By Leah Murray

Fiscal responsibility tops list of strategic priorities for city council

Apr 2, 2018 | 9:17 AM

MEDICINE HAT – City council will be highlighting its strategic priorities for the next four years at a meeting Monday night.

The six priorities include a focus on spending, economic growth, infrastructure and tourism among others.

The biggest goal is fiscal responsibility, meant to reduce Medicine Hat’s reliance on a dividend from the city-owned energy division.

The document suggests council will need to think of the bottom line when making decisions that will impact the short and long-term sustainability of the city.

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To do this, the city will focus on it’s “Financially Fit for the Future” frame work to further reduce the reliance on energy dividend subsidies by $12 million dollars between 2019 and 2022.

The second key priority is dubbed ‘economic vitality’.

During the election last fall, a lot of emphasis was put on economic development and bringing more big business to Medicine Hat.

This priority will focus on “diversifying the economy with increased employment and industry”, along with tourism investment opportunities.

Under this umbrella the city could look to sell off some of it’s land inventory for private development, and ensure policy and procedures make it easy for employers to set up shop here.

The city will also look into the viability of building a pedestrian bridge to connect Police Point Park and Strathcona Island Park.

Other priorities include:

Infrastructure Renewal: “We will focus on managing aging assets to ensure quality and sustainable infrastructure.”

Community Safety and Vibrancy: “We will maintain the safety of our community and continue to build vibrancy and a high quality of life.”

Sunshine Hospitality: “We will capitalize on our recreational, cultural and natural assets to promote our community.”

City Government: “The City increasingly stands out as a well-governed and well-organized municipal corporation with a positive corporate culture.”