Medicine Hat Minute: Issue 254

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

📅 This Week In Medicine Hat: 📅

• Today, at 4:00 pm, there will be a City Council meeting. The entire agenda will be discussed in a closed session. Away from the public eye, Council will discuss the Land Use Bylaw Refresh. Airport, Aerospace, and Defence, the Whistleblower Policy, Identity and Branding, and Strategic Planning.
  
  
• City staff are proposing a significant update to the Land Use Bylaw aimed at improving clarity, predictability, and how different types of development are distributed across the city. The changes would expand the number of land-use districts from 18 to 21 and more than double use definitions, allowing for more detailed rules about what can be built where. A key part of the proposal is a restructuring of residential zoning into five categories instead of three, ranging from low-density neighbourhood housing to higher-density areas that could allow buildings six storeys and above. City planners say the goal is to better manage growing demand for multi-unit housing while reducing ambiguity that can lead to appeals and delays in development. The proposal has been shaped through public consultation and industry feedback over several years. Council is set to review the changes in early May, with a final decision expected in June.
  
  
• Bird electric scooters have returned to Medicine Hat for a fifth season, continuing a program that first began as a pilot in 2022. City officials say the scooters offer residents a convenient and fun transportation option, especially for short trips around downtown, parks, and other local destinations. Riders use a mobile app to locate and unlock scooters, which are GPS-enabled and include built-in rules for speed limits and restricted zones. The scooters can reach up to 20 km/h but automatically slow down in high-traffic areas, and some locations are fully restricted for safety. The program has age and usage rules, including a minimum rider age of 16 and a requirement that only one person ride at a time. City staff say the goal is to provide an alternative to cars while encouraging safe and responsible use of shared public spaces.
  
  
• Council has approved a 4.9% property tax increase for 2026 after voting down a higher proposed hike, aiming to balance affordability concerns with ongoing budget pressures. Council reduced the original proposal of 6.1% following public feedback, though the lower rate leaves a $1.1-million shortfall that will need to be covered through cost savings or reserves. Some Councillors supported a higher increase to address a broader budget gap, while others argued the approved rate should be a ceiling and that further efficiencies must be found.
  
  
• The City of Medicine Hat has won a provincial economic development award for its OpporTOURnity Medicine Hat program, which promotes the city to potential investors and partners. The initiative, recognized at the Economic Developers of Alberta Xperience 2026 event, involved a two-day showcase highlighting the city’s economic strengths, infrastructure, and quality of life. Attendees from various organizations and government agencies participated in tours, presentations, and networking events designed to build investment interest. City officials say the program not only generated direct inquiries but also helped strengthen long-term relationships with key stakeholders. The award reflects efforts by the City’s economic development team to take a more creative and proactive approach to attracting investment. Local leaders say the recognition also helps raise Medicine Hat’s profile across Alberta and beyond.

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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