Warren Pister running for city council

On the proposed Waterfront District which was unveiled during the State of the City, Pister said he has his share of concerns, including the development incentives offered by the city.

“I believe there is more information that needs to be brought forward. I don’t believe that we need to be subsidizing developers and development at the cost of tax dollars. Our tax dollars could be better used to benefit the city as a whole,” he said.

Pister added that while the concept of the Waterfront District seems great, he has concerns about the safe flow of traffic, the proposed closure of River Road and changing Finlay Bridge into a pedestrian bridge.

The transformation of the district began in early July as shovels hit the ground at the parking lot at 603 First Street.

As a former first responder, he also takes issue with some of the design concepts around the river

“Steps down to the water seems to me a bit of a dare against Mother Nature, as beautiful as it would be to look at and enjoy from a scenery point, offering that ability to sit close to the water. But our river is not the most friendliest lady that runs through this town. She has taken lives. She has posed great dangers,” he said.

Pister said he would also like to see complete transparency from the city surrounding the development of the district for the sake of the city’s taxpayers.

“I don’t think in-camera meetings are fair to the citizens of Medicine Hat. We have no reason to be secretive about projects that have been tabled. We need to say to the people of Medicine Hat. Come forward, take part in our meetings,” he said.

Pister said he also has concerns about Invest Medicine Hat after CHAT News discovered Jason Melhoff, the city’s managing director, is registered to place a bid for the new private contract under his own company.

“Do we allow Invest Medicine Hat to not only just continue, but to allow it to go forward in a different manner that is going to be having the citizens of Medicine Hat suspicious of them? I would have to say that for me there are some red flags that come up. I am not confident with how it is being proposed,” he said.

The Municipal Election is Oct. 18.

by Tiffany Goodwein

Warren Pister running for city council

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