Medicine Hat Minute: Stampede Transparency, Transit Passengers, and the Rural Renewal Stream

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

This Week In Medicine Hat:

• There will be a meeting of City Council on Tuesday at 3:45 pm. As usual, the meeting begins with a closed session. Away from public view, Council will discuss “Strategy and Policy Development”, as well as a Mustard Seed update. Once the meeting opens up to the public, at 6:30 pm, the agenda includes a discussion about the Electrical Transformer Upgrade and Replacement and the potential pausing of Rural Renewal Stream immigration applications for a period of six months. On Wednesday, at 1:30 pm, the Municipal Planning Commission will meet to discuss a development permit application.
  
  
• Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services is seeking historical fire-related items from the public to display during its 125th-anniversary celebrations. The department hopes to showcase vintage helmets, badges, uniforms, and other memorabilia at two open-house events. The first event will be held at Station No. 2 on June 21st, followed by another at Station No. 1 on September 13th. These displays will be part of a broader series of exhibits and public events, including photo displays and the annual Firefighter Gala. Residents willing to contribute items can submit photos and descriptions via email to [email protected].
  
  
• The Unison at Veiner Centre is partnering with the Medicine Hat Curling Centre to offer its members discounted access to the newly renovated curling facility. Starting in March, members can use the curling rink for $12 per person per session, with all necessary rental equipment included. This new arrangement eliminates the need for membership with Curling Canada and Curling Alberta, a savings of $85.

Last Week In Medicine Hat:

• Medicine Hat Transit recorded over one million passengers in 2024, marking a record-breaking year for ridership. The City attributed the increase to service expansions, including the addition of Routes 56 and 46, which were intended to improve accessibility in high-density areas. The City’s Fair Entry Program also apparently played a role by making transit more affordable for low-income residents. While frequent riders said they appreciated the improvements, some still noted challenges such as limited late-night and weekend service.
  
  
• Big Marble Farms Inc. has applied to become the first business under new regulations to supply excess power to Medicine Hat’s grid. The Alberta government recently clarified rules allowing electricity self-suppliers with over five megawatts of capacity to sell surplus energy. Medicine Hat’s updated electricity bylaw, passed last year, enables large-scale customers to contribute to the grid. The application process is ongoing.
  
  
• The Medicine Hat Stampede and Exhibition Co. argued that, as a limited non-profit, it is not required to disclose its full financial statements to the public. Critics are questioning the transparency of the organization, especially as it seeks millions in taxpayer funding for repairs and expansions. The Stampede emphasized its economic impact, citing support for over 100 businesses and an estimated $14- to $17-million contribution to Alberta’s economy. The Stampede, which leases its land for $1 per year until at least 2046, has recently expanded its events lineup, including new attractions in 2024 and 2025. Medicine Hat City Council will review the Stampede’s funding request before the end of March.

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