Mall, Mark.
Very informative.
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29th Nov 2011 (#)
I am also like you Mark and live in a rural area, so visiting a mall would be a change, to see human faces other than cows or computer screen.
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29th Nov 2011 (#)
Shot after reading all of this about the west edmond mall, we have a flippin covenience store for a mall. LOL
I am not a big fan of malls either but, I would go see this one for sure. As always, thanky ou for sharing.:)
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30th Nov 2011 (#)
That is shoot*, by the way
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30th Nov 2011 (#)
Mark, I have a article I am writing and I am having a hard time finding a category to fit my subject and I was hoping you could help me out. It has to do with sending my daughter a christmas box, it has tips and such that I use to send a non-full of cookie crumbs box. Any suggestions would be very helpful. I have to say, it sure does feel good to be writing again.:)
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1st Dec 2011 (#)
You can put it in crafts?? Moderators can move things if you are unsure just put a note in the "notes to the moderator" mentioning your situation.
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1st Dec 2011 (#)
Thanks Mark, you are the best.:)
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1st Dec 2011 (#)
very good work thanks post
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1st Dec 2011 (#)
Fabulous, OMG and wow!! :-)
Merry Christmas, happy holidays...tis the season to go a shopping...lol.
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1st Dec 2011 (#)
What a super idea Mark, to feature exceptional places of interest. I don't get out much, but can gather lots of info about really cool places. Your pics remind me of the Capetown waterfront. Thanks for sharing.
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1st Dec 2011 (#)
Hello Mark, me again, just a thank you for republishing my Whale Fall article. Sorry about pulling it back down for repair again. I really do want it to shine.
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5th Dec 2011 (#)
Hi Mark,
I seem to have lost my Star on the recent post re. Greed when I sent it back to you for a minor edit.
(http://www.wikinut.com/greed%3a-it-keeps-us-frozen-in-an-unchanging-sea/_1ro8icx/o9ctw92t/)
May I have my Star back, please?
Thanks!
David
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5th Dec 2011 (#)
WOW...:0)
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6th Dec 2011 (#)
David send it back for another EDIT, sometimes that restores them.
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28th Dec 2011 (#)
Interesting Star page Mark..We have nothing anywhere near as large as that in our end of the country..lol..Glad to hear that Miniature Golf, Bunjie jumping and Penguins are not all in the same area, it conjures up amazing images in my mind, or is that just me my friend?..LOL!
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2nd Feb 2012 (#)
Pretty huge affair indeed with lots of entertainment too. Thanks for all the details, Mark - siva
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