Medicine Hat Minute: Substation Feedback, French Immersion, and Shelter Permit Denied

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

This Week In Medicine Hat:

• This afternoon, at 3:45 pm, there will be a City Council Meeting. The meeting will begin with a closed session, wherein Council will discuss Action Recreation & Wellness Opportunities, Integrity Commissioner Evaluations, and an item entitled Council Strategy and Policy Development. When the meeting opens up to the public at 6:30 pm, the agenda includes a Public Hearing to discuss rezoning parts of Sierra Green SW to a Medium Density Residential District. Also on the agenda is a Notice of Motion from Councillor Shila Sharps to address the matter of continued sanctions against Mayor Linnsie Clark.
  
  
• Lola Barta, formerly the head of the City’s Finance Department, will serve as Interim Managing Director of Corporate Services following the sudden departure of Dennis Egert. Egert, the City's Chief Financial Officer, left his role last week under unclear circumstances, with no verified details about his exit. The City has already posted a job listing to find a permanent replacement.
  
  
• Public comments are now open on the City's application to build a new substation in southwest Medicine Hat. This is the second time in two years the City has applied for the substation - the 2023 application was denied due to objections from Cypress County residents. The new preferred location is north of Gershaw Drive, with an alternate site nearby. The Alberta Utilities Commission will accept feedback until February 10th before deciding whether to hold a hearing or proceed with a decision. Information on how to submit comments is available online.

Last Week In Medicine Hat:

• The City has ordered The Mustard Seed to cease operations at its North Flats location after the Municipal Planning Commission denied its permit application. The non-profit’s recent application sought to legitimize its daytime services and add an overnight shelter but it was unanimously rejected. The City has given the organization time to comply with the notice and is providing guidance on enforcement procedures. The organization has 21 days to appeal the decision.
  
  
• Downtown business owners have united to address challenges they attribute to City policies, including rising utility rates, property taxes, and prolonged construction projects. Business owners have voiced frustrations over issues such as a lack of transparency, with some reporting significant financial impacts from energy rate reclassifications and construction disruptions. The City of Medicine Hat acknowledged affordability concerns and emphasized its commitment to supporting the downtown core through initiatives like the City Centre Vibrancy Incentive. Some business owners are suggesting compensation for revenue losses caused by municipal projects, while others warn their businesses may close without further support.
  
  
• The Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education has approved the relocation of the French immersion program from St. John Paul II School to St. Mary’s School starting in the 2027-28 academic year. This decision addresses projected enrollment growth at St. John Paul II and in the French immersion program, while also accommodating the opening of Holy Trinity Academy that same year. Trustees considered multiple options, including adding modular classrooms to Holy Trinity, but opted to keep St. Mary’s operational to preserve playground space and avoid redesigns. Enrolment in the French immersion program is expected to grow by 130 students by the time the changes are implemented.

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