Medicine Hat Minute: Issue 213

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

📅 This Week In Medicine Hat: 📅

• Over 200 residents attended a Council meeting last week, and many were there to voice opposition to the proposed Transportation Master Plan, which emphasizes expanding sidewalks and implementing traffic-calming measures like bump-outs. Many speakers argued the plan does not reflect the reality that most residents rely on vehicles rather than walking or cycling. Critics also raised concerns about the planning process, saying there was insufficient public input and that the plan seemed better suited for other cities, not Medicine Hat. Supporters, including local cycling advocates, urged Council to adopt the plan to improve safety and diversify transportation options. Council members acknowledged the need for better community engagement and admitted the process could be improved. The Plan is set for a final vote at the next Council meeting, though there may be potential amendments.
  
  
• Medicine Hat’s long-awaited municipal inspection will come forward at the July 21st Council meeting, nearly a year after Councillors first requested it. The audit, which focuses on governance rather than finances, was triggered by months of tension between Mayor Linnsie Clark and Chief Administrator Ann Mitchell. Council voted 6-3 in September 2024 to ask for the inspection, hoping it would identify deep-rooted problems and rebuild public trust. Former Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver approved the inspection in November. Councillors say the final report should help reset City Hall ahead of this fall’s municipal election. According to the Municipal Government Act, the Minister can require action based on the findings, ranging from policy fixes to more serious measures. Once presented, the full inspection report will be made public for all Medicine Hat residents to read.
  
  
• Councillor Shila Sharps has proposed two motions to change the scheduling and preparation of Council meetings. One motion suggests moving the start time of open meetings from 6:30 pm to 4:00 pm, with any required closed sessions moved to the end of the agenda. The other motion aims to make the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Acting Mayor permanent members of the Agenda Committee, which sets the meeting agendas. These motions are intended to reduce long gaps during meetings caused by early closed sessions and improve agenda management. Sharps previously raised concerns about scheduling inefficiencies and gaps between sessions in late 2023.
  
  
• The Medicine Hat Public Library is inviting residents to say a final goodbye to CHAT-TV, the long-running local television station that shut down in early June. After 68 years on the air, CHAT-TV closed its doors when owner Pattison Media cited declining support for local broadcasting and tough economic conditions. The closure left more than a dozen employees out of work and the community without its only locally-produced TV news source. The library’s farewell event will run from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm on Tuesday, giving the public a chance to meet former CHAT-TV staff, hear stories from behind the scenes, and reflect on the station’s legacy. Organizers say it’s a chance for the community to show appreciation and share memories of a newsroom that kept Hatters connected for generations.
  
  
• Medicine Hat’s strategy to deal with derelict and long-vacant properties remains under development, with a full report expected in late August. City Councillors, including Shila Sharps and Andy McGrogan, have raised concerns about the slow progress since enforcement efforts were renewed nearly two years ago. Although bylaw officers are enforcing existing rules, there are questions about whether current bylaws are strong enough and if the City is willing to fund cleanup or demolition efforts. As of July, 37 long-term derelict properties are being monitored, in addition to other complaints. Bylaw enforcement is planning to launch an online complaint system to streamline reporting. The City is also exploring the idea of a higher tax rate for derelict properties, similar to Edmonton’s model, which has shown early success in encouraging property owners to repair or demolish buildings. Finance staff previously expressed concerns that administrative costs might outweigh revenue, but recent data suggests the approach could be effective. Other municipalities like Wetaskiwin and Ponoka have since adopted similar strategies.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

With people starting to announce their runs for Council, we want to know what you think - is there anyone who has caught your eye as a promising candidate? 

Hit reply and let us know who you’re watching and why!

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