By Hayley Ferguson

City says first phase of airport development ready for market

Aug 21, 2019 | 11:04 AM

Medicine Hat, AB – The city of Medicine Hat is ready to take the next step in developing the area around the airport.

Mayor Ted Clugston says that phase one of their development plan is complete and ready to be put on the market.

Phase one has lots for both sale and lease for commercial purpose, large hangers, and a possible hotel.

“We don’t have any offers, I can look at you and say there has not been a single offer for a hotel in that area.” Clugston continued. “But I think as a traveler if I go to Calgary and I have an early morning flight I think it would be great if I could stay in a hotel next to the airport.”

He also said that a hotel near the airport could be a major advantage in attracting business to the area.

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“We have a lot of people coming to town for business right now. All of the Aurora executives, the Hut8 executives, the Folium Biosciences executives. They are flying in and often times they are only here for a day.” He explained. “They are coming down to City Hall to do some business and go to their sites. And so they are coming in and out and they are using air travel. I could see them wanting to have a hotel.”

Even with the expansion of the area, Clugston says that there no plans to extended the runway.

“The problem is Highway 3 is in the way. And two provincial governments ago, we were promised that we might have a realignment of Highway 3. But of course, we’ve had three different governments since then on the provincial level.” Clugston said. “And those plans to realign Highway 3 got shelved. But now you know there’s talk about twinning again. So maybe that will open up. But until that highway is moved, that runway cannot be expanded or extended.”

The next two phases will be completed for the next two years.

They will include additional commercial lots, hanger space, and significant landscaping.