Jett Schwaier/CHAT News

By Jett Schwaier

CITY HALL

Medicine Hat council has decided on whether to demolish the Riverside School building on Monday’s meeting

Dec 9, 2025 | 2:29 AM

A public hearing took place at the Medicine Hat city council meeting on Dec. 8, 2025, with the Superintendent of Planning, Jim Genge, and Intermediate Planner Rebecca Arabsky proposing to demolish the former Riverside School through a presentation.

Following the hearing, the council approved a motion stating that the developmental permit application for the demolition of the former Riverside School Building. Subject to the conditions in the request for decisions.

The requests for decisions were displayed in the presentation, including:

1. Ensure completion of the demolition project
2. Ensure code compliance with regard to locating and disconnecting any affected utilities
3. Set a 1-year time frame for completion of demolition
4. Ensure a properly cleared and graded site
5. Ensure demolition activities comply with all relevant regulations

During the public hearing, Genge said the school is not a protected heritage resource and has deteriorated beyond what was envisioned.

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However, Genge said the developer intends to salvage certain features, including artwork and masonry pieces, for a future commemorative display.

Brad Wenzel, speaking for the applicant, said engineering assessments show the building cannot be restored due to mold, water damage and structural issues.

Wenzel said demolition would include safety measures such as asbestos removal and dust control.

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READ: Medicine Hat council is set to make a decision to demolish the former Riverside School building

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Members of the audience at the meeting supported the proposal, saying the building is no longer usable and new homes would benefit the neighbourhood.

One speaker in particular, David Batista, said the property should be preserved for community use and urged the council to reject or delay the application and provided pictures to make his point clear.

An intense discussion between the councillors followed, as clarification was needed for the council to make any decisions.

A delegation was made during the meeting by the Executive Director of Tourism Medicine Hat, the Destination Marketing Organization, Jace Anderson, on the 2025 Mid-Year Report.

All recommendations to the 2026 Utility Rate Bylaw Amendments, 2026 Energy Production, and the 2026 Land and Real Estate Budget Amendment.

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READ: Medicine Hat City Council expected to make decision on Riverside School demolition and several other items on Monday

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Amendments to the Procedure Bylaw 4867 will get a second and third reading.

Council has appointed Councillor Bill Cocks as the City Representative on the Inter-City Forum on Social Policy.

The next council meeting is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 15, 2025.