Towne Square

Why use a Market Pod?

• Market pods are like having your own storefront!
• Pods have a ‘market feel’ so renters can enjoy the opportunity to network and collaborate.
• The market is located in beautiful downtown Medicine Hat with great traffic access, parking, proximity to coffee shops, retail shops and services.
• Renters can market their pod shop on their social pages to draw even more customers to the site.

Who can rent a Market Pod?

• Available to small retailers, artisans, artists and non-profit or charitable organizations as a vibrant, safe location from which to sell their products to the public.
• Renters do not require a Business License as Towne Square has a blanket business license in effect for revenue generating activities in Towne Square.
• The City reserves the right to restrict market pod rentals to various uses.

Market pod services and amenties

• Eight shipping containers measuring 20’ (w) x 8’ (d) x 8.5 (h) (160 square feet) of retail space available per unit.
• Each unit has a rolling door, a window and vent for air circulation.
• When operational, the rolling door must be fully open.
• Units include a slot wall for displaying goods and/or price lists or other information. All other required items are to be provided by the renter (i.e. display units, sanitizing/cleaning solutions, etc.).
• Units include a fire extinguisher.
• Units have two 15-amp electrical servicing.

• Rental available from Wednesday to Sunday
• Minimum open hours 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday and Saturday, weather permitting
• Rental fee: $50 per week (Wednesday to Sunday)
• Key pick up and payment to be completed at the Esplanade on Tuesdays between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m.
• Key drop off in lock box at the Esplanade before 10 a.m. on Monday

• Use of the market pod is limited to the interior of the market pod and three feet directly in front of the market pod.
• Renters must comply with applicable laws, regulations, bylaws and codes, and obtain and maintain any applicable permits, licenses or other approvals relating to the use of the market pod.
• Sale of food is not permitted in the market pods without special written permission from the City of Medicine Hat. Food vendors will be restricted to product resale only as the units do not support food production. Vendors may be subject to additional requirements from Alberta Health Services.
• Market pods must be kept and maintained in good condition. No alterations, improvements or repairs may be made to the market pod. Any damage to a market pod must be reported to the City within two business days. Any extraordinary mess or damage may result in additional charges to the renter.
• The City may enter the market pod at any time to inspect for compliance or make repairs.
• The City has no liability for any property stored or used in the market pod. The renter agrees to waive any and all claims against the City arising from any potential loss or damage to personal property.
• Anything left behind by a renter following the rental period may be disposed of by the City.
• The renter will ensure that the market pod is under constant supervision. If the renter or a member of the renter’s party is not able to be on site at any given time, the pod must be closed and locked.
• Smoking is not permitted in the market pods.
• Parking is not permitted along First Street SW for loading and unloading purposes.   
• The City may terminate this permit at any time without cause and without penalty upon giving 15 days' notice in writing to the user. In such instances the City will refund any fees paid for the cancelled rental.
• Market pods may be reassigned without notice due to maintenance requirements or unforeseen circumstances.
• The City may terminate this agreement effective immediately if the renter violates any provision of this permit. If terminated, the renter will be responsible for removing any and all personal property and to restore the market pod to its pre-rental state immediately and at the renter’s cost.
• Cancellations or amendments must be received by the rental coordinator a minimum of 7 days in advance of the rental date. Please email townesquare@medicinehat.ca

To be considered, all requests (other than simple market pod rentals) must be:

• received via online application of the ‘Towne Square Event’ request form
• completed by a management representative of the official organization making the request
• inclusive of detailed site/floor map
  • Map detailing the specific locations of activities [including dimensions where applicable], temporary structures such as tents, air-supported structures, etc., exits and entrances, beer gardens, rides, spectators, portable washrooms, stages, seating/bleachers, food services, vendors, fencing, parking/vehicles, first aid stations, emergency vehicle access (6 m clearance), barricades/pylons and signs may be required (see Special considerations below).
• received at least 30 days in advance of the event

All legislation, bylaws and regulations must be adhered to by the Towne Square Event Organizer; including, not but limited to:

• Community Noise Standards Bylaw #4353
• Public Roads Bylaw #4346
• Parks Bylaw #2527
• Land Use Bylaw #4168
• Licensing Bylaw #2339
• Fire Services Regulations for Indoor & Outdoor Special Events
• Outdoor Burning Bylaw #2703
• Alcohol Management Policy
• Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code
• Any applicable permits/licenses/approvals for beverage and food services, sale and consumption of alcohol, discharge of fireworks, etc.

