Medicine Hat Minute: Large Donation, Revisiting Restrictions, and Business License Fees

Medicine Hat Minute: Large Donation, Revisiting Restrictions, and Business License Fees

 

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 3:45 pm. The agenda includes Fire & Emergency Services 125th Anniversary, the Non-Profit Capital Grant Process, the upcoming Volunteer Week in April, and the Arts, Heritage & Entertainment Plan.

  • Council is set to revisit restrictions on Mayor Linnsie Clark's access to City Hall and interactions with City Manager Ann Mitchell. These measures were initially imposed following a 2024 code of conduct complaint but were partially overturned by a Court of King’s Bench ruling, which found some restrictions interfered with the mayor's duties under the Municipal Government Act. Councillor Shila Sharps introduced a motion to address the court's directives from August, stating it is overdue for resolution. The motion, approved by an 8-1 vote, calls for a closed-door discussion ahead of the February 3rd Council meeting. Mayor Clark maintains that the sanctions should have been nullified immediately after the court decision, criticizing their continued enforcement. Discussions will exclude Clark and Sharps, as they were directly involved in the original complaint.

  • The Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education is launching Alberta's first First Responders Academy to prepare students for careers as police officers or firefighters. Starting next school year, the program will focus on essential skills, physical fitness, mental health, and the demands of first responder roles. Developed in collaboration with local police and fire services, the academy offers hands-on learning opportunities and plans to include dual-credit options with Medicine Hat College’s Criminal Justice program. Registration opens February 4th, initially for Grade 11 Catholic students, with plans to expand the program to Grades 10 - 12 by 2026. Approximately 20 seats will be available in the academy’s first year, which does not currently include an EMS component.

 


 

Last Week In Medicine Hat:

  • Council agreed to review business license fees. Councillor Shila Sharps acknowledged community concerns over increased fees, noting they disproportionately affect business owners who already face high taxes. She emphasized the need for Council to better scrutinize proposals and praised residents for voicing their concerns. The issue will be discussed on February 3rd.

  • Council approved rezoning five single-family lots in Saamis Heights to medium-density residential, allowing for the construction of duplexes. The 9-0 decision followed a public hearing where the developer, Patel Dream Builders Corp., presented plans for modern, affordable duplex designs to address the city's housing needs. While some residents expressed concerns about potential traffic congestion and land value impacts, Councillors praised the project as a responsible and stylish example of "missing middle" housing. The lots, owned by the City, are subject to a conditional sale agreement with the developer.

  • The Yuill Family Foundation has pledged $5 million to Medicine Hat College, marking the largest donation in the institution's history. The funding will support healthcare education, including program development, simulation training, and applied health research, while also facilitating plans for future wellness facilities. The donation will establish the Yuill School of Health and Community Services, set to welcome students in the next academic year, with a naming celebration planned for September.

 

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  • Common Sense Medicine Hat
    published this page in News 2025-01-25 22:43:15 -0700