Medicine Hat Minute: Issue 243

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

📅 This Week In Medicine Hat: 📅

• The Public Services Committee will meet this afternoon at 1:00 pm. On the agenda is the 2025 State of Parks and Recreation Report. It highlights significant progress on the 2022 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. In 2025, the department advanced ten projects from 2024 and initiated six new initiatives, including expanding low-barrier recreation programs, introducing physical literacy training, and enhancing urban forestry with 2,400 new public trees planned through the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative. Key accomplishments included implementing the Irrigation Control Centre to reduce water use by 30%, launching the Rec and Ride youth transit and recreation pass (627 participants), expanding the Bird e-scooter program, and modernizing festival and event application processes. Public engagement supported two major facility projects: the South-Side Outdoor Aquatic Facility and Brier Run Sports Field Development, both showing strong community support. Looking ahead, 2026 will feature a five-year strategic review of the Master Plan, finalization of the off-leash policy, continued promotion of low-barrier programs, urban forestry expansion, and a refreshed marketing strategy.
  
  
• Also on the agenda is a proposed Downtown Enhancement and Safety Grant to support commercial property owners and tenants with permanent property improvements that enhance security and crime prevention. The program offers a 50% matching grant, ranging from $250 to $5,000, with a total of $70,000 available in 2026, and an additional $30,000 dedicated to improving downtown cleanliness. The grant targets properties within a prescribed downtown boundary, excluding the Riverside commercial block, and will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis. A survey of 30 downtown business owners found that 73% view Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) improvements as very important, and 87% support matching grants for security enhancements. Key suggested improvements include better lighting, CCTV, security systems, regular cleaning, and increased police presence, while some owners emphasized addressing underlying social issues, such as homelessness and drug use. The program’s goal is to improve safety perception, encourage visitation, and enhance downtown vibrancy, with continued evaluation for potential expansion in 2027.
  
  
• A $131.5-million solar project, the Saamis Solar Park, has been approved, contingent on securing a buyer for its energy. The first phase will generate 75 megawatts, with potential expansion to 325 megawatts, enough at times to meet the city’s full electricity demand. The project was acquired from Irish firm DP Energy for $7 million and sits on 650 hectares of former industrial land. Officials argue the solar farm could attract new business, provide carbon levy savings, and extend the life of gas-fired turbines, without impacting property taxes or utility bills. Some residents and groups, including the Medicine Hat United Ratepayers Association, oppose the project, citing high costs and risk to taxpayers. City staff emphasized the project’s financial viability, noting interest from a commercial customer ready to purchase the energy. Construction is expected to start within months pending regulatory approval, with operations planned by 2028.
  
  
• The City has announced that residents in two downtown time-restricted parking zones can pick up new parking permits starting February 16th, as current permits expire at the end of February. The affected areas include a section of Fifth Street SE between Fourth and Sixth avenues and a block along First and Second streets from Second to Fourth Avenue. Residents can apply online or in person at the Municipal Works office, providing a valid driver’s licence and current vehicle registration for each vehicle. Each household is also eligible for one visitor permit.
  
  
• The City is inviting residents who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit to apply for a new Indigenous Advisory Circle, with applications due by February 27th at 3:00 pm. The Circle will provide guidance, advice, and lived-experience perspectives to ensure Indigenous voices are included in municipal decision-making. Its goals include strengthening relationships with Indigenous nations, supporting reconciliation efforts, promoting Indigenous inclusion in City policies, and enhancing the visibility of Indigenous culture and education. Meetings will be held bi-monthly and the initiative falls under the City’s Community Development department. 

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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