City Council Meeting Highlights October 6, 2025

This summary provides a brief overview of City Council meetings and does not reflect all discussion and debate. For full details, download the agenda package or watch the full meeting on the City of Medicine Hat’s YouTube channel.

Under Councillor Announcements:

• Councillor Knodel thanked the community for the opportunity to serve on City Council for the past four years, expressing her appreciation for fellow council members and administration and wishing the future council success in their roles.
• Councillor Sharps advised the community on the ability to pre-register for the municipal election on the City’s website at https://cmhvotes2025.medicinehat.ca/

City Council received the following items into the corporate record:

• Public Services Committee Meeting Minutes of September 8, 2025
• Administrative and Legislative Review Committee Meeting Minutes of September 9, 2025
• Municipal Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of September 17, 2025
• Public Services Committee Meeting Minutes of September 22, 2025

City Council received the following items for information: 

• 2025 Economic Development Report Quarters Two and Three
• Resilient and Inclusive Community Task Force Action Plan
• Development Permits approved August 11 of September 7, 2025
• Friends of Medalta Society 2024 Annual Report
• Police Commission Meeting Minutes of June 18, 2025
• Community Vibrancy Advisory Board Meeting Minutes of July 30, 2025
• Medicine Hat Resilient and Inclusive Community Task Force Meeting Minutes of August 26, 2025
• Medicine Hat Resilient and Inclusive Community Task Force Meeting Minutes of September 8, 2025
• Public Services Committee Action Items - September 8, 2025
• Administrative and Legislative Review Committee Action Items - September 9, 2025
• Public Services Committee Action Items - September 22, 2025

Under Unfinished Business, City Council:

• Approved Bylaw 4861 - Amending the Procedure Bylaw. Amendments include clarification of the notice of motion process, adjusting the start time of City Council meetings to 4 p.m., and adjusting the end time of meetings to 10 p.m.  
• Approved a motion rescinding the motion passed on March 20, 2023, that provided specific direction regarding general indemnification and separation of Council from Committee appointees and approving amendments to Policy 0146, now specifying that discretionary authority to make decisions regarding indemnification of Council Members or payment of legal fees belonging to Council Members rests with City Council, rather than the City Manager. The entire process is now included within the policy. Council further directed Administration to bring back the policy for review with the new City Council in Q2 2026.

Under New Business, City Council:

• Approved a motion to establish a standing line item on the Development and Infrastructure Committee agenda for quarterly reporting from the Economic Development Department, beginning Q4 2025, to ensure consistent oversight, transparency and alignment with Council’s strategic priorities.
• Approved a motion to amend the Terms of Reference for the Development and Infrastructure Committee to formally include Economic Development as a designated reporting department, with the following responsibilities:

1. 1. Submit quarterly written updates on strategic initiatives, investment attraction, workforce development, and growth readiness;
   2. Deliver bi-annual in-person presentations to the Committee and Council; and
   3. Provide performance metrics and progress reports aligned with the new Council’s Strategic Plan and the Southeast Alberta Economic Opportunity Strategy.
   4. Ensure that the revised Terms of Reference are brought back to Council for approval no later than December 15, 2025, with amending bylaw changes as needed.

• Approved a motion to add a City Council meeting on Friday October 10 at 7 a.m.
• Received a presentation from Jaret Dickie, Manager of Corporate Strategy & Analysis, on a potential non-profit operating grant program. Following the presentation, City Council defeated a motion to develop a non-profit operating grant program.
• Received a presentation from Jaret Dickie, Manager of Corporate Strategy & Analysis, on Community Service Level Inventory. Phase 1 of this project identified service levels across external operating departments that deliver public-facing services. The service levels outlined in the report are intentionally framed from the customers perspective, and are presented in accessible, non-technical language to clearly convey the quality and extent of service that residents and stakeholders can reasonably expect to receive. Future phases of this initiative will expand the inventory to include internal support services provided by the City. This broader scope will ensure a comprehensive view of service delivery across all municipal functions.
• Approved funding of $3,900,000 for preliminary design of an outdoor aquatics facility on the south side of the community and sports fields in Brier Run (to be funded through capital reserves.) This funding decision was made following the review of the recently completed public survey, which showed relative support to pursue the projects. 
• Approved the establishment of the Southeast Alberta Economic Opportunity Advocacy Committee; adopting the Terms of Reference as presented; and appointing an elected official to the Advocacy Committee at the upcoming municipal organizational meeting.
• Approved an increase of $107,571 to the 2026 budget for the Mayor and Council salary and wages, funded through operating reserves.
• Approved a motion to:

1. 1. Review Policy 8046 – Whistleblower Policy, and recommend amendments to:
      • Extend eligibility for whistleblower reporting to include contractors, suppliers, and members of the public;
      • Introduce an independent, third-party reporting mechanism that allows for anonymous disclosures;
      • Strengthen anti-retaliation protections for whistleblowers; and
      • Provide annual, anonymized reporting on the number and types of disclosures received and outcomes to council.
   2. Bring forward an updated Whistleblower Policy to Council for approval by end of Q4 2025.

• Approved a motion to immediately pay and reimburse legal fees incurred by Mayor Clark to date in relation to the Code of Conduct Complaint (including the Judicial Review) in the amount of $59,675.68, as permitted by section 16.1(i) of the, then in force, Council Code of Conduct Bylaw.

Under Committee Business, City Council:

• Approved the request from the Municipal Name Committee to rename Parkview Trail to Parrish Trail.