A debate over the construction of a new city hall waged in Edmonton during the mid-1980s. The issue was controversial, the proposed building concept was widely criticized and the expected budget continually increased. By 1990 architect Gene Dub presented the city with the final design, the budget was approved and construction began. The new City Hall was built on the location of the former City Hall. Granite pillars from the old building were reclaimed, mature trees were preserved and a Canada Goose statue was kept on-site. Edmonton's City Hall was built with a Tyndal stone exterior and was topped with glass pyramids. Two years and 49 million dollars later, Edmonton's city hall was opened on August 28, 1992.