Committees, Commissions and Boards

Vacancies: 2

Activities: Advise Council on policy and high-level plenary issues contributing to a vibrant community

Meeting details: Last Wednesday of the month 5:30 pm (2+ hours) with some additional subcommittee work

Contact for more information: Leah Prestayko, 403-529-8310 / Bonnie-Lou Yaroshko, 403-529-8316

Applicant handbook  Apply now

Community Vibrancy Advisory Board focuses on recreation, leisure, culture, arts and social matters in the community. Member responsibilities are found in Bylaw #4661. The board will consist of nine members and will meet at least eight times a year. Members are asked to participate in sub-committee work and community activities as well.

Board members have the opportunity to:

• Make a positive, meaningful and lasting impact on our community
• Share skills and perspectives
• Learn more about our community and how local government works
• Meet new people who enjoy volunteering

Our goal is to establish an advisory board that reflects the diversity of our community and promotes equal opportunities and inclusion. We want our members to have a mix of different personal, professional and volunteer experiences, skill sets and perspectives.

For more information, please contact:

Bonnie-Lou Yaroshko
Community Development
City of Medicine Hat
Phone: 403-529-8316
bonyar@medicinehat.ca

Vacancies: 4

Activities: Management, regulation and control of Library, plus other Advocacy work, as Board work may require

Meeting details: First Wednesday of each month, 7:00 p.m. (2+ hours), plus minimum of one monthly
sub-committee meeting (2+ hours)

Contact for more information: Ken Feser, 403-502-8528

Applicant handbook  Apply now

Roles and responsibilities of a library board member can be found on the Medicine Hat Public Library website.

Current Council members are:

• Councillor Ramona Robins

For more information, please contact:

Ken Feser, Chief Librarian
Phone: 403-502-8528
kenf@shortgrass.ca

There are two types of assessment review boards that hear property assessment appeals:

Local Assessment Review Board (LARB)

• Residential property with three or fewer dwelling units
• Farmland
• a tax notice other than a property tax notice, business tax notice or improvement tax notice

Composite Assessment Review Board (CARB)

• Residential property with four or more dwelling units
• Non-residential (commercial) property

Vacancies: 1

Activities: Hears residential, commercial and multi dwelling taxation appeals (mandated training and paid hearing time)

Meeting details: Sept/Oct/Nov dates depending on appeals

Contact for more information: City Clerk Department, 403-529-8382

Applicant handbook  Apply now

Vacancies: 1

Activities: Hears appeals from development authority and some Bylaw orders (mandated training)

Meeting details: As and when appeals received (2+ hours)

Contact for more information: City Clerk Department, 403-529-8221

Applicant handbook  Apply now

Hears subdivision appeals and development appeals in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Government Act and Bylaw #3009.

SDAB information and appeals

Current Council members are:

• Councillor Cassi Hider

Vacancies: 2

Activities: Management, regulation and control of combative sports

Meeting details: Call of the chair

Contact for more information: Scott Richter, 403-502-8065

Combative Sports Commission's mandate is to act in a regulatory capacity for Committee and Council with respect to regulating, governing, and controlling combative sports within Medicine Hat.

Applicant handbook  Apply now

Bylaws

Bylaw No. 4048 and the Rules and Regulations were approved by Council May 16, 2011 to re-establish the Medicine Hat Combative Sports Commission (Commission) to regulate and control combative sports within Medicine Hat. Bylaw No. 4380 amendments were added to allow the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to approve changes to the rules and regulations.

• Bylaw No. 4048 (PDF)
• Rules and Regulations (PDF)
• In the Ring Rules (PDF)

Bylaw No. 4048 grants the Commission the authority to regulate both professional and amateur combative sports (i.e. boxing and mixed martial arts), but the rules and regulations exempt well- established amateur governing bodies (i.e. Alberta Amateur Boxing Association), and provides the Commission the flexibility to exempt other governing bodies if required.

