Hanna Council: Downtown redevelopment project update

Discussions were held on the progress of the downtown redevelopment project and business compensation at the regular Hanna council meeting July 9.

Construction on the first phase began on June 17, but work was halted by rain on June 27, resuming on July 2.

Phases two and three will follow, each expected to last six to eight weeks, with phase three starting in early mid-September.  All properties in phase one are on temporary water.

Contaminants found around the first street intersection and east to Shortgrass Cannabis have been removed.  Subsequent testing revealed no additional contamination.

“Environment consultants indicated we were free to move forward,” said Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Kim Neill, adding there is “no concern about contaminants.”

The project is progressing from west to east, with service lines being run to each property as the main lines are installed.  CAO Neill noted that four services remain, and pressure testing of the lines is expected to start soon after.

Sidewalks will be removed, curbs and conduits for street lights installed, and the area filled with fill-crete.  Concrete would then be poured which as noted by Neill would need some time to set before use.

“We are getting to a point now where we will probably have a little bit of inconvenience to businesses for a day or two,” said CAO Neill, acknowledging the challenge of finding a convenient time to do the work.

“There may be times in the next week when people won’t have access to the front doors of businesses.”

Business compensation

Coun. Kyle Olsen requested a discussion on providing compensation to downtown businesses impacted by the construction.  Olsen suggested a tax exemption as a sign of good faith, requiring building owners to apply for tax relief and possibly pass it on to business operators.  Businesses would need an active business licence to qualify.

Coun. Vern Thuroo suggested one month of tax relief as compensation, while Olsen proposed compensation based on proof of financial loss compared to 2023.

Other councillors expressed concerns about examining business books and suggested compensation should go to businesses rather than building owners. Coun. Angie Warwick emphasized the difficulty of proving significant loss and suggested compensation be based on good faith.

Coun. Sandra Murphy agreed, noting discomfort with examining business finances.  Coun. Sandra Beaudoin mentioned that some businesses chose to close, making a tax break more sensible.

Council motioned to direct administration to draft a business compensation plan for review.

Road rehabilitation

The grant application to Alberta Transportation’s Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program was unsuccessful but the Town of Hanna plans to submit a second application in fall 2024.

“I’m not hanging my hat on getting the funding,” stated CAO Neill.

Bridge replacement

The inspection of the Pioneer Trail bridge in the fall of 2023 showed continued deterioration of 11 girders.

A grant application for $1.4 million to Alberta Transportation’s Local Bridge Component was successful and the bridge replacement will be combined with the Pioneer/Palliser Trail Rehabilitation project expected to be completed in 2025.

Dog problem

Tracy Raypold, municipal enforcement officer, reported ongoing issues with barking dogs and dogs that are ‘off-leash’, posing a safety risk and that many residents have expressed concern of being approached by off-leash dogs who act aggressively.

As noted in Raypold’s report, dog owners must have dogs leashed on public sidewalks and are not allowed in Memorial Park, Hector King Hunter Park or in playground areas without a leash.

Coun. Warwick suggested a dog park but Raypold expressed concerns about increased dog attacks, bites and compliance with clean-up and enforcement.  “There are a lot of things to consider,” she said.

Cheryl Bowman
Multimedia reporter
ECA Review

About the author

Cheryl Bowman

Cheryl spent most of her childhood in Stettler, growing up on a quarter section north of town. After graduating from Stettler Composite High School she moved to Calgary where she worked in various industries, attended The University of Calgary and raised a family.

She enjoyed volunteering and contributed in a variety of ways, such as writing articles for the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and covering charitable events as a photographer.

She moved back to Stettler in 2023 where she still has family.