The Towne Square was a popular site for the city's block parties over the summer. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

By Eli J. Ridder

Medicine Hat’s downtown sea cans may soon be gone

Oct 17, 2024 | 6:29 PM

The sea cans that create a space frequently visited by unsheltered and vulnerable people in Medicine Hat’s Towne Square may soon be gone if council approves a staff proposal expected to come forward in November.

The city’s manager of cultural experiences and events Aaron Nelson told a council committee this week the pods aren’t being used for the right purposes. Even when they are, it’s a tough sell.

“We are finding that some folks are using Town Square to sleep at night, and that can be quite unsafe,” Nelson told CHAT News as he pointed out the alley-like sightlines created by what some have dubbed “tin-can alley”.

The pods are also not popular for their intended use.

“The market pods are suboptimal for what we’re trying to do with them,” he said, explaining that vendors were only in the pods for 80 hours this year.

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People passing the sea cans are unable to see inside unless they are passing right in front of the door.

They also aren’t regulated well for temperature, Nelson said.

“They’re incredibly hot on a hot day. They really only work on days that are maybe above 15 degrees because there’s no aid pack or heating.”

Ross Lavigne/CHAT News

The City of Medicine Hat has spent over $20,000 on cleaning the site. Now it will cost the city about $20,000 to move the pods out of the square.

However, Nelson insists the square has generally been a success.

The parking lot has made nearly $30,000 this year, numbers only tampered by downtown construction.

“If anybody remembers what this place looked like, say, six years ago, it was a very different place,” Nelson said.

“Now we have this excellent, safe, well-lit parking area. The sunshade is amazing and you’ll see many people having lunch and spending time under here during the summer,” he added.

“Town Square is very successful for what it is.”