Downtown boutique hotel ‘a great step’ to boost growing tourism sector

“We aren’t trying to be something we are not. We are certainly not fixating on whether or not we are the Rockies or offer what theRockies offer or whether or not we are a big city centre and offer what those cities offer. Instead, we are focused on understanding what exists in our community now, what our visitors are enjoying and what our residents are enjoying and promoting that,” Anderson said.

The historic downtown is one aspect Tourism Medicine Hat actively promotes and Anderson says there is one piece that is missing that would really bolster tourism attraction to the area: a boutique hotel.

“[It would bring] the opportunity for the traveller to both spend their time in the downtown and to stay in the downtown as well. It is just an opportunity that we do not have in a consistent space right now in Medicine Hat, ” he said.

A couple of years ago developers proposed putting up a boutique hotel at 603 First St. But the deal crashed and city council voted to support the construction of the Towne Square using municipal stimulus funding.

Anderson says the Towne Square, while not a hotel, will still offer benefits for tourists and residents alike.

” Towne Square is an area for activation, and so the intent behind something like that is, a gathering place for the community for both the locals, residents and visitors to mingle together,” he said.

Anderson made his pitch at Monday’s city council meeting and Coun. Cassi Hider, who also sits on the tourism board says she is excited for the vision

“We have an amazing ambassador for tourism in Medicine Hat, and that’s Jace Anderson and he has done a remarkable job for this community and across southeastern Alberta. After we have come out of the pandemic, and how they have survived as an economy, tourism itself is going to be something great,” she said.

by Tiffany Goodwein

Downtown boutique hotel ‘a great step’ to boost growing tourism sector

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