Medicine Hat Minute: Issue 220

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

📅 This Week In Medicine Hat: 📅

• There will be a City Council meeting on Tuesday at 3:45 pm, beginning with a closed session. Away from public view, Council will discuss Strategy and Policy Development, a Housing Update, a Legal Update, and Appointments to Advisory Boards and Committees. The meeting will open back up to the public at 6:30 pm. On the agenda for the public portion is the proposed deferral of adopting the updated Transportation Master Plan, Active Transportation Strategy, and Transportation Safety Strategy. Following a July 2025 public hearing where 29 speakers and over 100 written submissions raised concerns, staff recommended withdrawal to allow for further engagement, with revised plans expected in early 2026. Public feedback focused on distrust of the engagement process, a preference for prioritizing maintenance over new projects, skepticism of designs seen as reducing vehicle capacity, and calls for transportation solutions tailored to Medicine Hat’s unique geography, weather, and economy. Many residents voiced opposition to perceived anti-car sentiment and costly redesigns, urging instead for affordable, locally relevant approaches.
  
  
• Council will also decide how to report Senior Administration expenses following a motion passed earlier in the year that called for greater transparency. Currently, Council’s own expenses are published annually, but Administration’s transactions are reviewed internally under existing policies and audits. Administration has presented two options: Option 1 would provide an annual summarized report of expenses by senior leader, while Option 2 - recommended by Administration - would provide a detailed annual report with some adjustments to transaction details. Option 2 would take more staff time (18-24 hours) but could be streamlined with new processes. A jurisdictional scan found that other municipalities also release expense information publicly. Total Senior Administration expenses from January 2025 to July 2025 amounted to $62,686.79, covering business travel, memberships, food and beverages, training, and employee recognition.
  
  
• The City and the Mustard Seed have agreed to explore a City-owned property on Saamis Drive NW as the site of a new permanent homeless shelter. The location, situated off the Trans-Canada Highway and more than five kilometres from downtown, became available after its current tenant announced plans to move. The proposal follows the closure of the Mustard Seed’s former overnight shelter in February and months of discussions with City officials, the Province, and local stakeholders. Supporters say the move would provide a 24/7 shelter with essential services ahead of the coming winter. However, the site’s remoteness poses challenges, as it is a long walk from food, medical, and transit services, raising accessibility concerns. City Council will need to approve rezoning and development permits before the plan can proceed, with public hearings expected this fall. The decision could ultimately fall to the next Council, giving the community an opportunity to weigh in on the proposal.
  
  
• Medicine Hat is promoting backyard suites as a way to expand affordable housing while easing the cost of living for both homeowners and renters. These small secondary dwellings, typically 600-700 square feet, are built in backyards with separate utilities, parking, and yard space. City officials highlight that backyard suites increase density without straining infrastructure and provide rental income to help offset mortgage costs for property owners. To encourage uptake, Council is considering a five-year, 100% property tax deferral on the added value of such units. Contractors say the suites can be built in under a year and appeal to both tenants seeking modern, efficient housing and homeowners seeking financial relief. Many older neighbourhoods with large lots are seen as ideal for these projects. The City is also reviewing ways to simplify permitting, potentially treating suites like basement rentals.
  
  
• Yusuf Mohammed has announced his candidacy for Medicine Hat City Council, emphasizing his global experience and deep roots in the community. Having lived in the city for over 20 years, he hopes to strengthen dialogue, celebrate diversity, and bring practical solutions to local challenges. His top priority is restoring public trust in City leadership through collaboration, transparency, and effective decision-making. Mohammed also wants to support a resilient economy by fostering small businesses, encouraging youth entrepreneurship, and ensuring broad community input before major projects. He stresses responsible stewardship of City resources, including protecting public ownership of utilities and making spending more transparent. Additionally, he advocates for equitable investment across all neighbourhoods, improved recreation opportunities, and stronger mental health supports. 
  
  
• Chris Hellman, a longtime community volunteer and board member, is also running for Medicine Hat City Council with a focus on economic growth and affordability. Drawing from his experience on boards such as the Chamber of Commerce and Medicine Hat Tourism, he says he wants to restore collaboration on Council while addressing pressing financial issues. Hellman believes there is an affordability crisis and wants to lower taxes and utility costs by reviewing fees like the Municipal Consent and Access Fee and reviving the Financially Fit Program to reduce labour expenses. He also calls for closer scrutiny of future projects, prioritizing necessary upgrades over costly cosmetic changes. To boost economic development, Hellman proposes offering more tax incentives, including a three-year freeze on off-site levies, to make Medicine Hat more competitive with nearby municipalities. If elected, he pledges to work toward consensus on Council and actively seek diverse perspectives from residents.

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