Medicine Hat Minute: Issue 202

Medicine Hat Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Medicine Hat politics

📅 This Week In Medicine Hat: 📅

• Today, at 3:45 pm, there will be a Public Services Committee meeting. The Committee will review the 2024 Annual State of Parks and Recreation report. The City’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan outlines 51 government-led action items to be completed over a one-to-seven-year period. The report highlights significant progress, with many foundational projects completed, including new programs like Adopt-A-Tree, expanded low-barrier recreation options, and upgrades to Echo Dale Campground. Key initiatives such as the Facilities for the Future project, trail safety improvements, and a comprehensive recreation index have advanced. However, a large number of action items remain in-progress or upcoming, with 2025 expected to see major developments in areas like urban forestry, environmental mapping, event booking improvements, and expanded recreation opportunities. A “Pay-What-You-Will” pilot was deemed unsuccessful, with City officials concluding that low-cost models and partnerships offer better value. Challenges like stakeholder engagement fatigue and limited advertising reach have hindered broader public participation.
  
  
• Later today, at 6:30 pm, Council’s Committee of the Whole will meet. The agenda includes a presentation on the City’s Transportation Master Plan. The Plan includes the Active Transportation Strategy and Transportation Safety Strategy. Key components include improving transit, expanding active transportation options like walking and cycling, and enhancing road safety with a goal of reducing severe collisions by 50% by 2035. The plan does not include immediate budget approvals or guaranteed funding. Instead, recommended projects and programs will be proposed during future City Council budget cycles. Interestingly, the City is recognizing the growing role of private ride-sharing companies in supplementing transit services, particularly during off-peak hours to reduce system costs. Rather than viewing ride-sharing as competition, the City is looking at it as a complementary service that can support paratransit and improve first/last mile accessibility. Future plans include exploring greater integration between ride-sharing and transit to enhance service efficiency and accessibility.
  
  
• The City is considering creating an arms-length corporation to manage its energy assets. The one-time setup cost is estimated at $4 to $5 million, with annual operating costs of $2-3 million. The goal is to separate the City's political leadership from the management of energy rates in order to maximize value for taxpayers while ensuring fair and competitive pricing. A third-party review has suggested the creation of a Rate Review Committee, which would include technical experts and elected officials to ensure transparency. Despite concerns from some Council members about the potential for high executive pay and the corporation’s alignment with public interests, staff emphasized that the corporation would still be accountable to the City.
  
  
• Speaking of the energy proposal, the Medicine Hat Utilities Ratepayer Association (MHURA) is urging City Council to delay any major decisions about restructuring the City's energy business until after the upcoming civic election, arguing that residents should have a say through their vote. Mayor Linnsie Clark supports postponing the decision, citing the need for more public engagement, while some Councillors, like Alison Van Dyke, believe acting now allows more time for meaningful consultation. MHURA remains skeptical, stating that too many details are still unclear and not publicly shared. A public consultation phase, including a legally required hearing, is expected to begin after a Council vote on May 20th.
  
  
• The City of Medicine Hat has decided to pull $520,000 from its reserve funds to avoid increasing this year’s planned property tax rate beyond the already scheduled 5.6%. This decision came after a decrease in the tax assessment base. Without tapping into reserves, the tax increase would have risen to 6.2%. While Council members were reluctant to dip into savings meant for future needs, they agreed it was necessary to prevent higher taxes. The city’s stagnant population and business growth are seen as underlying issues, and Councillors expressed hopes for more industry and job creation.
  
  
• Councillor Shila Sharps is proposing changes to the City's Public Code of Conduct to allow residents to file complaints against senior City staff. Currently, Administration can file complaints against the public, which Sharps says creates an unfair system. She also wants complaints to be handled directly by the City's Integrity Commissioner. Additionally, Sharps is proposing that Councillors be able to seek independent legal advice without needing administration’s approval, highlighting gaps in the current policy. Although recent tensions involving residents and senior staff have been noted, Sharps emphasized her proposals aim to address systemic issues, not specific cases. Council will consider the motions at its May 5th meeting.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

It’s Election Day! Voters from coast to coast are casting their ballots to decide who will form the next government. Make sure you take the opportunity to have your voice heard.

Need details on where to vote, what ID to bring, or who’s running in your riding? Visit the Elections Canada website for everything you need to know:

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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