Medicine Hat Minute: Issue 233

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

📅 This Week In Medicine Hat: 📅

• Councillors are seeking greater clarity on City spending and budgeting as they aim to minimize tax increases. During a recent committee meeting, Councillors Stuart Young, Brian Varga, and Chris Hellman pressed staff for details on the cost of delivering current service levels while exploring ways to further reduce expenses. City staff reported achieving $2 million in savings over the past year - through reclassifying positions, reducing operating and administrative costs, cutting fuel and training expenses, and reallocating project work - without impacting service levels, representing a 1.3% reduction to the City’s overall budget. Councillors questioned whether these measures are sustainable long-term and if additional efficiencies could be realized. Discussions also highlighted the balance between contracting out services versus in-house operations. Councillors emphasized the importance of transparency and clear communication with residents about staffing, spending, and service decisions. Budget deliberations are set to resume on December 8th, with several key items, including utility rates and energy production, still under review.
  
  
• Medicine Hat College’s Addictions Counselling program has received approval from the Canadian Addiction Counsellors Certification Federation (CACCF), marking a key milestone for the two-year program. The program trains students in assessment, treatment, prevention, and relapse management, preparing them for careers in the addictions field. Jason Openo, Dean of the Yuill School of Health & Community Services, highlighted that CACCF recognition strengthens the program’s foundation and opens opportunities for partnerships with universities and community organizations. Second-year students will complete practicums in local healthcare settings, schools, and residential programs, providing feedback on community impact. CACCF approval, which lasts five years, ensures the program meets quality standards, offers certification opportunities, and equips students with the necessary skills to address substance use and mental health challenges in southeast Alberta. This is the second industry approval for a Yuill School program this year, following recognition of its practical nurse diploma.
  
  
• Following the first major snowfall of the season, the City of Medicine Hat is reminding residents to prioritize ice safety. Ice should be at least four inches thick for walking or skating, and the South Saskatchewan River should be avoided, especially near moving water, inlets, and outlets. Residents are advised to watch for cracks, slushy areas, or discoloured ice and to carry safety gear such as ice picks, rope, whistles, and life jackets over winter clothing, while supervising children near ice. The City has also updated its sidewalk sand distribution, moving one sandbox to the east side of the Kinsmen Skate Plaza parking lot, while four other locations remain unchanged. Sand is available on a first-come, first-served basis, with residents asked to bring their own containers and shovels and limit collection to one container per visit. These measures aim to keep the community safe and prepared during winter conditions.
  
  
• The Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede has announced its 2026 Summer Night Show lineup, featuring Canadian rocker Tom Cochrane with Barney Bentall on Wednesday, July 22nd, and country artist Johnny Reid with local singer Morgan Klaiber closing out the week on Saturday, July 25th. Ticket packages, including gate admission for both shows, are $145, while individual tickets are $80 per show, going on sale at 10:00 am this morning. General Manager Ron Edwards emphasized a “quality over quantity” approach with two major night shows instead of three, allowing attendees to better enjoy both the rodeo and concerts. Cochrane, known for his hit Life Is A Highway, and Bentall, a Juno Award winner, bring decades of Canadian music experience, while Reid, a multi-award-winning country artist, and Klaiber offer a mix of established talent and fresh local energy. Edwards also highlighted the important role of volunteers, sponsors, and staff in making the event possible. Additional adjustments to the rodeo schedule and weekend events may be announced in the spring. 
  
  
• The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 125th anniversary at its annual general meeting last week, receiving a heritage plaque for its long-standing contribution to Medicine Hat from the Heritage Resources Working Group. President Aaron Fleming highlighted the Chamber’s role in supporting local businesses and the community, noting that its success is built on “hard work and getting things done.” Since September 2024, the Chamber has welcomed 127 new members, hosted over 100 events including trade shows in Medicine Hat and Brooks, and organized public forums ahead of the municipal election. The organization also led more than 20 advocacy events and participated in over 70 meetings with government officials, while engaging the public through initiatives like the Midnight Madness downtown event. Fleming emphasized the Chamber’s continued impact on the business community, citing its recognition as a top performer among chambers with over 500 members and its hosting of the 87th Alberta Chamber of Commerce AGM. Looking ahead, the Chamber is preparing for the annual Southeast Alberta Home & Leisure Tradeshow from March 6th - 8th, 2026.

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