I’ve lived in Medicine Hat for five years now. I may not have grown up here, but I’ve come to appreciate what makes this city special. It’s a place where people care about their neighbors, take pride in their surroundings, and value a good quality of life. As someone without children, I see recreation facilities not just as places for families, but as important spaces for health, connection, and community for people of all ages.

The proposed recreation centre in the south end, with an estimated cost between 55 and 70 million dollars, is a significant project. It deserves careful consideration. As a candidate for council, I believe we need to approach this with clear thinking, financial responsibility, and a strong sense of what our community truly needs.

Listening to Residents and Planning Wisely

Public feedback and long-term planning have shown that people in Medicine Hat value accessible and modern recreation spaces. These facilities support physical and mental health, help bring neighborhoods together, and make the city more attractive to newcomers.

At the same time, we need to recognize that our population is aging, and some of our current facilities are underused. We should be making decisions based on today’s realities and tomorrow’s needs, not just past expectations.

Understanding the Facts

Some of our older facilities are nearing the end of their useful life and will require major investment to maintain or replace.

More than half of our population now lives in the south sector, where access to modern recreation is limited.

A new centre could help meet that demand and support future growth in the area.

However, Medicine Hat already has more recreation facilities per person than many similar cities. That puts pressure on our operating budgets and could lead to tough choices down the road.

A large new facility might also mean closing smaller neighborhood amenities, which could affect accessibility and the character of established communities.

My Approach

If elected, I will support a phased and responsible approach to this project. That means moving forward step by step, with clear goals and regular public updates. Here’s what I will focus on:

Public input must continue. We need to hear from residents in all parts of the city, especially those who rely on existing facilities.

We should explore every possible funding option, including grants and partnerships, to reduce the cost to local taxpayers.

We should avoid forcing a choice between new development and maintaining important local amenities. With good planning, we can do both.

Any new facility must be designed to serve everyone, including seniors, people with disabilities, and those living on fixed incomes.

Looking Ahead

This project is about more than bricks and mortar. It’s about what kind of city we want to build for the future. Whether you’re raising a family, enjoying retirement, or just looking for a place to stay active and connected, public spaces matter.

On October 20, I hope to earn your support. Let’s move forward with care, common sense, and a commitment to the people who call Medicine Hat home.