About 400 Hatters attended a public hearing regarding the proposed Medicine Hat transportation masterplan on Monday night at city hall.--News Photo Collin Gallant
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A public hearing on the city’s proposed transportation plan lasted well into the night Monday, but no official action on adopting the plan occurred.
That could lead to revisions, say some city councillors, after more than 200 Hatters appeared at the four-hour hearing into the plan that many residents fear will wind up removing driving lanes in favour of bike pathway and built up crosswalks to slow traffic.
Legislatively, the “non-statutory” or not required public hearing was called for by council this spring when the plan was presented after several years of development.
Monday heard complaints over “an agenda” to reduce vehicle use, inconvenience and safety concerns, from a variety of speakers, as well as concerns over the approval process for major projects.
“The point is to make sure everyone is heard,” said Coun. Shila Sharps. “I don’t think anyone is against biking trails,” but have concerns about losing driving lanes.
There is no schedule to the matter to return for debate, where amendments could be made or further pause be taken.
“It’s par for the course that there will be some reconsideration after we ask for input (at a hearing),” said Coun. Robert Dumanowski, noting the scope of participation likely means more significant changes would be considered.
That included heavy criticism of the Division Avenue rebuild done last year – where two sparsely used parking lanes were removed to make way for a path – and many motorists consider the resulting two-lane road to be too tight.
Staffers told the jeering crowd that changes of a similar scale are not being considered for two other routes now due for upgrades.
Several advocates said the transportation plan needs to include non-vehicle routes that would add to the network, provide options, reduce traffic congestion and improve safety.
Coun. Alison Van Dyke told the chamber that she campaigned on “active transportation” efforts, and “the intention is not a reduction of vehicles but an increase enhancing the ability of other people to travel in ways that’s not vehicles. It’s an addition.”
The 90-page document lays down guiding principles and outlines roadway projects that will be needed by 2050 if population growth meets forecasts.
But, a new version of a plan last updated in 2013 also includes active transportation strategy to outline how to address growing cycling, e-bike trends, along with mobility issues in a generally aging population, such as sidewalk and trail development.
Most opponents however, pointed to the remake of Division Avenue which removed two parking lanes on the road across the South Hill to make way for a multi-use trail that switches sides of the road and leaves a wide boulevard on both
They objected to the design principles being used elsewhere – specifically, a new streetscape for Third Street in Riverside that is now being designed.
The municipal works department says Kingsway Avenue must be rebuilt in the 2027-2028 budget cycle.
Dozens of speakers spoke against the changes on Division, with criticisms ranging from foolish to ill-suited for Medicine Hat.
Staff say the plan doesn’t prejudice design options for other roads, but the new standards for lane widths are more narrow.
“I think we were informed of the view (of it) very well, and it looked wonderful, but I’m not sure we understood the ramifications,” said Coun. Andy McGrogan.
“I drive down there now and think ‘what do we do,’ and we’ve heard that from a lot of you tonight.”
He told the News afterward that he is now awaiting staff suggestions about altering the plan, as well as incorporating feedback on future projects into design work.
Coun. Ramona Robins implied that portions of the plan could appear misleading and wondered if references to narrowing on Third or Kingsway could be removed.
Engineers said since all project designs are only finalized after consultations and are not automatic under the plan, the change could be accomplished.
Coun. Cassi Hider also stated that she is concerned changes might hamper business deliveries, and designs for bike lanes and traffic humps might be well-suited for smaller or larger communities, but not Medicine Hat.
“We have a great city and we should be building on that,” she said. “Let’s build on what we have here and make that strong.”
