Security improvements pending at City Hall
City Hall will undergo changes to public access as part of an ongoing effort to ensure the safety of staff and visitors, and to address growing concerns related to security, safety and appropriate use of the facility.
Medicine Hat – City Hall will undergo changes to public access as part of an ongoing effort to ensure the safety of staff and visitors, and to address growing concerns related to security, safety and appropriate use of the facility.
As of June 3, public visitors to City Hall will access the building exclusively via the west entrance. Public elevator access will be limited to the main floor or the parkade with security staff offering directions and assisting those meeting City staff for appointments. Free public parking will remain available in the underground parkade and public washrooms on the main floor will remain open for public use during business hours.
“Our goal is to maintain appropriate public access to the required services while considering the safety of staff and members of the public,” said Managing Director of Corporate Services, Dennis Egert. “Many in our community access City Hall to conduct business. We want them to feel welcome and comfortable while ensuring that the facility is used appropriately.”
Earlier in 2024, the City of Medicine Hat relocated the security desk to improve sightlines, and future efforts will see other physical changes to City Hall, including the installation of secure doors that will restrict public access to staff work areas.
“These changes are a temporary measure to provide a safer facility, and to accommodate the upcoming construction and installations,” said Jeff Hoglund, Director of Fleet, Facilities and Asset Management. “Like all security measures, this is scalable to increase or decrease depending on the current situation and risks.”
Patrons can expect to be greeted and provided with direction to the appropriate department and area by security staff. All departments will be open throughout these changes and will continue to provide service to the community, though general access to the facility and public areas may be restricted during any construction activity.
“All of these changes align with best practices in access and security controls in other federal, provincial and municipal government facilities,” added Egert. “City Hall is a public building, though there is still an obligation to provide a safe working environment for staff – and to ensure members of the public feel a sense of security and privacy while interacting with City employees."
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