Neat to Know: June 18, 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.
Council Highlights
During this week’s City Council meeting: an update from Councillor Sharps from the Federal Commission of Municipalities on a resolution passed that calls on all elected officials to lead by example, and demonstrate civility and mutual respect; Council directs staff to make amendments to the proposed Council Code of Conduct Bylaw No. 4805; a revision to the Sewer Bylaw 4814 and more....
Applications are now open for Medicine Hat’s Clean Energy Improvement Program
Today, Medicine Hat residents have a new financial tool to support energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades to their properties with the launch of the City’s Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP).
Thanks to funding from the Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities through the Green Municipal Fund’s Community Efficiency Financing (CEF) program, homeowners may apply for low 3.25% interest financing from the City for eligible upgrades like light fixtures, windows, doors, adding solar panels, increasing insulation, installing a tankless hot water system, furnace, heat pumps and more. Repayment is conveniently added to their property tax bills during a span of up to 20 years, depending on the expected life of the improvement.
Annual Gas Infrastructure Inspection Program is underway
The annual gas infrastructure inspection program is underway and trained contractors are inspecting critical infrastructure like pipe, risers, regulators, and meters to evaluate and maintain the integrity of the natural gas delivery system.
They are currently inspecting in the Ranchlands and Parkview neighbourhoods so don't be alarmed if you see our workers in and around your property. Once Ranchlands and Parkview are complete, they’ll move into Northeast Crescent Heights (NECH).
The inspectors will carry photo identification, which can be presented upon request. These inspections help us keep your gas infrastructure safe and sound.
Special Transit Review – Public Engagement
If you are a resident who uses our Special Transit service, or know someone who uses it, we’d love to hear from you as we work towards our upcoming review of Special Transit services in Medicine Hat.
Residents are encouraged to come out to the Unison at Veiner Centre on Wednesday, June 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for a public engagement session. Additional Special Transit services will be available to and from the event, free of charge.
If you’re unable to make it out to this session on Wednesday evening, there’s still an opportunity to provide feedback. Fill out our Online Community Survey before June 30, 2024 at: https://tinyurl.com/SpecialTransit
Accessibility Improvements at Echo Dale Regional Park
Echo Dale Regional Park is a beautiful City-run destination that deserves to be fully appreciated by all residents and visitors.
That’s why we’ve installed a Mobi-Mat at the swim lake!
Whether you have a wheelchair, walker or stroller, this sturdy roll-out mat will help people with mobility challenges get to the lake easier. The Mobi-Mat will be available daily during lifeguarded hours at the beach from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Stay tuned for more updates and information at Echo Dale Regional Park!
Day Watering in Parks
As we continue in Phase 1 of our Water Shortage Management Plan, most of the City’s watering efforts occur in the evening. This helps the grass, plants and trees absorb and retain more water.
But, residents may still have seen day watering happening in the city. Day watering occurs only in specific situations, like when new sod is planted, for example, and is conducted within the boundaries of Parks Restrictions under Phase 1 of the Water Shortage Management Plan.
Currently, our only day watering is in Muir Crescent NW Park, which helps establish new sod as part of a new playground installation. Day watering is anticipated to last until Thursday, June 27.
See something? Say something!
If you notice day watering outside of Muir Crescent NW Park, please let our Parks and Recreation department know.
- 403-529-8333 - Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- 403-526-2828 - after hours or weekends
National Indigenous Peoples Day ceremony at City Hall
Join us at City Hall in the Helen Beny Lounge the afternoon of June 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. to receive a blessing from Kainai Elder Charlie Fox, enjoy some bannock, and hear from City of Medicine Hat Mayor Linnsie Clark about how the City is working to celebrate Indigeneity.
Block Party - Celebrating Indigeneity
Celebrate Indigenous peoples and culture at the Celebrating Indigeneity Block Party on June 22 from noon to 4 p.m.! Enjoy local Indigenous vendors, participate in story sharing, join a drum circle, and watch a ribbon skirt fashion show. Learn from Elder Charlie Fox about proper protocol when meeting an Elder, the significance of his headdress, and the presentation of tobacco.
Ensuring our voice is heard at other levels of government
Q: Why and how does the city lobby the other levels of government?
A: To ensure our issues are being heard at a provincial and federal level, the city must consistently lobby. From MLAs to MP’s and Cabinet Ministers, Council and Administration work hard to secure meetings with those in government whose can have a direct and positive impact on our municipality.
The city does this on our own as well as in collaboration with Alberta Municipalities of Alberta (AM). Requests at these meetings include but are not limited to funding, legislation and addressing the downloading of costs onto municipal governments.
Stay tuned for next week's edition where we outline the benefit of lobbying the government.
Norwood Low Pressure Gas Renewal
In July, crews will return to the Norwood neighborhood to continue a multi-year project to renew the low pressure gas lines in the area. Homes directly affected by the work have already received notice, but we wanted to let you know too, in case you plan to visit the area. Most of the work will occur in back lanes and also on parts of 29 Street SE and 26 Street SE.
For details on this and other major City projects, visit our City Projects map.
Landfill vs Waste Management Facility... what's the difference?
Traditionally we think of landfills as a place to dump garbage... not much more to it than that, right? Well, the City of Medicine Hat Waste Management facility has a lot more going on than you might think. The crew not only takes care of waste, but they work hard to divert, compost, and recycle as much material as possible: composting yard and organic waste, recycling electronics, collecting old furniture, recycling mattresses, and collecting discarded bikes to donate to a local group for refurbishing. In fact, they divert close to 50% of all waste that comes through their gates!
What does end up in the waste pit is carefully buried and monitored by the team. They use a machine weighing a whopping 112,000 lbs to press the solid waste and ensure everything stays where it’s supposed to. Now that’s neat!
Upcoming budget deliberations: New Growth Opportunities
Mark your calendars! On Tuesday, June 25, City Council meets in an open Committee of the Whole to hear about new growth opportunities for deliberation as we develop the City’s 2025-2026 budget.
What are New Growth Opportunities? These are the options presented to Council that improve quality of life if we were to invest in new services, programs, operational initiatives, and capital projects in the upcoming 2025-26 budget cycle.
The meeting is open to the public or can be viewed live online on our YouTube page.
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