Regional Investment Opportunities
COMMUNITY PROFILE – Economic Development Alliance (EDA) Southeast Alberta
OVERVIEW
Southeast Alberta is anchored by the City of Medicine Hat and is approximately 50 kilometres from the Alberta/Saskatchewan
border and 145 kilometres north of the Alberta/Montana border. Smaller centres in the region include Bow Island, the Town
of Redcliff, County of 40 Mile and Cypress County. The region is served by the Trans Canada Highway 1, Crowsnest Highway
3, and Highway 41. Medicine Hat has a population of over 60,000, and with the surrounding area, the region has 78,000
residents.
In addition, Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Suffield is located here and is home to over 1,500 permanent and contract employees. The Base supports military training for the Canadian and British forces, undertakes research for Canada Defense, and supports significant energy services contained on the 1,000 square mile base. It is estimated the Base contributes approximately $126 million annually to the local economy. Significant numbers of senior military and research scientists from around the world visit CFB Suffield annually and typically stay in accommodation facilities in Medicine Hat.
HOSPITALITY
Presently, there are 18 hotels/motels in Medicine Hat, ranging from a 4-star full service hotel to a variety of small
highway motels. The total number of rooms is estimated at 1,500 with occupancy levels ranging from 67% to above 70%
depending on seasonal demand. There are also 120 restaurants ranging from traditional Canadian cuisine to ethnic.
EXISTING ATTRACTIONS
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TOURISM STATISTICS
The Medicine Hat Visitor Information Centre (VIC) receives an average of 16,000 visitors annually. Travel to the VIC
is typically by car and the majority of tourists to the VIC are visiting friends and relatives. Due to location and
distance from other major centres such as Calgary and Regina, Medicine Hat sees considerable visitation related to
business and industry. Of particular note is the number of visitors (national and international) associated with
activities at CFB Suffield.
COMMUNITY WEBSITE
To learn more about EDA Southeast Alberta, please visit
www.edalliance.ca
To learn more about Medicine Hat, please visit www.medicinehat.ca
TOURISM INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY – HOTEL DEVELOPMENT
OVERVIEW
Southeast Alberta has a diverse economy made up of the energy (oil/gas) sector, agriculture and manufacturing. The
diverse industry base has supported a strong accommodation sector. There is, however, very limited conference/convention
capacity currently available in Medicine Hat despite growing demand. New accommodation built in recent years (+300 rooms)
has concentrated on limited service hotels, with none offering comprehensive banquet/conference facilities and services.
SITES
Three potential sites have been identified for a new, full-service hotel with conference facilities.
The first two sites would provide a hotel with excellent visibility and convenient access off of Highway 1, with nearby
shopping and restaurant amenities.
| OPTION 1 | |
| Size: | 5 parcels ranging from 1.56 to 2.13 acres; however, subdivision is not finalized yet, so land sizes can be reconfigured to meet specified requirements |
| Location: | Southeast corner of Medicine Hat (near Black & White Trail SE) |
| Permitted Uses: | Zoned direct control, the City of Medicine Hat will approve projects in this area |
| Zoning Issues: | Final subdivision has not been approved, so lot sizes could be reconfigured to suit tenant |
| Construction costs will depend on size and type of facility the developer decides to build. | |
| OPTION 2 | |
| Size: | 4.34 acres bordering the Trans Canada Highway, Medicine Hat |
| Location: | Southeast corner of Medicine Hat (Black & White Trail SE) |
| Permitted Uses: | C3 - General Commercial District |
| Zoning Issues: | None |
| Construction costs will depend on the size and type of facility the developer decides to build. Road access to the site needs to be completed, and while services are in the area, they will need to be extended to the site chosen for development. | |
A third potential site for a hotel opportunity exists in the downtown area of Medicine Hat. This corner parcel is situated at a key downtown intersection, facing north and west with spectacular open views of the South Saskatchewan River. The property is situated diagonally across from City Hall and directly across from the historic Riverside Veterans Memorial Park. The picturesque Finlay Bridge extends north from the intersection across the river to accommodate local automobile traffic, bicycle and pedestrian pathways.
| OPTION 3 | |
| Size: | 0.754 acres |
| Location: | Downtown area of Medicine Hat (603 First Street SE) |
| Permitted Uses: | Classified DC (Direct Control), the City of Medicine Hat will approve projects in this area |
| Zoning Issues: | None |
| Construction costs will depend on size and type of facility the developer decides to build. | |
PROPOSED DRAW
The occupancy rates for the accommodation industry have been strong for a number of years. Demand is anticipated to
continue at current levels and in fact grow as the Canadian Badlands Ltd. rolls out its marketing plan in the near
future. Demand for accommodation is also expected to grow as projects and programs expand at CFB Suffield. The City of
Medicine Hat has plans to build a sport and events centre with seating capabilities of up to 8,000 and preliminary
designs have been started.
CONTACT INFORMATION
For more information regarding this opportunity, please contact Scott Martin.
Phone: (780) 415-8827 or Email: scott.martin@gov.ab.ca
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