The Linden Lot, across from city hall in downtown Medicine Hat, is set to become additional office space as the building on the site will be expanded thanks to a federal government grant to move construction projects forward as economic stimulus coming out of the COVID pandemic. The city owned building, which was once rented to Canada Post's downtown branch, currently houses the city's health safety and environment offices.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
Redeployed federal grants will add almost $11 million in projects to the city’s summer construction budget, it was confirmed Wednesday.
The projects, highlighted by major upgrades to Athletic Park and new downtown office space for city workers, need to be built by the end of 2021. That’s a prerequisite for the city to take advantage of changes to spend long-term transit grants from Ottawa ahead of schedule on other projects to lift economic activity.
Those grants are part of a whole package of construction projects approved last October by council with the total reaching $22 million, including the city’s $3.5-million share.
In the announcement, Mayor Ted Clugston said 2020 was a challenging year for the local economy, and the federal and provincial funds would be a positive to look forward to in 2021.
“I want to personally recognize the governments of Canada and Alberta for their thoughtfulness and foresight in creating this program,” he said in a statement.
The federal grant changes allow the city to use a previously allotted grant for the 2027 timeframe to pay for 80 per cent of the cost of this year’s additional construction.
Projects must be tendered and started before the end of September and completed by Dec. 31, this year.
“This program will provide a much needed boost in our community after a very challenging year,” said Chris Perret, head of land development and real estate for the city. “We are up to the challenge and ready to work with the private sector to put shovels in the ground.”
Among the projects, $1.6 million will be put toward the $2.2-million budget to conglomerate city workforce and close some satellite facilities.
The office space at 533 First St., across from city hall, will be expanded to take over the Linden parking lot. Pass holders there were told in January that only monthly passes would be sold this year to allow for construction when approved.
That city-owned building was turned into office space after Canada Post ended its lease and closed the downtown post office branch about eight years ago.
A total of $780,000 will be spent planting 400 new trees at Echo Dale Regional Park and upgrading the water treatment system there.
Athletic Park will see the fan overhang replaced, new fencing, seating and new ticket booth built at a cost of $3.1 million, with grants covering $2.25 million.
In January, city finance officials shifted $6 million from previously approved capital spending, either cancelling or postponing work, to make up the difference in adding the stimulus projects.
Trailways will be added along Carry Drive, Strachan Road and elsewhere ($1.4 million) and pedestrian bridge decks throughout the city will be replaced ($3.3 million).
Technological work includes adding new online service capability for dealings with city hall ($500,000), an electronic bus fare collection system ($450,000), and a tracking and dispatch system for buses ($250,000).
A total of $1.28 million will the spent on roof repairs on major buildings and new rooftop mechanical systems.
A $1-million widespread sidewalk rehab project is still pending a funding approval from Ottawa.
A separate slate of projects related to provincial grant changes were approved by the province earlier this year:
– $2 million for improvements to the 603 First St. parking lot and Riverside Veterans Memorial Park to event space;
– $2-million pickleball facility located near the Family Leisure Centre;
– $1.3 million for improvements to the Gas City Campground;
– $1.7 million for trail improvements and extension to Echo Dale, S. Railway Street and Kingsway;
– $500,000 in improvements to the club-run BMX track.
