Neat to Know: May 22, 2025
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Your weekly roundup of City news, updates, and other important information.
Annual Report 2024
Each year, the City releases a corporate annual report that includes a summary of activities and accomplishments from the year, as well as an abbreviated treasurer’s and financial report. City Council adopted the 2024 Annual Report at the May 20 Council meeting.
Mail delay? eTax saves the day!
Medicine Hat property tax notices were mailed May 21 but a pending postal strike may delay delivery. However, Section 337 of the Municipal Government Act indicates that, once mailed, a tax bill is considered to have been received after seven days, and not receiving your property tax bill does not exempt you from late payment penalties.
Our new tax system is here to save the day! We encourage property owners to sign on to eTax to conduct your tax matters online in case delivery of your paper tax notice is delayed.
Street sweeping update
Our crews have completed 70 per cent of the residential portion of our 2025 Spring Street Sweeping Program! Crews are nearly done work in Zone 12 this week.
New, more interactive maps!
We’ve updated our interactive Capital Project Map and Road Construction and Closures Map for the 2025 construction season.
The updates enhance each map’s interactive features to improve clarity through the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. In turn, this provides more information about current and upcoming projects and closures occurring around the community.
Check out these maps and learn more about what's new in 2025 below.
May 20 Council Meeting
At a rare Tuesday meeting (following the Victoria Day holiday), Council approved $250,000 to fund a preliminary concept design and project costing to replace the north grandstand at the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede and voted to host two public hearings on notable subjects in the future:
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Transportation Master Plan, Active Transportation Strategy, and Transportation Safety Strategy (non-statutory) – to occur before the end of Q3
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Potential incorporation of a municipally controlled corporation (MCC) for the City’s electric generation, electric distribution and gas distribution business units (statutory) – June 24, 2025 at 4 p.m.
Who does what?
The difference between Governance and Operations
When it comes to how our city runs, it helps to think of municipal government as a team with two key roles: governance and operations. Both are essential, but they do very different things.
City Council (governance) is made up of the Mayor and Councillors that you elect. Their main job is governance—this means setting the vision, priorities, and policies for the community.
Think of them as the board of directors of a company:
- They decide what needs to be done and why.
- They represent the will of the people, listening to community input.
- They approve the budget, set local bylaws, and make long-term plans.
- They do not get involved in day-to-day operations.
For example, Council might decide that improving local roads is a top priority and allocate funding—but they don't decide which specific potholes to fill or who gets hired to do the work.
The Administration (operations) is made up of the City Manager (also known as the Chief Administrative Officer or CAO) and staff. Their job is operations—this means carrying out the decisions made by Council and managing the day-to-day running of the city.
Think of them as the managers and staff of the company:
- They figure out how to get things done.
- They maintain roads, deliver services, run facilities, and respond to issues.
- They hire qualified staff and ensure that policies are followed properly.
So, if Council sets the direction to improve parks, the Administration will design the upgrades, hire contractors, and make sure the project gets done on time and on budget.
Exploring a Municipally Controlled Corporation
Medicine Hat’s energy business has been central to our identity since the early 1900s, providing employment, affordable and reliable services, and a steady source of municipal revenue.
But the conditions under which the energy business flourished are changing. The risks and uncertainties are growing and we must strategically position our business for future success to continue bringing value to the community.
That’s why we’re exploring the establishment of a municipally controlled corporation for our distribution and electric generation business units, one of the recommendations of our recent Energy Business Review.
After extensive analysis, KPMG LLP recommended an MCC governance structure to deliver optimal value for the community with respect to its public owned utility. City Council approached development of an implementation plan, which has led to a full disclosure of the prospective business model if an MCC were to be pursued by City Council.
We are not selling our electric generation or distribution business units. The City retains ownership whether an MCC is established or not. There is no change to the public in terms of service delivery.
We are exploring an MCC governance model. This is a stage-gate approach with exit ramps along the way. This stage is to hear from the public via a public hearing on Tuesday, June 24 starting at 4 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall.
A skills-based board can optimize the business within the increasingly complex regulatory environment. This proposed model introduces checks and balances by separating the three separate interests (‘three hats’) of business, community, and ratepayer.
To learn more about the prospective governance model, review the content on the Shape Your City project page at medicinehat.ca/mcc.
To connect with the energy team, attend one of our upcoming information sessions:
- In-person Q&A, Friday, June 6 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., Helen Beny Lounge, City Hall
- Online Q&A, Wednesday, June 11 from 5 to 6 p.m., virtual Teams presentation
- Or use the Q&A tool on Shape Your City to ask the team questions
Esplanade 2025-26 Performing Arts Lineup Reveal!
On Monday May 26 at Noon, the Esplanade will reveal the exciting lineup of shows happening From October 2025 to April 2026. Get or renew your E Membership to take advantage of 50% more Tixx credits to use during the pre-sale on May 27-28 while tickets are in Early Bird pricing for a limited ticket quantity and time only! Visit tixx.ca for details.
Kick off Parks & Recreation Month in a BIG way
Saturday, June 7 – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. – Big Marble Go Centre
Join us June 7 at Big Marble Go Centre for a day of free inclusive fun for all ages — it’s the ultimate pre-party for Sesame Street Live happening later that day at Co-op Place! Here’s what’s in store:
🎈 Bouncy fun galore: 40-foot obstacle course and bounce house in the Methanex Bowl
⛸️ Cool off with a Public Skate: 11:45 a.m.to 1 p.m. in the Cenovus Arena
🎯 Outdoor games & activities: Yard games, T-ball, Tot Time toys, and a scavenger hunt featuring hidden Sesame Street characters!
🎨 Creative Zone: Rock painting, arts & crafts, and Sesame Street colouring sheets
💪 Get moving with BMGC’s fitness team: Join a free outdoor class and feel the energy!
✨ Glitter tattoos, giveaways, and more: Enter to win tickets to Sesame Street Live!
Bring your friends, family, and little ones — and let’s kick off June with community spirit, active fun, and a whole lot of smiles.
Go Tigers!
Although we don’t get the opportunity to cheer on the Medicine Hat Tigers in-person at Co-op Place again this season, the fun doesn’t stop with a WHL championship!
The Tigers are in Rimouski, Quebec for the 2025 Memorial Cup, which gets underway tomorrow (Friday). Medicine Hat plays the host Rimouski Océanic in the tournament opener. Puck drop for this showdown on the St. Lawrence is set for 5 p.m. MT.
Accounting Supervisor
We're looking for a detail-oriented and motivated Accounting Supervisor to lead a dynamic team and help shape the financial future of our city!
If you're passionate about public service, thrive in a leadership role, and enjoy problem-solving in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, we invite you to join our team and contribute to something bigger.
Does this sound like you or someone you know? Learn more and apply below!
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