Medicine Hat Minute: Issue 228

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

📅 This Week In Medicine Hat: 📅

• Medicine Hat Mayor Linnsie Clark has been re-elected for a second term after a divisive first term marked by conflicts with Council and the former City Manager, legal disputes, and multiple investigations. Clark received about 5,844 votes, narrowly defeating Drew Barnes. Clark acknowledged the need for patience and conflict resolution as she works to rebuild trust and improve communication. Clark will be the only returning member on the new Council, and some view her win as a validation of her leadership approach. It should be noted, however, that her support dropped from about 66% in 2021 to less than 33% in 2025, and a number of the newly elected Councillors - including former Mayor Ted Clugston - have been critics of her time as Mayor.
  
  
• Following the election, Mayoral runner-up Drew Barnes congratulated Linnsie Clark on her victory and called for community unity, emphasizing that residents should focus on what’s best for the city. Barnes reflected on his campaign, which highlighted issues such as affordability, business growth, taxes, crime, and homelessness, and expressed gratitude to his volunteers and supporters. Third-place candidate Kris Samraj noted the close results and encouraged the new Council to take a moderate, open-minded approach, while also praising the high voter engagement and record number of candidates. Former police chief and councillor Andy McGrogan, who finished fourth, expressed confidence in the elected team and stressed the importance of addressing upcoming challenges like collective agreements, homelessness, and taxes.
  
  
• The Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education will welcome two new trustees following the municipal election, joining three returning members. Chuck Hellman and Raymond West are the newcomers, while Kathy Glasgo, Richard Mastel, and Bernard Kinch were re-elected. Glasgo emphasized continuing work on the Civision’s new school and protecting the right to deliver Catholic education in line with church teachings. The Medicine Hat Public School Division will also have a new board of trustees, combining two returning members with three newcomers. Incumbents Catherine Wilson and Pat Grisonich will continue their service, with Wilson entering her 13th year and Grisonich beginning a second term. First-time trustees Quinn Skelton, Gwendoline Dirk, and Megan Hilgendorf bring local experience in education, community involvement, and governance.
  
  
• The City clarified the timing of the Oath of Office after procedural confusion following the municipal election. An initial email suggested that Councillors would take the oath privately before Council orientation, but this sparked questions as a public ceremony on November 3rd had been announced. Mayor-elect Linnsie Clark confirmed that all incoming Council members will be sworn in publicly on November 3rd at the inaugural meeting, consistent with past practice and the City’s Procedure Bylaw. The confusion arose due to changes in the Municipal Government Act in 2024 requiring orientation training for Councillors, which led to questions about whether the oath needed to be taken beforehand. The Province later confirmed that officials would not need to be sworn in prior to orientation, allowing the City to maintain the public ceremony. All Councillors must still take the Oath of Office before performing any official duties. 
  
  
• The City of Medicine Hat, in partnership with Volunteer Alberta, is launching a free volunteerism learning series called Rooted in Action to strengthen and educate the local volunteer base. The initiative aims to enhance volunteer engagement, youth participation, and collaboration among organizations, while providing tools for screening, applications, and effective volunteer management. City officials emphasize that a strong volunteer network is essential for fostering social connection, resilience, and a sense of belonging in the community. The series, funded through Alberta’s Family and Community Support Services program, will feature five workshops - both in-person and virtual - covering topics from basic volunteerism to youth engagement and inclusive practices. Volunteer Alberta staff will lead the sessions, offering hands-on workshops and strategies to help nonprofits and emerging leaders improve their volunteer programs. In addition to skill-building, the series provides opportunities for local organizations to share best practices and solve common challenges collaboratively. The workshops begin in November 2025 and run through March 2026. Registration is available online.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

This week's sponsor is you! We don't have big corporate backers, so if you like what you're reading, please consider making a donation or signing up as a monthly member.

Having said that, if you are a local business and are interested in being a sponsor, send us an email and we'll talk!