City and Mustard Seed one step closer to 24/7 shelter location

Medicine Hat – The City of Medicine Hat and The Mustard Seed are one step closer to determining a shelter location. 

In 2024, it became evident to both the Mustard Seed and the City that the locations of the 24/7 shelters in Medicine Hat (both situated in residential areas) are not ideal, particularly when considering the increased traffic and changing demographics of the clients being served. Additionally, the Mustard Seed and the City agree that if possible, the provincially funded 24/7 shelter services in Medicine Hat should be located at a single location. 

Over the last six months, at the request of the Government of Alberta, the City and the Mustard Seed have worked together to determine a more suitable location for the shelter. 

After evaluating several properties, the parties have agreed to explore 2055 Saamis Drive NW as a potential location. The property is owned by the City and the City's long-term tenant has decided to relocate, providing a timely opportunity to repurpose the property for the shelter at a single location. 

There are several hurdles that must be passed before the property is approved as the new location, including an application to rezone the property (currently zoned as Highway Commercial), as well as a development permit application from The Mustard Seed. Several recommendations will come to City Council for deliberation and approval this fall, providing opportunities to debate the merits of the proposed location and hear feedback from the community through public hearings. 

With the winter months approaching, staff from both the City of Medicine Hat and The Mustard Seed are moving quickly to secure a suitable location for shelter services.

For more information about this effort and the sequence of decisions, visit the City’s Community Shelters webpage.

Quotes:

“We are very excited to have reached this point in our joint discussions – particularly with winter just around the corner. We’re looking forward to further collaboration with the Mustard Seed and other partners to ensure this important service operates successfully in our community.” 

– Mayor Linnsie Clark, City of Medicine Hat 

“The collaboration between the City, the province, and our community partners has never been stronger. This united effort has enabled us to secure a single, cohesive location where we can continue serving those in need.”

– James Gardiner, CEO, The Mustard Seed

"Medicine Hat has always come together to look out for our neighbours. I’m grateful to the City of Medicine Hat and the Mustard Seed for identifying a new, expanded shelter location. This practical, compassionate step will save lives while respecting the needs the larger community. When we work together, we can deliver safe, dignified, recovery-oriented solutions for those who need them most."

– Justin Wright, MLA, Cypress-Medicine Hat 

“This milestone reflects the longstanding spirit of collaboration in our community. Securing access to a 24/7 shelter with appropriate supports for individuals facing housing instability is a vital step forward. Together with the City of Medicine Hat, The Mustard Seed, the Government of Alberta, and our community partners we are advancing a recovery-focused solution that addresses urgent needs while respecting the broader community.” 

– Jaime Rogers, Manager of Homeless and Housing Development, Medicine Hat Community Housing Society