The main doors being closed at city hall is only temporary while construction in the building takes place.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
@MedicineHatNews
Closing the main doors at city hall is a temporary measure to accommodate construction and keep visitors from away from staff-only areas while walls and doors are opened up, city building managers clarified Thursday.
Work to relocate the main floor security desk occurred earlier this year and since late 2023, the second-floor planning department has been under construction to rebuild the long front counter.
Similar work will be proceeding on the first and third floors soon, said city building assets director Jeff Hoglund, and limiting access will keep contractors, the public and workers safe.
“We want to know who is in the building and where (during construction),” he told the News. “At this time we are planing for this to be temporary.”
Construction is planned to be completed by the end of the year, and will eventually see waist-high gates at service counters removed, new glass barriers installed and other changes.
Starting June 3, access will only be allowed at the west side of city hall, not at doors exiting onto city plaza near Sixth Avenue.
Washrooms and public parking in the parkade will be available during working hours, but elevator access would be limited to some floors. Building staff will advise visitors of how to reach their destination as several departments are changing locations.
