Hon. Shannon Phillips
example, requires more sewer and water capacity, but since population density increases the per capita cost of operating it is lower.
However, faced with a downbeat economic attitude and seeming spread of vacancies from the central core to other commercial areas, elected officials voted to extend the break on levies.
That includes possible commercial land development by the city of Medicine Hat’s municipal land department at the entrance of Highway No. 3 into the city’s southwest.
“There’s a potential for highway commercial development there, and that’s something that we are exploring,” said Keith Crush, the manager of the city’s land department and business development office.
Air related commercial, warehouse and hangar space has been discussed, as well as new work shops in the aging industrial park or on bare land west of 10th Avenue, S.W.
Where new infrastructure has gone in, building has followed, though so far not the kind that would trigger levies.
Second Street, for example, has seen new
work on virtually every building over the past two years. Four years ago, at least half the 600 block was vacant and listed for sale.
“Momentum is important,” said Snyder. “Pioneering, being the first redevelopment, in any area is probably the toughest one to do.
“Downtown has seen some of that and we’re hoping it expands to some of the other infill and intensification areas as well.”
The City of Medicine Hat’s contracted economic development agency moved into older real estate office on South Railway and transformed it into “The Compass.” The professional building houses offices and drop-in work space for entrepreneurs.
“The lead domino was the city replacement of deep services,” said Ryan Jackson, the head of “Invest Medicine Hat.”
“It improved the streetscape as well and there’s a vibe now... I don’t think it’s done, there will be more work downtown.”
Jackson said he felt major construction and investment in new large commercial and industrial buildings might be limited considering the economy and a number of vacancies.
However, he said, finding an existing building that meets a firm’s needs with minor alteration is a much more effective selling point to new enterprises.
“I love the fact that Medicine Hat has the variety it has of residential, commercial, retail, light industrial and industrial
variety,” said Jackson. “There are a lot of options and
it’s good that there are. That is what is attractive to any business owner.” ■
Minister of Environment and Parks and Minister Responsible for Climate Change Office
While 2015 was a year of change for our province, 2016 will be one of great opportunity.
Opportunity to grow our economy; to become more sustainable; and be more accountable to future generations of Albertans. Yes, these opportunities come hand-in-hand with challenges, but as a Lethbridge resident, I know the people of southeastern Alberta are up to the task.
Southeastern Albertans are both resilient and innovative. This resilience was exemplified in the region’s recovery from the 2013 floods. The floods had devastating effects on families, businesses and communities, but, as is the Alberta way, we have come through it stronger. And we know Albertans want their communities protected from future flooding.
That’s why I am pleased that in February, our government announced two ACRP grants totaling nearly $6.5 million for the City of Medicine Hat. Our provincial, municipal partnership allows the City to deliver two of the community’s highest priority flood mitigation projects. These projects will ensure public safety and create good jobs.
The funding will help complete the Lions Park flood mitigation project to protect downtown Medicine Hat. It includes a 2.4 kilometre berm, temporary flood wall openings, and a stormwater pond. The City will also construct a 900 metre berm near Industrial Avenue to provide flood protection to the North and South Flats. With funding from ACRP and the continued efforts of the City, we are working to build Medicine Hat and protect from future flooding.
While we continue to address our past challenges, we must not ignore the future. Alberta is showing leadership on combatting the effects of climate change.
In November we announced the Climate Leadership Plan: a robust roadmap that steers us to renewable energy through a number of initiatives for industry and everyday Albertans.
We’ve set a goal of phasing out emissions from coal-fired electricity production by 2030. This is an opportunity for us to be innovative, and for the renewable sector, including wind power, to step up to the plate. Southern Alberta, and in particular the southeast, is already leading this innovation, with the vast majority of the province’s wind generation located here.
This transition presents a significant opportunity to further grow an industry already thriving in this part of Alberta. On top of that, the rest of the province will be looking to the southeast to share their expertise and experience.
But wind won’t be the only renewable our government promotes. In early February, we announced $5 million to support the adoption of solar power by municipalities and farmers, as well as promote the creation of jobs in the green energy sector.
It’s no secret that the sun shines brightly in southeastern Alberta, and I can’t wait to see the impact this program has. In Budget 2016, and throughout the year, our government will share more details of our Climate Leadership Plan implementation.
The coming year will be filled with challenges, and perhaps some tough decisions. But we believe that our current path – improving community safety, promoting a shift to a renewables – are not only the right decisions morally, but are good for business in Alberta.
Together we can grow Alberta as a leader in sustainability, and I’m excited to work on these initiatives with the people of southeastern Alberta over the next year and beyond.
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