August 28th, 2025

Downtown construction put on pause to give business a break

By BRENDAN MILLER on August 23, 2025.

Downtown will be free from major utility and road construction this year as the city plans to pause the final phase of a major utility and infrastructure project until 2027, following two years of continuous disruptions from construction in 2024 and 2025.--NEWS FILE PHOTO

bmiller@medicinehatnews.com

City staff are planning to postpone the last phase of a major utility and surface upgrade project along Third Street between Fifth Avenue SE and Division Avenue S until 2027 to avoid three consecutive years of construction downtown and give business owners a break.

Development and infrastructure committee members were informed of the project deferral by Stan Nowakowski, director of municipal works, Thursday afternoon during an open meeting.

In 2024 construction began that included upgrades to downtown’s water and sewer systems, which were originally installed in the early 1900’s.

Since that time, crews have been busy completing four stages of the six-stage infrastructure project, including upgrades to storm collection system and road structure, resurfacing and landscaping.

As well, crews have been reconstructing the roads and making surfacing improvements, aiming for a more walkable and safe experience for downtown users.

However, the work has come with significant impact to downtown businesses. Building access, sidewalks, loading zones and parking zones during construction have been limited.

City staff say local businesses have expressed concern with the long-term project phased over several successive years and have responded by providing a break in 2026 between construction activities.

During a non-statutory public hearing held July 7, business owners and members of the public expressed concerns that their input was not being considered in the decision-making process.

“That would have meant three consecutive years of construction disruption to the community and business owners in the area,” said Nowakowski. “After recent community feedback, the division believes we can manage the risks associated with postponing the schedule to 2027 and provide a much needed break to the community.”

“I agree, I think downtown feels the same way,” added Coun. Shyla Sharps.

The pause will not only provide business a break from construction, it will also allow more time for city staff to engage further with the public regarding the active transportation infrastructure along that corridor.

There are still risks that could come with the deferral, such as failure with aging infrastructure, however city staff say those risks are manageable over 2026 with spot repairs when or if needed.

The last two phases of the project along Third Street between Fifth and Division avenues will include deep utility work as well as road reconstruction and surface improvements.

A major component of finishing the entire project is completing the active transportation corridor gap between the Division Avenue multi-use trail and the River Road trail.

The full project was approved during the last budget cycle.

City staff will bring forward an information brief to council on Sept 2 regarding the Active Transportation Strategy and Transportation Master Plan.

Once construction has completed the city says it will benefit from enhanced sanitary sewer mains, water mains, storm systems and utility services. The project also includes a community enhancement portion with new street furniture, planters, trees and signage.

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