The Commission continually reviews their Bylaw and Rules and Regulations and makes amendments to modernize and update their operating procedures.

Responsibilities of the commission

The Commission is responsible for the safety of contestants and the audience by ensuring that:

• Competitors meet the medical requirements of the sport
• Approve promoters host events with trained official (referees, judges, timekeepers, and other officials)
• Insurance requirements are met, conflicts of interest do not occur, and facility standards are ensured
• Mandatory medical suspensions for injured competitors are enforced
• Event rules for the competition are approved
• Promoters act professionally
• Competitors are matched fairly, according to weight and experience levels
• The Promoter provides a safe environment for Combatants and Spectators

The Commission has established its own financial account to track revenues and expenses, and has established a Board of five members. The Executive Director of the Commission is a City employee appointed by the CAO, as per the Bylaw, and performs administrative duties for the Commission.

Promoter documents

• Checklist
• Event Application
• Permit Application

Event documents

• Event Protocols
• Event Checklist

Major Events

• Hard Knocks Fighting Championships, Mixed Martial Arts, May 27, 2011
• Snap Fitness, Medicine Hat Mixed Martial Arts, August 20, 2011
• I&C Kickboxing/Fitness, Boxing, September 30, 2011
• Hard Knocks Fighting Championships, Mixed Martial Arts, November 10, 2011
• Hard Knocks Fighting Championships, Mixed Martial Arts, February 24, 2012
• Hard Knocks Fighting Championships, Mixed Martial Arts, June 15, 2012
• Hard Knocks Fighting Championships, Mixed Martial Arts, September 21, 2012
• Hard Knocks Fighting Championships, Mixed Martial Arts, November 2, 2012
• King of the Cage, Mixed Martial Arts, September 27, 2013
• Tom Fiddler MMA - Canalta Centre, Mixed Martial Arts, April 9, 2016
• Tom Fiddler MMA - Canalta Centre, Mixed Martial Arts, October 28, 2016
• Tom Fiddler Fight Night 3 - Canalta Centre, Mixed Martial Arts, June 10, 2017
• Tom Fiddler Fight Night 4 - Canalta Centre, Mixed Martial Arts, September 7, 2017

For more information, please contact:

Parks & Recreation
Phone: 403-529-8333
parks@medicinehat.ca

Vacancies: 2

Activities: Advises and recommends land use planning matters to Council; exercises sub development and development powers

Meeting details: First and third Wednesday of each month, 2:30 p.m. (2+ hours)

Contact for more information: City Clerk Department, 403-529-8220

Applicant handbook  Apply now

Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) acts as the principal advisory body to Council in matters relating to land use planning.

Duties of the Commission include

• exercising development powers and duties on behalf of the City in accordance with the Subdivision and Development Authorities Bylaw
• carrying out such other functions and duties as assigned to the commission by Council

Members are elected to the Commission for a three-year term. Council representatives are:

• Councillor Andy McGrogan, Chair
• Councillor Shila Sharps

For more information, please contact:
City Clerk Department, City Hall
580 1 Street SE
Medicine Hat, AB  T1A 8E6
Phone: 403-529-8221
clerk@medicinehat.ca

Vacancies: 2

Activities: Various powers under the Police Act & Bylaw #1651

Meeting details: Third Wednesday of each month, 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m, first Tuesday of each month 12:00 p.m. (informal session)

Contact for more information: Police Commission 403-502-8908

Please note, you must obtain a Police Information Check and submit it to the City Clerk department after you have submitted your online application. Present a copy of your application when requesting the information check and the fee will be waived.

Applicant handbook  Apply now

Please visit the Police Commission website for more information. Current Council members include:

• Councillor Darren Hirsch
• Councillor Robert Dumanowski

For more information, please contact:
City Clerk Department, City Hall
580 1 Street SE
Medicine Hat, AB  T1A 8E6
Phone: 403-529-8221
clerk@medicinehat.ca

The Administrative Committee is comprised of the administrative heads of the City organization and approves qualified tenders, authorizes initiation of legal proceedings more than $50,000, recommends policies and programs, and directs the preparation of operating and capital budgets and long-range forecasts for presentation to Council.

