Council Highlights August 17, 2026

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.

Councillor Varga acknowledged the success of the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games 2026 held in Medicine Hat from August 11-15. He thanked the Medicine Hat Alberta Games Society; Dr. Ken Sauer; Chair of the Organizing Committee, Natalie Sauer; as well as all the organizers and volunteers. He encouraged local volunteers and spectators to reach out to him and share their stories so that he can assemble a book. He also thanked the community for the warm welcome that was provided to the many visitors to Medicine Hat.

Councillor Reynish shared his positive experience in attending Medicine Hat Latin Fest by Mi Gente YXH, the city’s first Latin Festival. He also wished luck to the participants in the Root Cellar’s Amazing Race For Hunger fundraiser on August 22.

Budget Reallocation and Additional Funding Request – Electric Generation

Council approved the reallocation of $4,005,000 working capital funds as indicated. The motion was not an approval of new funds, but rather an adjustment of already approved funds to other important initiatives and emerging needs.

Business License Fees

City Council approved a motion to maintain the current Business License fee structure for 2026 and implement changes effective January 1, 2027. The proposed changes are intended to improve competitiveness with comparable municipalities while remaining within projected revenue targets.

Key proposed changes for 2027/28 include:

• Eliminating Tier 4 and reassigning businesses to Tier 2 or Tier 3;
• Reducing fees across all tiers, with proposed rates of: Tier 1 ($0), Tier 2 ($190-$225), Tier 3 ($390-$450), and Tier 4 (formerly Tier 5) ($2,500);
• Maintaining a $500 non-resident fee and a $50 administration fee in specific circumstances; and
• Reviewing three-year licence options and related budget impacts.

Additionally, Council directed Administration to provide Council with recommendations for a fee philosophy.

The changes will require an amendment to the Licensing Bylaw. No adjustment to the 2026 budget is required, and the proposed fee reductions are expected to decrease the current positive revenue variance by approximately $150,000 while remaining within projected 2027/28 budgeted revenues.

Request for Revisions to Upcoming Council Budget Meeting Dates

Council approved a motion to cancel the Council budget meeting scheduled for October 13, 2026, and add a meeting on October 27, 2026. Administration recommended the change to better align with timelines for document preparation and presentation to Council. Rescheduling the October 13 meeting to October 27 will also allow for two meetings on consecutive days (October 26 and 27), which will provide ample time for a full review and robust discussion of the budget.

Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Bylaw

City Council gave first reading of Bylaw 4893-2026, to repeal and replace Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Bylaw 3009.

The current SDAB Bylaw was adopted in 1994. A recent review identified the need to update it to align with current legislation, governance best practices, administrative processes, and modern terminology. Given the scope of the changes, Administration determined that replacing the existing Bylaw was more effective than amending it. Key updates include:

• Clarifying the Clerk's responsibilities;
• Increasing Board membership to support timely hearing scheduling;
• Modernizing hearing procedures;
• Allowing hearings to be recorded and published on the City's YouTube channel to improve transparency and public access;
• Clarifying the Chair's responsibilities; and
• Updating terminology throughout the Bylaw.

The proposed replacement Bylaw maintains the Board's authority while providing a modern, clear framework that supports effective decision-making, procedural fairness, and confidence in the appeal process. 

The bylaw will return to City Council for further consideration on September 8, 2026.

Protection of Water, Source Water, and Water Quality

The following Notice of Motion will be considered at the September 8 City Council meeting.

WHEREAS the South Saskatchewan River watershed is the source of the City of Medicine Hat’s drinking water and is fundamental to the health, safety, economic prosperity, and quality of life of residents;

AND WHEREAS the City of Medicine Hat has a direct and continuing interest in the protection of source water, drinking water security, stormwater quality, groundwater, watershed health, and the long-term resilience of the South Saskatchewan River system and related water resources;

AND WHEREAS clean, safe, reliable, and responsibly managed water is essential to public health, environmental stewardship, agriculture, economic development, municipal infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and the well-being of current and future residents;

AND WHEREAS Council approved the City of Medicine Hat Environmental Framework and associated Action Plan, which identify water as a core environmental topic and commit the City to protecting and responsibly managing water resources, enhancing water quality, and improving the efficiency of water systems to support access to clean and safe water for all residents;

AND WHEREAS the Environmental Framework Action Plan identifies the development of a proactive and phased Water Management Strategy as a high-priority action, including water source protection, municipal water utility operation and maintenance, economic development and growth, applicable legislation, and response to climate-related events;

AND WHEREAS the Environmental Framework Action Plan further identifies enhanced stormwater management planning and watershed protection as a City goal, including stormwater quality protection, master drainage planning, intermunicipal collaboration, and watershed protection;

AND WHEREAS, on June 15, 2026, Council approved a budget amendment of $245,000 for the City of Medicine Hat’s Water Management & Adaptation Strategy, increasing the existing budget from $325,000 to $570,000 through external grant funding, thereby demonstrating Council’s practical and financial support for water security, climate adaptation, groundwater assessment, and integrated water management;

AND WHEREAS the July 6, 2026 motion, which was framed in reference to a specific provincial citizen-initiated petition which Elections Alberta reported as unsuccessful, failing to receive a seconder was a procedural matter rather than a reflection of opposition to watershed protection, clean water, or drinking water security;

AND WHEREAS This notice of motion is intended to reflect Council’s position on watershed protection clearly, independently, and based on the City’s own municipal responsibilities, adopted plans, funding decisions, approved strategies, and long-term public interest, rather than on the legal status of any third-party petition.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council reaffirms its clear support for the protection of Medicine Hat’s watershed, source water, groundwater, stormwater quality, drinking water security, and long-term water resilience;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Council confirms that its support for watershed and water quality protection is grounded in the City of Medicine Hat Environmental Framework, the Environmental Framework Action Plan, the Water Management & Adaptation Strategy, and Council’s approved funding for that work;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Council directs Administration to continue advancing the Water Management & Adaptation Strategy with consideration of source water protection, watershed health, stormwater quality, drought and flood resilience, water quality risks, and infrastructure reliability;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT Council directs Administration, through the Water Management & Adaptation Strategy or other appropriate reporting process, to identify actions that may need to be taken in the future by Council, that will protect our source water, watershed integrity, water quality, groundwater, stormwater management, irrigation reliability, or drinking water security;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Mayor, on behalf of Council, send a letter to the Premier of Alberta, the Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, the Minister of Municipal Affairs, the Minister of Energy and Minerals, the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, and any other appropriate provincial or federal officials: 

1. 1. 1. 1. reaffirming Council’s support for watershed protection, water quality protection, source water protection, and drinking water security; and
         2. requesting that any provincial decisions respecting upstream activities with potential material impacts on source water, watershed integrity, groundwater, irrigation, water quality, or downstream municipalities be made through transparent, evidence-based assessment, meaningful consultation with affected downstream municipalities, and enforceable protections for water resources.