• Open canopy area
• Market pods
• Parking lots
• A modern outdoor venue under a canopy intended for public gatherings, arts and music festivals, holiday celebrations etc.
  • $120 per day
  • $80 per half day (4 hours or less)
  • $15 per day per market pod (with canopy rental)
• Large open areas, typically used for parking, may also be rented to increase footprint of event
  • East parking lot - $100 per day
  • West parking lot - $100 per day (available after 6 p.m. weekdays, and all day Saturday and Sunday)

• Serving/Selling Alcohol
  • The Special Event Organizer is responsible for obtaining a Special Event Liquor License from the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) for the sale of alcohol during the Special Event. For detailed information on Special Event Licences, refer to AGLC’s website. A copy of the Towne Square Events Liquor License issued by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (AGLC) must be submitted to the City Clerk’s office prior to the event. The Liquor License must be posted in a prominent location at the event.
  • The Towne Square Event Organizer must ensure that minors and intoxicated persons are not served alcohol and that the area is under constant supervision and the access is restricted (fenced off).
• Insurance
  • The Towne Square Event Organizer must agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City of Medicine Hat from and against any liability, loss, claims, demands, costs and expenses, legal fees due wholly or in part as a result of any negligence, acts or oversights by the Organizer, its agents, licensees, invitees, contractors, during the use of property or services.
  • Depending on the activities and/or type of Special Event, the City of Medicine Hat will determine the minimum level of Commercial General Liability (CGL) insurance required by the Special Event Organizer with the City of Medicine Hat named as an additional insured and including a Cross Liability clause.
• Business License
  • The City of Medicine Hat has a blanket business license that covers all revenue generating activities on the Towne Square site.
• Equipment (barricades, pylons, signage, tables, chairs)
  • To arrange for the rental of barricades, pylons and signage, please contact City Assets (403-502-8549). The Towne Square Event Organizer is responsible for the pick up and the return of the rented items.
  • If the Event will require tables and/or chairs, the Towne Square Event Organizer will need to arrange or rent privately; the City of Medicine Hat does not have tables and/or chairs to supply or rent for events.
• Portable Washrooms
  • If the event will require portable washrooms, the Towne Square Event Organizer will need to arrange or rent those items from a third-party vendor, as the City of Medicine Hat does not have portable washrooms to supply or rent for events.
• Serving/Selling Food & Beverage
  • The request to serve food and beverages must be identified at the time of application. These services must meet Palliser Health standards and requirements. Please contact Environmental Health Services at 1-888-342-2471 for further information to receive the appropriate approvals/permits/inspections. Copies of any applicable approvals/inspections/permits must be provided prior to the event. Permits must be posted in a prominent location at the event.
  • Food and beverage sold out of the Market Pods is restricted to product resale only. Food must be pre-packaged and not require heating.
• Food Trucks
  • If the Event will require food trucks, the Towne Square Event Organizer will need to arrange for them. A list of active Medicine Hat and area food truck services can be found on the internet.
• Clean Up
  • The Towne Square Event Organizer is responsible for leaving the area clean and litter-free and is responsible for any property damage that may occur during the event.
  • The City of Medicine Hat encourages the recycling of materials such as cans and bottles. The clean up and removal of garbage is to be completed within two hours of the event.
  • The Special Event Organizer may be charged for any clean-up costs incurred by the City of Medicine Hat to restore the location for regular use by the general public following the event.