The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce says the commemorative sign acknowledges the history of that portion of Sixth Avenue Southeast. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

By Eli J. Ridder

IN THE CITY

Medicine Hat chamber marks 125th anniversary with ‘Commerce Way’ sign

May 29, 2025 | 11:20 PM

A commemorative Commerce Way street sign was unveiled Thursday evening for the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce’s 125th year of operation, marking over a century spent in Medicine Hat advocating for businesses.

The portion of Sixth Avenue Southeast that received the permanent secondary name has long been home to businesses and city buildings throughout history and today, chamber officials said.

Chamber president Steven Pudwell said the new name acknowledges that history and its ground-up approach to collaboration and advocacy.

“The chamber continues to be a grassroots, not-for-profit business network built for business (by) business,” Pudwell said.

Steven Pudwell acknowleged the history of commerce on Sixth Avenue Southeast. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

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“We encourage everyone to adopt the concept of Commerce Way as we unveil the new road going forward.”

Sixth Avenue Southeast between First Street Southeast and Fifth Street Southeast will receive the decorative moniker.

The organization is also hosting an annual conference for chambers of commerce from across Alberta until Saturday.

Lisa Dressler, the chamber’s executive director, said having the conference in Medicine Hat is a positive economic impact.

Executive Director Lisa Dressler speaks before the new Commerce Way sign is unveiled on Thursday. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

“It also provides the opportunity for us to showcase what we have to offer to the business community and business leaders across the province,” Dressler told reporters at the street sign unveiling.

“That was the reason we really wanted to host the conference here, why we decided to bid on the conference; be able to commemorate our 125th anniversary but also to really showcase our community.”

Commerce Way was officially opened on Thursday evening. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

The process to get the sign started over a year ago.

In November 2023, the chamber — known then as the Medicine Hat Chamber of Commerce — submitted a request for Commerce Way.

The ask moved on to the Municipal Names Committee where it was met with approval considering the history of the area and its present-day occupants.

In May 2024, the chamber confirmed its acceptance of the recommendation and requested that council consider the naming request in early 2025, according to a staff report.

Council granted unanimous approval for the project in March.

The chamber was to pay for the approximately $1,700 to change the signs, the report said.

Commerce Way is an informal name and will not result in an official address change for those who live or run a business on the street.