Activity at Towne Square dropped in 2023 compared to the year previous. (City of Medicine Hat)

By Eli J. Ridder | @EliRidder

‘Fewer, smaller activations’: Towne Square used less in 2023, new report finds

Nov 27, 2023 | 9:34 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Towne Square was used less for events this year despite changes from the city to make it easier and cheaper, according to a staff report coming before a city committee Monday.

Staff in 2022 implemented a number of improvements to promote utilization at the site, specifically the market pods.

Red tape was reduced for the market pods by cutting down a 19-page agreement to a permit that can be filled out online and by dropping the need for additional insurance.

The price for renting the pods was also reduced from $70 per day to $50 per week.

But the changes were not enough to get Towne Square buzzing as staff found it saw “fewer, smaller activations in 2023 than in 2022.”

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Part of the drop in usage could be tied to safety around the square.

Staff visits to the square have increased to make sure the market pods are locked and to see if any extra cleaning needs to take place.

The city has spent money repairing locks and cleaning the pods as several break-ins took place this year. On one occasion, trip wires were discovered in the pods, according to the report.

Individuals have also been found sleeping in the walkway between the pods as well as inside the pods.

Despite a decrease in the number of events, parking utilization increased in 2023, staff reported, including for events at other downtown spaces such as Veterans Memorial Park.

The city found that those using Town Square as a parking space have been “generally positive”, with users appreciative of the free evening and weekend parking.

While there’s an average of three to five casual parkers per day, staff found that May and June saw the highest number of parkers at 160.

The number of permit holders and casual parkers increased in 2023.

City council in 2022 approved a net zero budget of $38,000 for both revenue and expenditures. So far this year, the square has brought in $14,143 in revenue and cost the city $24,949.

The report will be received for information by the Public Services Committee during a meeting Monday afternoon.

The committee will consider next steps, which include consideration over whether to continue the market pods as-is, evolve the pods or stop the market pods initiative entirely.

The city will continue to engage with stakeholders to figure out the best way to use the Town Square space, according to the report.