City hall plaza nearly ready for the public

By GILLIAN SLADE on November 29, 2019.

gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade

Work on the city hall plaza is almost complete and is ready to be reopened to the public.

“The fountain and clock tower area will be open to the public in the next couple of weeks,” said Mike Hirsch, facilities project co-ordinator.

Work recently carried out around the clock tower is still being protected from the weather with some tarpaulins, he said.

A roof membrane that protects the plaza and ensures adequate waterproofing for the underground parkade at city hall had reached the end of its life expectancy. Hirsch says the work carried out will now protect it for another 30 years.

The upgrade started at the beginning of May and was initially expected to be complete by the end of August.

Plans initially were to replace the membrane to give appropriate waterproofing and drainage around the clock tower area. There were some decisions that had to be made related to drainage, underground pipes, and even delivery of special drains and materials to complete the project successfully, said Hirsch. Some upgrading of the brick work around the clock tower was done to address the glue on some bricks that had to be replaced.

Landscaping work around the plaza includes a new pathway that connects Finlay Bridge to city hall, which will reopen for pedestrians and cyclists. The temporary fencing will be moved, allowing access to the wheelchair ramp.

Contractors will remain on site throughout the winter in order to complete the work around the clock tower and fountain, according to a press release.

The fountain will be a bit smaller than it used to be but seating will be located around it and steps will lead to that seating area.

A pathway from the plaza now also curves and extends behind the fountain area. There will be seating around a planter closer to Finlay Bridge and the sidewalk from that area. There will be trees planted in the area, too.

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