Workers employ a crane to install girders as part of an overhead canopy at the site of the Towne Square outdoor event and market space at 603 First Street in downtown Medicine Hat on Wednesday.--News Photo Collin Gallant
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A break in the weather has seen major structural work progress on the Towne Square canopy.
The permit for the work was approved by council last week as material was stockpiled on the site and with most councillors expressing support for the design.
Eventually, the site will be able to host a number of food vending trucks in dedicated stalls at the east end, while the canopy extends over an avenue of sea-can marketstalls at the west end.
Coun. Ramona Robins at the Jan. 4 meeting said the three-season market and vendors could have the ability to draw activity to the city centre.
“Without a canopy it’s not going to work, because it will just be a baking hot parking lot,” she said.
Administrators said they have seen interest in the space, including one local micro-brewery.
“We’ve received some interest from groups looking for long-term leases for the sea-cans,” said Eric Van Enk, the interim managing director of Invest Medicine Hat.
“That’s unsolicited interest before that project is even completed.”
Answering a question from Coun. Alison Knodel, administrators said the canopy structure is designed to accept standard solar panel arrays, and eventually one could be added.
The power produced however, would not be routed onto the city’s main grid in the area, but connected to Riverside Veteran’s Memorial Park, which is the subject of other development discussions in regards to the larger Waterfront District as proposed last year.
