Medicine Hat Minute: Issue 239

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

📅 This Week In Medicine Hat: 📅

• Council has approved a rezoning request in the Harlow neighbourhood, clearing the way for future multi-dwelling housing. Council unanimously supported changing a one-acre parcel on First Street SW from low- to medium-density residential, following a public hearing where residents spoke about their concerns around building height, traffic, parking, and neighbourhood character. Several residents also spoke in favour of development, expressing a desire for clear rules, enforceable height limits, and meaningful community input. Councillors stressed that rezoning does not approve a specific project and noted efforts to strike a middle ground, supporting additional housing while exploring ways to limit building height below what standard medium-density zoning allows. Developers have signalled interest in semi-detached homes with secondary suites, a form that can add gentle density and rental options. The City stated that any future project will still require separate development permits and further review before construction begins.
  
  
• The City is seeking public input on the future of the regional airport through an online survey launching the week of January 19th on the City’s “Shape Your City” platform. City officials say the feedback will help inform an updated strategic plan and impact study, alongside upcoming infrastructure decisions. Committee members were told the airport has seen a near-perfect flight completion rate since WestJet switched to larger aircraft in 2024, a major improvement that strengthens the case for maintaining and expanding air service. The airport supports roughly 360 flights per year and also serves flight schools and medevac operations, making it a key regional asset. The airport received roughly $20 million in federal funding for safety-critical infrastructure and equipment, covering projects such as a recently purchased operations loader. We'll share the survey when it becomes available!
  
  
• SafeLink Alberta’s daytime drop-in service in Medicine Hat is at risk of closing by the end of the month after losing funding. The space provides low-barrier access to health and social services for people experiencing homelessness or substance use and has become increasingly relied on during winter months. City Council was told that federal funding intended for the service could not be passed along because the Province denied approval, citing misalignment with Alberta’s mental health, addiction, and recovery priorities. Without the roughly $300,000 in annual funding, the service cannot continue operating. City Administration indicated there is no clear appeal process.
  
  
• City staff report that work on updating the off-site levy bylaw is ahead of schedule, with a “substantial update” for Council expected as early as the second quarter of 2026. The bylaw, which sets developer contributions for infrastructure such as roads, water, and sewer, has been under review since 2022. Staff have conducted extensive internal analysis and stakeholder consultation, and the City says that most progress is already complete. The bylaw was a key topic in the 2025 municipal election, as candidates debated how off-site levies could encourage development. 
  
  
• The Development and Infrastructure Committee met last week, and heard that Medicine Hat’s green cart organic and yard waste collection program will resume on April 6th, with green and grey carts collected on the same day within each zone. Recycling pickup using blue carts will continue on its regular schedule through a contracted service. Committee members also heard that snow and ice control operations are ongoing, with crews adjusting materials based on temperature to maintain roads, sidewalks, and trails. In addition, surface restoration work along First Street is expected to be completed by early spring.

🚨 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!