Downtown construction underway in Medicine Hat as city replaces century old pipes

There has been extensive communication with business owners in the area from both the city and the contractor Hamm Construction leading up to the project which will be completed in five stages.

Stephanie Sissons, owner of DYL Fashions on Third Street S.E. said she is happy with how the city has approached the project.

“When I went to the city to listen to their open house, I felt confident about what they were going to do,” Sissons said.

“It is necessary. If we don’t do this, we’re going to have so many more issues,” she added.

Sissons believes the city has learned from issues with prior projects and feels this one should go smoother.

“It’s something that you dread being down here, knowing that it is going to happen eventually and with the horror that did go on with Second Street,” Sissons said.

“I believe they learned and that they’re going to do a better job this time.”

John Foubert, owner of Sound Lovers Audio Video on Third Street was initially nervous when hearing about the project.

“There was a lot of anxiety with a lot of unknowns initially with how they were going to execute, because it’s a sizable portion of the downtown they’re doing,” Foubert said.

“Then they came and they clarified their plans that they were going to do it in sections, open it, compete it, close it before they move on, and gave us a road map. That really dealt with a lot for me.”

Foubert has confidence in the project.

“I hear good things about the company that was awarded the contract. The city’s been superb. Communication has been clear, on time. Nobody is hiding in the weeds or anything like that,” Foubert said.

“So far, it’s all pluses. I’ve got to give them the benefit of the doubt right?”

Sissons said she has confidence her customers will still show up during construction.

“We have to believe that our customers want to make the walk and that we will be worth it for them,” Sissons said.

“I guess what I would ask for the downtown businesses and the people who are shopping down here, let’s just get through it,” she added.

“Let’s be patient. Let’s be optimistic. When it’s over, we’re going to have this beautiful street.”

Concrete curbs and sidewalks will also be replaced in areas throughout the project.

The first of five stages of construction has begun at the intersection of Second St. S.E. and Sixth Ave. S.E. with completion expected in early May.

The second stage of work will be at the intersection of Third St. S.E. and Fifth Ave. S.E. running from early May to early June.

The 200 block of Sixth Ave. S.E. will see construction between early June and early July.

The 600 block of Third St. S.E. up to Sixth Ave. S.E. will see work from late June to early August.

The 2024 downtown construction season will wrap up with the 500 block of Third St. S.E. to and inclusive of the Sixth Ave. intersection from early August to late October.

A section including the 300 block of Sixth Ave. S.E. inclusive of the Fourth St. S.E. intersection will see construction completed in 2025 pending budget approval.

Traffic delays can also be expected on Altawana Drive up to Crescent Heights and Division Avenue on the South East Hill with construction projects in those areas.

by Jesse Gill

Downtown construction underway in Medicine Hat as city replaces century old pipes

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