Neat to Know: July 30, 2024
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Please enjoy this week's edition of Neat to Know, a roundup of City news, updates, and other important information. You can expect to see the week's most interesting content and even some that may have not been delivered through our regular channels.
Alberta Day of Caring for Jasper – tomorrow July 31
July 31 is Alberta Day of Caring for Jasper. Donations to the Canadian Red Cross will be used for assisting those impacted by wildfires in Jasper and other affected areas in Alberta with immediate and ongoing relief including financial assistance, support to evacuees and the communities hosting them, recovery and resilience efforts in response to the wildfires, as well as supporting community preparedness and risk reduction for future all-hazard disaster events within Alberta.
On July 31, the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta will match every dollar donated by Canadians to the Canadian Red Cross 2024 Alberta Fires Appeal. This means that every $1 donated will become $3 to support those affected by the wildfires.
You can also donate your empty bottles and cans to any Bottle Depot, with the proceeds directly helping the Alberta Day of Caring. Simply say “these are for Jasper” when you bring your bottles to the Depot.
Community Vibrancy Grant
The window has opened for residents to apply for our Community Vibrancy Grant for 2025!
The Community Vibrancy Grant is for activities or events that strengthen community spirit, emphasize opportunities that contribute to quality of life, and enhance a sense of belonging that make the community welcoming, safe, resilient and full of opportunity.
The 2025 application intake has two streams:
- Community Project and Activities
- Annual Festivals and Special Events
Interested in bringing some vibrancy to the community and your neighbourhood? Apply before Thursday, August 29 at 3 p.m.!
Learn more about the Community Vibrancy Grant and its funding guidelines at:
Heritage Day Long Weekend hours/closures
Hours and services at various City of Medicine Hat facilities will be affected by the observance of Heritage Day on Monday, August 5.
The following facilities will be closed for Heritage Day, and will re-open on Tuesday, August 6:
- City Hall and all City of Medicine Hat administrative departments
- Waste Management Facility (landfill)
- Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre
- Crestwood Recreation Centre
- Co-op Place
The Big Marble Go Centre gym and fitness centre will be open on Heritage Day from noon to 5 p.m.
There will also be no residential waste collection on Heritage Day. Residential waste collection will resume on Tuesday, August 6 in Zone 3. Download the Recycle Coach App, visit medicinehat.ca/collectionschedule or contact Environmental Utilities at 403-529-8176 for more information.
Safe battery disposal
Did you know: When you safely and properly dispose of batteries, you help to keep the public and our waste collection staff safe!
When batteries are improperly disposed of in waste carts, they can cause fires and/or explosions in the carts, waste collection trucks, or at the Waste Management Facility (landfill). These pose a risk to all of you and our staff who perform the waste collection service. If punctured, batteries can also release harmful chemicals that may harm wildlife as well.
Lithium-ion batteries, which are used in cell phones, are one of the main culprits. These batteries are easily broken which puts people at risk with the chance of explosions and fires.
Here are some tips to help you safely dispose of your batteries:
- Place tape over the positive and negative terminals
- Place batteries back in their original packaging
- Store the same types of batteries together in a clear bag – alkaline with alkaline, rechargeable with rechargeable – with the positive ends pointing in the same direction
- Safely store used batteries in a cool, dry place until you have enough to drop off for recycling
Bring used batteries to the City’s Waste Management Facility for safe disposal or refer to www.call2recycle.ca/locator to find a convenient location near you.
Just announced: Vanity Trip to open for Sam Roberts Band and The Strumbellas!
7 p.m. Friday, September 13, 2024 at Co-op Place
Led by frontwoman Kelsey Porter, Vanity Trip has been added as the opening act for the upcoming concert featuring Sam Roberts Band and The Strumbellas. The Esplanade and Co-op Place are proud to provide opportunities for local artists to develop their skills on a professional stage.
Third Street SE project progress
The Third Street SE Downtown Utility and Surface Upgrades project remains on schedule as crews continue to make steady progress in downtown Medicine Hat.
The intersection of Third Street SE and Fifth Avenue SE opened to motorists late last week, which marks the completion of three out of the five stages of the project in 2024.
Currently, Third Street SE is closed from South Railway Street, up to and including the intersection at Sixth Avenue SE. This intersection closed on Monday as the beginning of Stage Five work.
A reminder to residents - downtown businesses remain open during this project! Find a list of downtown parking options while accessing these businesses at: medicinehat.ca/downtownparking
About the project
The purpose of the Third Street SE Downtown Utility and Surface Upgrades project is to upgrade water and sewer systems which are over 100 years old. This will increase the reliability and quality of our utility infrastructure in the downtown core. The project also includes replacement and enhancement of sidewalks and curbs, and the addition of new street furniture, planters, trees and signage.
Read more on this project at:
When in drought: wildfires are worse
With the devastating impacts of wildfire we are seeing in Jasper and other areas, we’re reminded that water is not only essential to sustain life, but also required right now to save lives.
Saving water now will ensure there is water available to fight wildfires in the province.
The current hot and dry weather heightens the risk of fire. Please do everything you can to avoid starting a fire here at home (properly butt out cigarettes and avoid outdoor fires, being sure to fully extinguish them if they can’t be avoided).
Those wishing to help people impacted by Alberta Wildfires are encouraged to take part in Alberta Day of Caring for Jasper tomorrow or make a donation to the 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal. Financial donations to the 2024 Alberta Wildfires Appeal can be made:
• online
• by calling 1-800-418-1111
• by texting ABFIRES to 45678 to make a $10 donation
The impact of inflation
The City of Medicine Hat is subject to inflationary pressures just like our residents. In fact, many of the products and services the City purchased over the last four years have increased well over 30% in price, with some more than double! Here are some of the real numbers that factor into the development of the 2025-2026 budget:
| Item | Price in 2019 | Price in 2023 | 4-year increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Truck | $900,000 | $1,500,000 | 60.2% |
| Garbage Truck | $285,000 | $389,000 | 36.4% |
| Fire Hydrant | $11,372 | $15,643 | 37.6% |
| Water and Sewer Main ($/m) | $4,013 | $7,276 | 81.3% |
| Commercial Transformer | $17,725 | $29,953 | 69% |
| Power Pole | $2,704 | $5,229 | 93.4% |
| 6-inch Steel Pipe ($/m) | $33.46 | $79.57 | 137.8% |
To further illustrate:
- We average about 2,350 meters of water and sewer main per year which equates to $7.7M in additional costs from 2019 to 2023.
- In 2023, we replaced 16 commercial transformers for an additional $195,000 than the ones we installed in 2019.
Just like any household challenged with affordability, the City is trying to balance these additional pressures to provide the same level of service, while considering investment in new initiatives, and saving for the future.
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