By Gurneet Samra

Local residents voice their concerns at townhall meeting

Jan 25, 2018 | 2:32 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Dozens of Medicine Hat residents attended a townhall meeting Wednesday night at Medicine Hat College, hosted by councillor Phil Turnbull.

Turnbull said while knocking on doors during his campaign, people told him they wanted opportunities where they could point out municipal issues, and share ideas on how they want the city to be run.

Turnbull said he’s listening, and following through on his promise to hold public meetings.

Many of the 26 people who attended raised several concerns, including the public transit system and whether council members should govern on a full-time basis.

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Turnbull took time to offer his views on each issue raised.

“I think when you’re a full time council person, you become a full time politician. That’s your job, so you have to give up your other day job,” said Turnbull, “So then it always becomes about getting elected. Getting elected becomes more important than doing the right thing.”

When he could not provide an informed response, such as specific bylaw or utility issues that some residents raised, he took down contact information and said he will take those concerns back to city council and other city employees.

Medicine Hat resident Barry Knodel stood up and shared his frustration with what he said is a lack of development on unused city-owned land.

“That land should be in the hands of private developers who will develop it. They’ll create jobs and they’ll create property taxes, which will contribute to our tax base overall,” said Knodel.

Others took issue with large public transit buses, which they say are often driving around the city with only a few passengers.

Turnbull responded, noting that there are no significant savings with smaller buses and public transit is an essential city service. Downsizing could also lead to situations where there are crowds of people waiting for transit. A smaller bus may not be able hold the amount of people waiting to get on, and it could force those residents to wait up to 40 minutes for the next bus to arrive.

Turnbull continued engaging with residents until there were no questions left. He added some residents did not want to speak in front of others, and left him written comments instead.

Residents like Knodel said the experience was positive and would like to see more forums being held in the future. But he said he wondered what the next step will be.

“I feel like we’re heard by Phil, and whether that gets beyond here tonight remains to be seen,” said Knodel.

Turnbull said he will be diligent in discussing concerns with other council members. He also plans to hold 3 more townhall meetings this year, with the next one taking place sometime in May.

He said he hopes more people will come out, and bring both concerns and fresh ideas to the round table that will help push Medicine Hat forward in a positive, successful direction.