Members

• Mayor
• City Manager
• Managing Director of Corporate Services
• Managing Director of Development and Infrastructure
• Managing Director of Energy, Land and Environment
• Managing Director of Public Services
• City Solicitor
• City Clerk

The Administrative and Legislative Review Committee is responsible for matters related to legislation, Administration and City organization referred to it by Council.

Members

• Councillor Andy McGrogan, Chair
• Councillor Allison Knodel, Vice-Chair
• Councillor Robert Dumanowski

The Audit Committee is responsible for oversight of the appointment and performance of the independent auditor of the City’s financial performance, system of internal controls and risk, ongoing financial reporting and any other matters referred to it by Council.

Members

• Councillor Darren Hirsch, Chair
• Councillor Shila Sharps, Vice-Chair
• Councillor Alison Van Dyke
• Corporate Services Managing Director (Advisor)

The Corporate Services Committee is responsible for matters related to finance (including assessment and taxation, financial control and reporting, supply chain [procurement], customer care and billing and treasury), information technology, corporate communications, engagement and marketing, fleet and facilities, corporate planning and performance and any other matters referred to it by Council.

Members

• Councillor Robert Dumanowski, Chair 
• Councillor Cassi Hider, Vice-Chair
• Councillor Allison Knodel
• Corporate Services Managing Director (advisor)

The Development and Infrastructure Committee is responsible for matters related to water, waste water, solid waste and waste diversion, storm collector systems, roads, airports, municipal engineering, business licensing, safety codes and administrative matters relating to the City’s land use and planning responsibilities, and any other matters referred to it by Council.

Members

• Councillor Shila Sharps, Chair
• Councillor Andy McGrogan, Vice-Chair
• Councillor Alison Van Dyke
• Development and Infrastructure Managing Director (Advisor)

The Emergency Advisory Committee meets as required (at least once annually) and is responsible to carry out the powers and duties detailed in City Bylaw No. 4319, the Emergency Management Bylaw. Responsibilities include:

• Providing guidance and direction to the City of Medicine Hat Emergency Management Agency;

• Providing recommendations for enhancement to community safety measures;

• Policy decisions related to emergency preparedness and emergency response; and

• Formal declaration, renewal, or termination of a State of Local Emergency.

Members 

• Mayor Linnsie Clark
• Councillor Cassie Hider
• Councillor Darren Hirsch

The Energy, Land and Environment Committee is responsible for matters related to energy (including but not limited to electric generation, oil and gas production and related well management, electric distribution, natural gas distribution, and energy marketing and analysis), the City’s land and property management (including but not limited to real estate transaction and land development), and the City’s environmental services (including compliance and strategy leadership) and any other matters referred to it by Council.

Members

• Councillor Darren Hirsch, Chair
• Councillor Alison Van Dyke, Vice-Chair
• Councillor Shila Sharps
• Energy, Land and Environment Division Managing Director (Advisor)

The Public Services Committee is responsible for matters related to community development, arts and culture, cemeteries, transit services, events programming, emergency services, fire safety codes services, 911 communication, parks and recreation, asset planning, facility operations and business and innovation and any other matters referred to it by Council.

Members

• Councillor Cassi Hider, Chair
• Councillor Robert Dumanowski, Vice-Chair
• Councillor Ramona Robins
• Public Services Managing Director (advisor)

• Agendas and Minutes
• Calendar
• Mayor and City Council

The Resilient and Inclusive Task Force was established to develop and implement strategies and actions to bolster community capacity, enhance community safety and promote social cohesion.

Vacancies: None

Activities: Recommend strategies to reduce the impacts of homelessness, mental health, addiction and poverty and coordinate efforts among various interested parties, including government, law enforcement, non-profits, and private and community organizations.

