Council Highlights April 7, 2026

Shawn Champagne, Senior Planner, provided a presentation on Urban Hens, sharing background on previous consideration for a bylaw permitting urban hens, the approach in other municipalities, and the administrative efforts that would be required if a bylaw permitting hens was passed. Following the presentation, City Council approved a motion directing Administration to:

1. 1. Prepare a comprehensive bylaw for the regulation of Urban Hens in Medicine Hat based on identified best practices and community feedback;
   2. Prepare a report including anticipated costs and staff resources for implementation; and 
   3. Present the bylaw and report to Council in Q3 2026 for consideration as recommended by Administrative Committee. 

Development of Non-Standard Crosswalk Pavement Marking Policy  

City Council approved a motion to extend the timeline for development of a new policy to no later than the end of Q3, 2026. 

1. 1. Following further discussion, City Council approved a motion to cease all work on the development of a new policy to regulate non-standard crosswalk pavement marking.

Desert Blume and Heron Crossing Multi-Use Trail Budget Amendment 

City Council defeated a motion directing staff to stop work on the preliminary design of the Desert Blume and Heron Crossing Multi-use Trail (MUT) and revisit design/construction of the MUT during future business planning cycles when the MUT becomes a higher priority within the City of Medicine Hat (City) active transportation network. 

Following further discussion, City Council approved a motion to increase the current approved budget by $14,000 to be funded by operating reserve, continue with the preliminary MUT design, and return to Council with a request for decision to proceed with construction by Q3 2026. 

Council approved the distribution of the 2026 Community Vibrancy Grants in the Community Projects and Activities stream as per the Community Vibrancy Advisory Board recommendations as follows: 

Kiskihkeyimowin 2026 Planning Committee – MH Public School Division: $5000
Kiskihkeyimowin (“Sharing Good Teachings”) is an annual cultural learning event involving more than 800 participants, including Grade 4 and 10 students, staff, and families. Partner organizations, Elders, knowledge keepers, and sponsors collaborate to deliver hands-on learning experiences that support understanding of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit culture. 

Mural Fest – Jeff Goring: $10,000
Mural Fest is an annual public art initiative featuring local and international artists creating large-scale murals across the community. The event is free to the public, encourages cultural expression, and enhances neighbourhood vibrancy by transforming blank walls into lasting public artworks. 

Porchfest 2026 - RoadWorn Productions & Management: $5,350
Porchfest is a free, one day, community driven music event in Medicine Hat’s historic East Hill neighbourhoods. Local musicians perform from residential porches, promoting inclusivity and community connection. 

Grain to Glory Festival – 12Twenty2 Ltd: $5,000
Grain to Glory is a free, inclusive community festival supporting local artists, businesses, and service providers. With approximately 5,000 attendees in its first year, the festival aims to grow into a recognized annual event celebrating accessibility, local pride, and community engagement. 

Latin Festival – Mi Gente YXH Association: $7,500  
The Latin Festival is a cultural event celebrating Latin American heritage through music, food, dance, and historical interpretation. The festival promotes cultural pride and provides a professional platform for Latin artists and businesses. 

Medicine Hat Family Fun and Flight - Dave Rozdeba Memorial Airshow: $10,000
Family Fun and Flight offers the public rare access to aviation experiences and airport facilities, showcasing local and visiting aircraft. Family Fun and Flight promotes the regional airport, engages the community, and provides a safe environment for residents to learn about aviation. 

Citizen’s Walk About – REDI Enterprises: $1,500
The Citizen’s Walk About is an annual advocacy event supporting people with disabilities. The event includes activities, local entrepreneur booths, and a community march promoting acceptance, inclusion, and positive messaging. 

Big Truck Day – Medicine Hat Public Library: $650
Big Truck Day is a family-friendly event featuring hands on educational activities with large vehicles from city departments and private companies. The event fosters learning, community pride, and engagement with local service providers. 

International Overdose Awareness Day – Health Connections Assoc. of SE AB: $3,000
International Overdose Awareness Day provides a safe, stigma free space to remember loved ones lost to overdose. It raises awareness, encourages public reflection, and helps reduce stigma surrounding overdose related grief. 

Trash to Treasure Youth Program – YMCA of SE Alberta: $4,000  
Trash to Treasure engages youth aged 8-14 in sustainability-focused volunteer activities that encourage environmental responsibility, community participation and social inclusion. 

Still Here – Katie Wood: $1,000  
Still Here is a collaborative photo story project created with members of Medicine Hat’s unhoused community. It centers lived experiences to challenge stigma, promote understanding, and highlight systemic gaps in housing, health care, and social supports. 

The Porch Presents Pockets of the Past – Bring Back the Porch Podcast: $2,000  
The Porch Presents Pockets of the Past brings the community together to explore key historical events that shaped Medicine Hat. Through visual storytelling at the Monarch Theatre, the event promotes learning, connection, and appreciation for local culture. 

Public Participation Progress Report and Public Participation Policy 0192-2026 

Colleen Graham, Director of Communications, Engagement and Marketing, and Safira Lachapelle, Public Participation Specialist, provided a presentation on the new framework and recommended policy updates. Following the presentation, City Council approved a motion to: 

1. 1. receive the Public Participation Progress Report for information; 

   2. approve Public Participation Policy 0192-2026, as presented; and

   3. rescind Public Participation Policy 0165. 

Rate Class and Meters 

Travis Tuchscherer, Director of Energy Marketing and Business Analysis, provided a presentation summarizing the current model for assigning rate classes to ensure appropriate cost recovery plus an allowable return for the delivery of electric utilities. The evaluation occurred after hearing concerns about the existing model.  

Following the presentation, City Council approved a motion: 

1. 1. approving Option 2 “Existing Electric Utility Rate Design with Supplementary Enhancements”; and

   2. closing Council Motions: 

1. 1. 1. August 18, 2025, 2025/187, 188, 189; and 
      2. September 29, 2025, 2025/254. 

The supplementary enhancements refer to steps taken to improve the customer experience. Clear information is now available to help support businesses understand the effect of their electricity usage behaviour, and a formal grace period and communication process is now in place to help business owners avoid any surprises.

Bylaw 4873-2026 – Rezoning 201 2 Street NW  

Council gave first reading to Amending Bylaw No. 4873-2026, an application to rezone 201 2 Street NW, the former Riverside School site, from Direct Control District to Low Density Residential District. A public hearing will be held during the May 4, 2026 City Council meeting.