Final open house on Riverside Corridor Enhancement Project draws input in Medicine Hat

“When we first brought the conceptual design forward at the Big Marble Go Centre, we were a little ambitious in saying, this is what’s possible,” Bohan said.

“So we learned our lesson, and we’ve come back, we’ve listened to the community, we’ve listened to different folks in the neighbourhood,” he added.

“What we’ve come to understand is that we need to soften the changes and the new design reflects that.”

Bohan said city staff were encouraged by the turnout and the level of public interest in the project.

The city has spent time gathering input from residents, elected officials and businesses along the corridor, many of whom have raised concerns about traffic flow, safety and the impact of potential changes.

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(Image Credit: Jett Schwaier/CHAT News)

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Among the city’s priorities are replacing the deteriorating roadway, improving traffic and pedestrian safety and upgrading aging water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure.

“The road needs to be rehabilitated; it’s essentially falling apart, [and] the roadbed needs to be replaced. So number one, the road needs to be replaced,” Bohan said.

“In the context of doing that road replacement, we must do something to address the safety of pedestrians, the safety of drivers and the safety of other road users in the community.”

The design currently on display represents a 50 per cent design stage, as city staff will continue gathering feedback through public surveys, direct meetings with businesses and planned door-to-door outreach with residents.

“So once that’s done, we’re going to come back and integrate any other changes or address any of the other concerns, and we’re going to [allow council] to tell us what it is that they would approve,” Bohan said.

Officials expect to refine the design over the coming months before presenting a recommended option to council this fall.

If approved, detailed engineering work would continue through the winter, with construction potentially beginning next year.

Bohan said the city wants residents to seek information directly from project staff and participate in the consultation process.

“We’re here to try and bring the facts to the public so that they can really understand what’s coming forward,” Bohan said.

“I encourage folks to fill out the survey online, and come ask us, come and talk to us.”

The city says feedback collected through the engagement process will be used to further refine the project before a final design is brought before council for approval.

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READ: City of Medicine Hat launches second phase of public engagement for Riverside Corridor Enhancement Project

by Jett Schwaier

Final open house on Riverside Corridor Enhancement Project draws input in Medicine Hat

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