Over the next 10 to 20 years, this up-and-coming urban village on the South Saskatchewan could play host to 1,000 new housing units, plus new office space and retail opportunities.

While much work remains to be done – community consultation, master planning and development – key pieces of the Waterfront District are already falling into place.

Headquartered in Medicine Hat with projects across Western Canada, New Rock Developments has opened pre-registration for the Alto, modern condo living on the edge of the South Saskatchewan, offering a rooftop patio and easy access to riverside trails connecting to downtown shops, parks and more.

While New Rock is proceeding with the Alto, the City of Medicine Hat is moving ahead with major improvements to the public realm, including rehabilitation of the surface parking lot at 603 First Street and proposed upgrades to Athletic Park.

As the gateway to the Waterfront District, 603 First Street will be transformed into Medicine Hat’s Town Square. Upon completion, the rehabilitated parking lot will provide much-needed off-street parking, while a permanent pop-up market and flexible community space may play host to farmer’s markets, concerts, paddleboard rentals and more.

The project is fully funded, thanks to the Government of Alberta’s Municipal Stimulus Program, which also greenlighted expansion of Gas City Campground, development and extension of Medicine Hat’s extensive trail network, construction of a multi-court pickleball facility and upgrades to Medicine Hat’s BMX track.

Located next door to the Alto, proposed improvements to Athletic Park promise to kick-start redevelopment of the River Flats portion of the Waterfront District. Potential upgrades to the storied ball diamond include wrought iron fencing with brick columns, additional seating and shade canopies.

Longer-term, early-stage plans for the Waterfront District could include enhancements to Riverside Veteran’s Memorial Park, partial closure of River Road and creation of a downtown market commons.

Ultimately, the early-stage vision for the Waterfront District is to better connect the downtown core with the South Saskatchewan River, transform underutilized lands into lively public spaces, all the while bringing commercial and residential development opportunities to the market.

With that in mind, Invest Medicine Hat is seeking input and ideas from residents, investors and entrepreneurs looking to partner on ideas for the Waterfront District. We look forward to hearing from you and can be reached at invest@medicinehat.ca.