About this project

During thorough public engagement for our Parks and Recreation Master Plan in 2022, Hatters made their stance on the value of recreational opportunities crystal clear. Residents showed a strong interest in developing a plan to address aging recreation facilities, which included eventual replacement.

This led to City Council supporting the creating of the Facilities for the Future plan in 2023, which took a long-term view of aging recreation facilities in the community including addressing:

• 🏒 ice facilities;
• 🏏⚾ recreation centres;
• 🤽‍♀️ both indoor and outdoor pools, and;
• 🌳☀️ destination recreational parks such as Echo Dale Regional Park and Brier Run sports fields.

Then, in 2024, City Council finalized priorities for administration to focus on for the duration of their elected term, focused specifically on the development of a multi-faceted recreation complex on the south side of the community.

City Council had reviewed potential options and the financial impact of constructing a recreation facility on the south side of the community though 2025. Then, at the August 18, 2025, Council meeting, Council supported administration to begin public engagement for the development of an outdoor destination pool and the development of sports fields in Brier Run.

The City is now in the site identification phase for a potential destination outdoor pool experience, which could be paired with a potential new recreation centre on the same site in the future. The construction of Brier Run sports fields builds on the Brier Run Area Structure Plan, which identifies a new mixed-use growth area around the Big Marble Go Centre.

We are excited to embark on a significant public and user group engagement program that will ensure Hatters are part of decision-making process, and for Council to make well-informed decisions on these significant initiatives.

Phase 1: Outdoor Aquatics and Brier Run Sports Fields

Phase 1 could potentially include:

1. 👷‍♂️ Full site purchase with potential future construction of recreation centre on same site as outdoor pool (25.05 acres on 13 Avenue by Hillcrest Church).
2. 🤽‍♀️ Outdoor pool amenity construction, estimated cost of $25M to $35M (subject to scope of amenities and site servicing costs).
3. 🏃‍♀️ Brier Run sports fields development, estimated cost of $15M to $20M.

Administration estimated that this project could cost an estimated ~3.5% to 5% in tax increases, without any third-party funding, as a worst-case scenario. If the project is supported by the community, the City would pursue third-party funding to offset these costs. The estimated tax increase, includes both capital and operating costs, and would be in addition to 5.6% already approved and would exceed City debt limit threshold.

Potential site - 13 Avenue S.E. Outdoor Aquatics

Why an Outdoor Aquatics development (phased Southside Recreation Centre)?

• Allows for a sequenced approach for developing an outdoor and a potential future indoor aquatics facility.
• The community has seen a reduction in number of outdoor aquatics facilities in recent years with the closure of Heald Pool and Heights Pool.
• Outdoor aquatics was identified as a priority in the 2022 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
• An increasing number of communities are constructing similar, large-scale outdoor pools with waterslides, spray decks, lazy rivers, concessions, and other support amenities.
• Given its warm climate, Medicine Hat has a strong history of outdoor aquatics.

Where is this potential site?

Rationale for this site:

• Sufficient size for construction of both an outdoor destination pool as well as a potential recreation centre on the same site.
• Strategic access of adjacent arterial road with little impact on traffic congestion in this area, once built.
• Synergies between outdoor pool and potential future recreation centre if the full site is purchased.
• Immediate proximity to large concentration of the population and adjacent schools.

What might this look like?

These are concepts only, no decisions have been made.

Potential site - Brier Run Sports Fields

Why a Sports Fields development at Brier Run?

• A shortage of sports fields available during peak times is creating additional pressure for current user groups.
• The sports fields are envisioned to potentially include slo-pitch, softball, hardball, cricket, soccer, and rugby with concession services and washrooms.
• Other supporting amenities may include bookable shelters, day use picnic sites, playgrounds, and walking trails.

Where is this potential site?

Rationale for this site:

• Implements the recommendations of the Brier Run Area Structure Plan.
• Supports the recreation use of surrounding lands (Methanex Bowl, Big Marble Go Centre, etc.).
• Ample room for numerous sports fields that can share support amenities like washrooms, storage, parking, etc.

What might this look like?

These are concepts only, no decisions have been made.

What goes into decision making

Decision making for this project is influenced by 1) City Strategy, Policies and Programs; 2) Public Input; and 3) Technical Requirements.

City Strategy, Policies, and Programs

• Council Strategic Priority #4: develop a multi-faceted recreation complex on the south side of the community and determine the future use of existing facilities (detailed in Facilities for the Future Report in 2023).
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2022, identified significant aging facilities that we need to be proactive about.
• Southeast Alberta Economic Opportunity Strategy 2025-2030: Priority 5: Boost the economic impact of regional tourism offerings.

Public Engagement Input

• Your feedback will help City Council and staff better understand resident perspectives on funding, locations, amenities, and priorities for the potential development of these new recreational facilities.
• Public input was also gathered through the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and informs this project.

Technical Requirements

Initial technical site evaluations explored:

• traffic impacts on the surrounding road network;
• parking requirements;
• available site servicing and utility capacity;
• adjacent development, and compatibility of these developments with surrounding development; and
• finding the right location that makes sense considering the location of other similar facilities that will remain.

Phase 1 engagement goals

1. Assess community interest in investing in the development of a Southside Outdoor Aquatics Centre and Brier Run Sports Fields.
2. Ensure the proposed developments and amenities meet the needs of residents and user groups.
3. Better understand potential costs of construction and long-term operations through public input.
4. Provide Council with a clear picture of public views on developing these two projects.

Who is involved

Residents who ultimately support the development and operation through tax rates including residents directly surrounding the proposed locations.

Our patrons. Those who will purchase memberships and participate in planned events, activities, and programs in facilities. This includes residents of regional communities who may use the amenities.

Directly affected user groups, including users of those facilities slated for demolition, repurposing, replacement, sports user groups, associations and clubs, and academic institutions.

Other levels of government, third-party entities, funding partners through grants and joint-use agreements.

How you influence this project

Your feedback will influence this project in these ways:

• 🔍 Understanding resident perspectives on funding for the project.
• 👍👎 Determining the support for the locations chosen for these two projects.
• ❓Establishing what supporting amenities should be included at each site.
• ⬆️ Telling us what aspects of each project are the highest priority and should not be excluded in the event of having to cut some features out.
• ℹ️ Providing City Council the information they need to decide whether these projects are ultimately funded.

How to be involved

Take these actions to be involved:

1. A brief survey ran from September 12-21, 2025 with almost 3,000 respondents. Read the full survey results and summary of engagement outreach.

2. Sign up for our contact list and be entered to win Big Marble Go Centre passes!

3. Attend a meet and greet with project team on Wednesday, September 17.

2 to 4 p.m. at the Medicine Hat Public Library

6 to 8 p.m. at the Big Marble Go Centre

What happens next

On October 6, 2025, City Council approved funding of $3,900,000 for preliminary design of an outdoor aquatics facility on the south side of the community and sports fields in Brier Run (to be funded through capital reserves.) This funding decision was made following the review of the recently completed public survey, which showed relative support to pursue the projects.