Medicine Hat Minute: Strategic Goals, Deputy Chief, and the Stormwater Drainage Committee

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

This Week In Medicine Hat:

• This evening, at 6:30 pm, there will be a Special Medicine Hat City Council Meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to hear an Energy Business Strategic Review presentation from KPMG.
  
  
• Medicine Hat is preparing to join the Regional Stormwater Drainage Committee, a collaborative effort formed in 2012 to address overland flooding in southern Alberta. The City’s participation could involve a $4.4 million contribution over 20 years, pending Council approval of a governance structure and funding model. The group’s projects focus on managing excess rainfall along the St. Mary’s Irrigation District canal system, including two that directly impact Medicine Hat's Seven Persons Creek. Conditions for the City's involvement include ensuring 70% of project funding comes from other government sources before proceeding. Medicine Hat plans to utilize surplus funds from its internal flood protection program to support this regional initiative.
  
  
• The provincial audit of Medicine Hat's municipal operations is expected to be completed before the 2025 local election, according to Alberta's Municipal Affairs Minister, Ric McIver. The inspection, formally requested by Council in September, aims to address governance concerns and rebuild public trust following a year of conflicts, including sanctions against the Mayor. Preliminary interviews with Council members and staff began in October, with additional sessions planned as the process continues. McIver stressed the importance of public confidence in democratic governance as a driving factor behind the audit.

Last Week In Medicine Hat:

• Medicine Hat City Council approved an action plan for its revised strategic goals, including plans for a south-end recreation centre, a social disorder task force, and a regional development strategy. Mayor Linnsie Clark was the lone dissenting vote, citing concerns about unclear definitions, costs, and the need for collaboration with local agencies.
  
  
• The Medicine Hat Police Service appointed Raj Saini as the new Deputy Police Chief, marking the first time the role has been filled in nearly a decade. Saini, who currently serves as deputy chief in Nelson, BC, will assume his position in January 2025, bringing experience in administration, operations, and major crime investigation. Chief Alan Murphy emphasized the value of Saini’s external perspective and expertise, describing it as a benefit to the department and the community. The Deputy Role was reintroduced after organizational restructuring highlighted the need for improved oversight and succession planning.
  
  
• The Division Avenue construction project wrapped up for the year, with remaining work scheduled for spring 2025. The project included road and utility upgrades, widened pathways, and redesigned crosswalks to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety. However, residents are expressing concerns about the narrower roadway, citing difficulties with navigating trailers and general adjustments to the new layout. City officials are defending the changes, emphasizing improved safety for the area’s schools, parks, and residential spaces.

-----

Donate:

Common Sense Medicine Hat doesn't accept any government funding and never will. We think you should be free to choose, for yourself, which organizations to support. If you're in a position to contribute financially, you can make a donation here.

-----

Share:

If you're not in a position to donate, we understand, but if you appreciate our work, you can help by spreading our message. Please email this post to your friends, share it on Facebook or Twitter, and help make sure every Hatter knows what's really going on at City Hall.