News Photo Collin Gallant
The canopy of the Towne Square development is seen on April 1. On a short list of capital projects for 2022, the former parking lot-turned-festival and market space across from city hall will be complete next month.--News Photo Collin Gallant
https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews
With the start of construction season approaching, the City of Medicine Hat released its map of 2022 projects on Tuesday, showing few new major projects and some items awaiting final completion after being held up last fall.
In development vein, the land department will oversee the completion of the Towne Square space at 603 First Street, near city hall, expected to be finished in May ahead of a schedule of summer events.
The only other project listed by Invest Medicine Hat office is further design work for the NW Industrial Park, which received a planning approval in council last month.
The parks department will spend $1 million to redevelop the irrigation system surrounding the intersection of the Trans-Canada and Gershaw Drive. That has been on hold for several years while the department studied planting options and work last year by the province to change the approach and off ramps.
A full irrigation replacement at Leinweber Park will move ahead as well at an expected cost of $1.7 million.
Held over for completion from 2021 construction season includes a number of projects let under the COVID stimulus grant programs, including final work on a new pickleball facility at the Big Marble Go Centre, tree planting at Echo Dale Regional Park, and portions of trail upgrade and bridge replacement and repair work.
Sewer main replacement and relining will take place in various areas, and a $2-million asphalt resurfacing program includes portions of Parkview Drive, Carry Drive, Hill Road, and 13th Avenue SE.
Bye bye buckthorn
City crews and members of the Grasslands Naturalists will be removing common buckthorn this week from Police Point Park. The shrub which can grow as large as a tree is classified as a noxious weed that will crowd out native species if left unchecked.
