Mayor Linnsie Clark addresses attendees at the annual State of the City event on Jan. 24, 2023. (Photo Courtesy Bob Schneider)

By Chris Brown

an increase of about 75 per cent

City targets major population growth by 2043

Jan 24, 2023 | 4:28 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Mayor Linnsie Clark has an ambitious goal for Medicine Hat’s population growth over the next two decades, aiming for it to be in the six figures.

“We are targeting a population of 110,000 by 2043,” Clark told the at the annual State of the City address on Monday.

That represents an increase of about 75 per cent from the 63,000 population counted in the 2021 federal census. You can view Clark’s entire speech below.

In its second full year, council is starting by setting out the long-term vision to tie together its strategic plan with actions and budgets to align with that lens.

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“So we know there’s a lot of work to do to kind of define how does one grow,” she told reporters after the address. “And we’re hoping that Strong Towns will help with that, we’re doing a regional economic development strategy that’s going to be really key, and of course the Rural Renewal Stream. Our successful application there is going to bring labour into the community and help build out our population.”

Part of setting the stage for the hoped for growth will come through participation in the Strong Towns Community Action Lab. It works with communities to advocate for good city planning in areas like transportation, residential neighbourhoods, active transportation and city infrastructure – all with a focus on fiscal sustainability and overall community wealth.

Clark says that even though there will be changes in council and administration between now and 2043, she believes this is a plan any future council or administration would be on board with.

She says her council doesn’t want to experience paralysis by analysis and that incremental innovation can happen continuously.

“We want to set out frameworks to create a great foundation for the next council and our community. But that does not mean that we’re not going to continue to innovate and take those little steps that improve the quality of people’s lives in Medicine Hat.”

Innovation, economic evolution, community wellness and resilience and sustainability are some of council’s priority areas identified as part of the purposeful growth plan.

Clark also said the city will host more town halls this year to share information, get feedback and engage with citizens face-to-face.