Carter Gramlich address a city council public hearing regarding the proposed Medicine Hat transportation masterplan on Monday night in a packed city council chambers at city hall.--News Photo Collin Gallant
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Hundreds of Hatters packed council chambers Monday evening to talk transportation, namely the city’s proposed transportation master plan, and mainly to complain that it will narrow roads.
Four submissions and four speakers in favour of the changes were matched in a more than three-hour non-statutory hearing – voluntarily called by council – compared to 100 submissions and speakers stating they oppose changes like those done on Division Avenue, which they fear will spread to other main routes.
That’s not the purpose of the plan, said city staff, which sets general philosophy and long-term growth projects with a 25-year outlook.
Hatter Greg Buekert spoke against the plan’s adoption, claiming it is a plan to discourage motor vehicle use, and represents a small fraction of Hatters.
“We have a (report) basically telling us we need narrow roads with choke points and obstruction, and of course the sacred bike lines, and I don’t see any compromise,” he said. “Why are planners declaring war on people who are trying to get to work?”
Hatter Judi Coombs, among others, said the plan doesn’t reflect the realities in Medicine Hat and believes it aligns with a globalist conspiracy to limit movement.
Council called the hearing earlier this summer after months of complaints about Division Avenue,
Speaking in favour of the plan and specifically the inclusion of the safety plan and active transportation, Carter Gramlich, of Bike Medicine Hat, said speed limits and traffic calming measures improve safety.
“We know that higher speed leads to increased damage and injury,” said Gramlich. “Cars will continue to be the primary mode of transportation in Medicine Hat, but our roads should be designed to allow other modes.”
John Whidden said he’s a driver but also an avid cyclist, and felt cycling would increase in the city if it was safer and generally ease traffic congestion.
“I’m here for active transportation, because I have a vision for this city and for my children,” he said.
The Transportation Master Plan sets down some general principles for network planning, identifies general longer term projects and creates a priority list for general scheduling.
The last update occurred in 2013 and the current proposal considers needs up to 2025, when the city’s population could be 80,000 residents.
It also would add two new sub-documents: an active transportation plan and a transportation safety strategy.
Planners are currently discussing potential changes for Third Street in Riverside and will discuss upgrades to Kingsway Avenue when aging road and other infrastructure is replaced there in the next budget cycle.
The plan doesn’t lay out a construction timetable, detailed construction plans, or approve budgets, said city engineering director Stan Nowakowski,
“We live in a world that’s constantly changing and this (plan) allows us to meet the needs of evolving needs,” said Nowakowski. “What works for one road may not work for another different road… this doesn’t mean that every road in the city will looks the same.”
Nowakowski said there are misconceptions about the Riverside project, which is still in public feedback stage and is being advanced before more consultation next fall.
He said planners have now removed a controversial roundabout and will not reduce the number of lanes on the road, but in response to questions from Coun. Shila Sharps, said current lane-width standards are now more narrow than when existing streets were built.
“I think people who drive the roads aren’t seeing what administration is saying,” she said, adding that she doesn’t believe there is wide spread opposition to trails, but wider boulevards.
“Seeing what happened on Division Avenue should provide a good example of what not to do in Riverside,” said Hatter Bob Bourke.
In the plan, growth would require several main routes to be widened to four-lane arteries.
In the city’s south, that includes southern portions of 13th Avenue SE and S. Boundary Road, as well as a long-proposed new connection over Seven Person’s Coulee to Highway 3.
Other improvements will be needed regardless of growth on roads like Third Street and Kingsway Avenue, which will need roadway replacement regardless of other changes, say staff.
Further general improvements, such as signal changes, would be considered on Dunmore Road, 13th Avenue SE, College Avenue, Division Avenue N., Strachan Road and Maple Avenue.
It would also direct municipal works staff to prioritize gaps in the existing sidewalk network.
