(Tiffany Goodwein/CHATNEWSToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

University of Calgary students present ideas for North Railway revitalization

Jun 21, 2022 | 12:57 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Students at the University of Calgary’s School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape got to put their teachings to practice Monday night, by presenting concepts for what North Railway could look like, revitalized.

Two out of six groups took to the podium. The students first studied the North Railway area for two days back in May and quickly noted some key findings.

“There are a large number of buildings that have quickly fallen into disrepair, and in multiple areas the sidewalks have been dilapidated to where they are not accessible to all populations anymore. There are a good number of social services available in the North Railway district itself. But there were only four public trash bins that were identified and the rest were provided by independent businesses, and this reveals not just a lack of amenity but a lack of spaces for pedestrians in the area,” said student Corrine Osmanski.

Osmanski’s group presented a concept that included a meandering pathway which would separate vehicle from pedestrian traffic, and an area that would promote microfarming and tourism.

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“Our project mostly surrounds food security while also bringing tourism in the area. We want the residents of Medicine Hat to have a sense of community, a sense of place, as well as have this unique experience that is truly their own,” she said.

The second group envisioned North Railway with urban design interventions like a pedestrian overpass, train crossings, and more pedestrian crossings along Maple Avenue.

Student Maru Kim said the ultimate goal of their concept is to boost property values in the area, and further investment attraction.

“Fundamentally we wanted to increase the property value of the area so that the project would have a cascading effect on the neighbourhood that perpetuates itself in encouraging developers, or the city to develop new buildings,” he said.

North Railway has been acknowledged by city staff as an area that has struggled in recent years. Last year business owners called for greater supports amid social issues and crime in the neighbourhood. Still, these Architecture, Planning and Landscape Students believe it is possible to strike a happy balance between development and the social sector.

“I think the first thing is you can’t shy away from what those issues are. The social issues in your community need to be addressed first and foremost because your citizens and your residents should be the most important to you. So getting that food security, getting a place to live and belonging is really integral to making people feel secure,” Osmanski said

During the meeting, council expressed their appreciation for the fresh ideas.

The student projects were all part of a collaboration between the City and the University of Calgary.

The city said portions of the designs may be used in the City Centre Area Redevelopment plan which is currently in the works.

All of the designs will be available for viewing at the Esplanade.