Public Services Committee - New Medalta Director Priorities; Crestwood Pool Closure Extended

New Medalta Director Charts Course for Historic Jewel; Crestwood Pool Closure Extended

MEDICINE HAT – In her first presentation to the city's Public Service Committee, Jessica Whitford, the new executive director of Medalta, outlined a vision of preservation, accessibility, and growth for the nationally significant historic site, while also revealing a major setback for one of its expansion projects.

Whitford, who has been in the role for six weeks, presented the organization's 2024 annual report on Tuesday, highlighting a year of maintenance and transition alongside strong financial health.

A key focus of the discussion was the new operational relationship with the City of Medicine Hat. Whitford expressed strong appreciation for the new model, which began in 2025.

"Up until 2024, Medalta was receiving a cash donation for the operational needs of the organization," Whitford explained. "From 2025 onward... the upkeep and preservation of the buildings is going to be undertaken by the city."

This work is based on a four-year facilities plan valued at approximately $4 million, developed in 2020. Current projects include roofing and electrical work on the main museum building, with plans next year for work on the admin building and gift shop.

The report showed a positive year for the clay district, with about 22,500 visitors, increased attendance in educational and artists-in-residency programs, and a successful events calendar. Financially, the organization received a significant boost from its long-time partner, Plainsman Clays, which increased its annual contribution from $400,000 to $600,000.

However, Whitford also delivered sobering news about a key development project. A feasibility study for the Highcroft China building, funded by Tourism Alberta and conducted by Lord Cultural Resources, was cut short.

"They've actually determined that our development plans for that site are not feasible for the organization and for the size of the city in which we live," she reported, putting ambitious plans for that property on hold.

Looking ahead, Whitford identified several immediate priorities:

Paving the Gravel Lot: Championing the paving of the site's gravel parking lot to improve accessibility and appeal, especially with Medalta set to be a venue for the 2025 Special Olympics.

Navigating Grant Funding: Solving a "conundrum" on how to access provincial and federal heritage grants, which require the recipient to spend the funds first. With the City now directly paying for preservation, Medalta cannot access these matching funds.

Improving Signage: Addressing inadequate signage directing visitors to the Historic Clay District, which currently only exists for those entering the city from Redcliff on Highway 1.

City councillors responded with praise for Medalta and its new director.

Councillor Robert Dumanowski, a former Medalta board member, called the site "an incredible jewel" and commended the organization for stretching every dollar. "The amount of work, effort, and energy that's gone into Medalta over the years... has been absolutely nothing short of tremendous," he said.

Councillor Ramona Robins, reflecting on her travels, noted how unique attractions like Medalta draw visitors to a city and appreciated the "hard work to make sure that continues to happen."

The committee universally supported Whitford's aspiration list, particularly the paving project, which Councillor Dumanowski noted has been requested "since I was there."

Whitford concluded her portion by emphasizing her goal to uphold Medalta as a valuable asset and a storyteller of the region's past and future, inviting collaboration from the community and all levels of government to secure its legacy.

Crestwood Rec Centre Pool Closure Update

Following the Medalta presentation, the committee received a verbal update on the ongoing closure of the pool at the Crestwood Rec Centre.

Director James Will reported that a combustion blower, a key component of the boiler, failed on Saturday, August 30th. Despite immediate efforts by the Facilities Management team, a replacement part was required.

The part was ordered with an initial delivery estimate of 12-14 days. Staff are attempting to secure air freight to expedite the process. Depending on the delivery timing, the pool is anticipated to reopen the week of September 15th.

To mitigate the impact, the City has taken several steps:

• Partially reopened the Kinsman Aquatic Park at the Big Marble Go Centre ahead of schedule.

• Extended the closure of the Hill Pool until the end of the day Friday, September 5th, to accommodate lane swimmers, aqua fit classes, and the Wave Swim Club.

• Crestwood Rec Centre memberships are being honoured at both the Big Marble Go Centre and the Hill Pool during the closure.