City proclaims inaugural Good Neighbour Day

The City of Medicine Hat has proclaimed Saturday, October 3, 2026 as the inaugural Good Neighbour Day, establishing a day of celebration to be observed annually on the first Saturday of October in Medicine Hat. The day had previously been informally recognized in the community. The creation of a formal Good Neighbour Day is a collaborative effort between the City of Medicine Hat and the Neighbourhood Associations of Medicine Hat & Area.

Good Neighbour Day is an opportunity to celebrate community, connection and the people who help make Medicine Hat's neighbourhoods vibrant places to live. The annual observance will highlight the importance of everyday interactions that foster belonging, inclusion and community wellbeing. Establishing Good Neighbour Day in early October aligns with a time of year when community gatherings and neighbourhood connections can help foster a sense of belonging heading into the colder months, while still enjoying warmth in the forecast.

“Good Neighbour Day is a reminder that community starts right outside our front door and it’s an opportunity to celebrate the kindness, generosity and sense of community that define Medicine Hat,” said Mayor Linnsie Clark. “Strong communities begin with strong neighbourhoods, and strong neighbourhoods are built through meaningful connections. Whether organizing an activity, checking in on someone, lending a helping hand or simply saying hello, making these connections can have a meaningful impact that helps our community flourish."

How to participate

Nominate a Good Neighbour
Residents can nominate a Good Neighbour, or share stories about why they love their neighbourhood, on the Neighbourhood Associations page on Shape Your City by Friday, October 16 to be entered to win a $100 local prize package.

Event ideas
While there are no formal events, the opportunities to participate in Good Neighbour Day are endless. Residents are encouraged to mark the occasion by introducing themselves to a new neighbour, inviting someone for coffee, sharing a meal, organizing a neighbourhood gathering, helping someone in need or simply taking the time to reconnect with those who live nearby. Ideas for neighbourhoods, streets or blocks include the following:

• Group walks
• Community clean-ups
• Door decorating contests
• Random acts of kindness
• Coffee, tea or potluck gatherings
• Boardgame/card nights
• Picnics in the park
• Driveway concerts
  

Community members are encouraged to share their Good Neighbour Day activities, stories, photos and videos using #GoodNeighbourDayMH and tagging the City of Medicine Hat and Neighbourhood Associations of Medicine Hat & Area on Facebook.

The City of Medicine Hat will continue exploring opportunities to support community activities and events to grow the participation and citywide celebration of Good Neighbour Day in future years.

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@medicinehat.ca