South Saskatchewan River waterfront (Chat News file photo)

By Chantal Wagner

plans in the works

City’s proposed waterfront district creates buzz for local businesses

Jan 27, 2021 | 4:59 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat’s proposed waterfront development district is creating some excitement for local business owners and residents in the downtown core.

The plan was unveiled during the State of the City address on Tuesday.

Stretching from the Library to Athletic Park, the project intends to take advantage of the riverfront land in Medicine Hat.

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Local businesses say it’s encouraging to see a proposed plan that focuses on the highlights of our city, including the South Saskatchewan River, our weather, and downtown.

“I really believe in a city that downtown is the heart, it’s the heartbeat. And if the heart isn’t healthy, the rest of the organs aren’t getting the right blood flow,” Katrina Borrows, Owner of Madhatter Coffee Roastery said. “And I think in Medicine Hat we really need to focus on this, this is the heart of our city.”

According to Borrows, the riverfront is a place to establish community and the vibrancy of Medicine Hat.

“Especially with COVID, I think we can all see the importance of gathering together as a community and having a place right in our own city that feels like a place of adventure, and fun with your family and friends,” Borrows added.

It’s a great opportunity to showcase downtown and utilize our waterfront that’s under-utilized at the moment according to the owner of Gravity Sports.

Ben Roscoe says pedestrians can make a full day out of the area, either walking or cycling.

From tourism to locals, Roscoe feels the development will bring a lot of people to the downtown from the river. “It’s a great place to start and finish a ride if you envision some restaurants or some local cafes or something along those lines to be a focal point and a meeting point. How can that not be a great opportunity for the city and the downtown area?”

Athletic Park has been in its location along the South Saskatchewan since 1978.

Mavericks GM Greg Morrison says the team has always enjoyed being down by the river and he’s excited they can be a piece of the puzzle.

“You can envision the open space down by the waterfront and tying things all together with the berm and the pathways, so that’s what we’re excited for is utilizing this berm to let people walk down, watch a game, and head out downtown and enjoy the day,” he said.

Morrison can see people enjoying the open space and the city’s pathways.

“Canada Day down at the river, maybe a ball game later, bouncing over to Kin Coulee and making some of these pedestrian areas that people can walk and enjoy different views of the river.”

Invest Medicine Hat says over the next 10-20 years the waterfront district will emerge as Medicine Hat’s premier destination.

According to Invest Medicine Hat’s website, “Starting in 2021, Invest Medicine Hat and the City of Medicine Hat will advance infrastructure projects required to connect the Waterfront District to its surrounding neighbourhoods and take the first steps toward revisioning the Waterfront District and downtown.”