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One of North America’s biggest downtown building booms continues to push Edmonton skyward despite the sag in oil prices that has walloped Alberta’s economy.

Projects worth more than $3 billion are planned or underway in central Edmonton, from MacEwan University’s $180-million Centre for Arts and Culture in the west to the $45-million Hyatt Place Edmonton nearing completion in the east side Quarters district.

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But the growth spurt is centred on the Ice District, the collection of condos, office towers, shops and, of course, an arena taking shape on about 10 hectares of former parking lots.

Here’s an update on the development that has already started in the core:

Rogers Place (104 Avenue and 103 Street)

Photo by Greg Southam / Postmedia

What is it? An 18,641-seat arena that will replace 42-year-old Rexall Place to become the home of the Oilers starting this fall, as well as Edmonton’s main concert and event centre.

Completion date: September 2016. First public event is an open house Sept. 10, followed by concerts from Keith Urban, Dolly Parton and other country acts.