was stagnant but that has changed recently.
While businesses serving the oilfields are feeling the pressure, the agriculture sector is prospering. In the agriculture sector there are a number of businesses that are looking at either expanding or relocating to this part of the province and specifically Medicine Hat, said Ryan Jackson of Rameco Consulting, a private firm hired by the City to promote business in Medicine Hat.
These are suppliers for the agriculture industry and aspects related to crop production, he explained.
"Hemp is a product that is taking off," said Jackson. "The area between Lethbridge and Medicine Hat is the right environment to grow it. It is an up and comer. Any irrigated land is kind of suited for that."
There is also a renewed focus on the greenhouse business.
"We have 70 per cent of the province's greenhouse square footage in this jurisdiction," said Jackson. "Ag is the leader."
Other "niche players" are looking for space including craft breweries, gyms and fitness facilities, said Jackson.
The Spitz distribution facility in Medicine Hat has closed its premises near the airport on the corner of Holsom Road and Highway 3. The work will be handled in Bow Island with a small expansion to those premises, said a spokesperson for PepsiCo Canada.
The decision put six employees in Medicine Hat out of work.
After 18 years in Medicine Hat, another business connected to the oil and gas industry, MRC, formerly known as Midfield Supply, closed its doors in February. Around 2005, Midfield had more than 16 employees in the Hat.
Medicine Hat is still doing better than many cities in the province in part because of our diversified economy, said Clugston.
“I am also watching the charity events and everything is still selling out,” said Clugston, noting it could be an indication of people still having money to spend on these events or perhaps not travelling as much because of the low dollar.
We may have to ride this tide out for a few more months.
“I’m hearing third quarter 2016, fourth quarter 2016,” said Clugston. “So the end of this year.”
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