Medicine Hat council advances recreation, water and housing plans
Council also made Joe Hutter's interim city manager role permanent and approved historic designation for the Baker-Spalding Block.
Medicine Hat City Council voted 8-1, with Coun. Cheryl Phaff opposed, to advance the Facilities for the Future recreation renewal initiative. The plan directs administration to negotiate land acquisition in the city's south end for recreation amenities, restart preliminary design on a south-side outdoor aquatics project, explore provincial and federal funding, advance planning in the Brier Run area, and build a long-term framework for recreation investment. The previous council had approved a $3.9-million budget for the initiative, and the current council is looking to trim that by $1 million while pursuing the same steps.
Council unanimously backed a resolution from Coun. Chris Hellman on protecting water sources and quality, directing staff to continue work on the city's Water Management and Adaptation Strategy, covering drought and flood resilience, stormwater quality and infrastructure reliability. The mayor will send a letter to provincial and federal officials urging transparent, evidence-based assessments and consultation with downstream municipalities on upstream activities affecting water resources.
Council also voted unanimously to make Joe Hutter's interim city manager role permanent effective Sept. 15, after he had held the position since January. Members approved updates to the city's cybersecurity, IT acceptable use and health and safety policies.
Three rezoning applications received first reading: row housing at 22 Sierra Green SW, conversion of the Ranchmen Hotel at 535 16th Street SW into apartments, and conversion of the Sun Dek Motel at 855 Gershaw Drive SW into long-term, low-income housing. Council also passed all three readings designating the Baker-Spalding Block as a municipal historic resource and began the process to similarly designate the Cypress Club.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.