The Intersection of First Street and Sixth Avenue (leading to Finlay Bridge) would become a traffic circle according to early plans to create pedestrian malls in areas around Riverside Park in downtown Medicine Hat.--News Photo Collin Gallant
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
According to some observers a new vision for downtown looks similar to long-standing plans and could be difficult to achieve, but might be worth it in the end.
Featuring the South Saskatchewan River has been in high-level city plans for years, and more recently planners have alluded to a “Waterfront District” that was revealed Tuesday at the State of the City address.
At its centre, a new amphitheatre built on the slope below Riverside Veterans Memorial Park would lead to a pedestrian promenade along River Road. A raft of other changes and incentives could be brought in along the one-kilometre stretch of shoreline.
Initial reaction on social media ranged from positive to questions of the city’s ability to pull it off after decades of discussion aimed at stoking activity downtown.
“It’s a beautiful plan – I love it, love it – but would I bet money that it’s going to happen? No,” said Milvia Bauman, a former chamber of commerce chair.
She said it’s reminiscent of past projects and discussions that date back 10 to 15 years – including several efforts to build on the 603 First St. lot, which would remain as parking in current plans.
“It’s an election year, and they’ve come out and said, ‘Wow, here’s what we’re doing,'” she said. “(Overall) it’s a great project. Everyone loves ideas, but when it comes down to it, they back away.”
City officials said initial reaction has been positive and they will bring the plan out for public consultations later this year.
“It’s not just talk, we’re getting the ball rolling on it this spring,” said Mayor Ted Clugston in a radio interview on Wednesday.
Pending federal grants this year would pay to repave the 603 First St. lot, expand a city office building across from city hall, and upgrade Athletic Park at the far edge of the district.
In terms of development, Pat McNally felt the plan was encouraging, but questioned some forecasts and roadway details.
“The renditions are quite attractive and it could be great to help rejuvenate downtown,” said the local building engineer whose firm redeveloped and owns the Beveridge Building on Second Street.
He also put forward two separate proposals to buy and build on the 603 First lot, though both failed to meet the business case for proceeding.
After a city-led effort failed in 2016, he advocated for repaving the pitted, cracked lot and then wait for private sector to drive new development.
In the new plan, he wanted more information about traffic impacts (drawings show Finlay Bridge and River Road closed to traffic).
He also questioned a forecast from city officials of $300 million in new private investment for housing and commercial projects.
“I think that’s very optimistic; it would be very difficult to attract that amount of capital without new industry (to boost the local economic outlook),” he said.
“(Generally) you can see some condo towers fitting in the area. It would be a nice place to live.”
Jace Anderson, of the Destination Marketing Organization tourism group, said improvements at Riverside Park would be a strong signal to the community and outsiders.
“It’s definitely indicative of the value city (hall) puts on that part of the community and the efforts that groups have made there,” he said, adding that his tourism marketing agency has made promoting the river valley and outdoor recreation a priority.