Meeting details: Members are expected to attend two-hour meetings every three weeks until March 2026.

Contact for more information: Joseph Hutter, 403-529-8231

Terms of reference  Apply now

Members:

• City Council – Mayor
• City Council – Public Services Committee Chair
• City of Medicine Hat executive member
• MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat
• MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat
• MP for Medicine Hat-Cardston-Warner
• Medicine Hat Community Housing Society
• The Mustard Seed
• Miywasin Friendship Centre
• Medicine Hat Police Service
• Recovery Alberta
• Alberta Health Services
• Chamber of Commerce
• SafeLink Alberta
• The Root Cellar
• Three (3) Public members 

Vacancies: 8

Activities: Assists with promoting the conservation, preservation, restoration, retention and awareness of local heritage resources

Meeting details: Second Thursday of every month, 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Contact for more information: Aaron Nelson, 403-502-8785

Applicant handbook  Apply now

Our city is rich in heritage resources, both public and private. The purpose of the Heritage Resources Working Group is to support the protection of these valuable resources for future generations.

Heritage resources include built structures, streetscapes, historical and archeological sites, as well as landscapes, archeological specimens and natural features of heritage and historical significance.

The mandate of the working group is to assist with promoting the conservation, preservation, restoration, retention, and awareness of local heritage resources. This work will be based upon the Province of Alberta's Historical Resources Act - R.S.A. 2000.

The Heritage Resources Working Group will:

• Encourage protection of heritage resources that are representative of Medicine Hat's history
• Promote public awareness of heritage resources, including existing and lost resources
• Enhance public understanding of and participation in the conservation of heritage resources

For more information, please contact:

Aaron Nelson
Community Development
City of Medicine Hat
Phone: 403-502-8785
aarnel@medicinehat.ca

Vacancies: up to 6

Activities: Advise and support City departments on issues related to persons with physical, developmental and mental health disabilities

Meeting details: First Wednesday of each month, 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Applicant handbook Apply now

The Working Group for Accessibility & Inclusion (WGAI) is an advisory body under the City of Medicine Hat’s Community Development department. Its primary purpose is to advise and support City departments on issues related to persons with physical, developmental and mental health disabilities. The WGAI recognizes both visible and invisible disabilities. Its goals include equitable participation of persons with disabilities, and all of the City of Medicine Hat’s public facilities, programs and services are accessible and inclusive.

For more information, please contact:

Ashley Howes

Community Inclusion Coordinator

Community Development

Phone: 403-525-8609

ashhow@medicinehat.ca 

Many members of City Council also represent the City on committees and boards outside of the organization.

• Alberta Municipal Climate Leadership Council: Councillor Alison Van Dyke
• Chamber of Commerce: Councillor Shila Sharps
• Civic Functions: Councillor Allison Knodel
• Community Futures Entre-Corp: Mayor Linnsie Clark
• Cypress View Foundation: Mayor Linnsie Clark, Councillor Ramona Robins
• Friends of Medalta Society: Councillor Allison Knodel
• Highway 3 Twinning Association: Councillor Darren Hirsch
• Inter-City Forum on Social Planning: Councillor Alison Van Dyke
• Intermunicipal Committee: Mayor Linnsie Clark, Councillor Shila Sharps
• Medicine Hat Community Housing Society: Mayor Linnsie Clark
• Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede: Councillor Andy McGrogan
• Municipal Names Committee: Councillor Cassi Hider
• Palliser Economic Partnership: Mayor Linnsie Clark, Councillor Cassi Hider
• Physician Attraction and Retention: Councillor Alison Van Dyke, Councillor Shila Sharps
• Regional Drainage Committee: Councillor Alison Van Dyke
• Shortgrass Library System: Councillor Alison Van Dyke
• Tourism Medicine Hat Committee: Councillor Cassi Hider