Council Highlights January 5, 2026

Jan 06, 2026

Council Highlights

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 Cocks acknowledged community concerns regarding the unhoused population in the City during the winter months and shared that SafeLink’s daytime drop-in centre will cease operations as their funding has been denied.

Mayor Clark announced that City Council will begin post-meeting City Council media scrums – allotting 20 minutes to address media inquiries following each meeting.

The Consent Agenda is used by City Council to streamline meetings by grouping routine, non-controversial items - such as approval of previous minutes, standard reports, and minor administrative actions - into a single agenda item. These are approved in a single motion without discussion, though any member can request an item be removed for separate consideration. This process saves time and lets Council focus on more complex issues.

City Council received the following item for the corporate record.

Public Services Committee Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2025
Corporate Services Committee Meeting Minutes of December 11, 2025
Energy, Land and Environment Committee Meeting Minutes of December 18, 2025

City Council received the following items for information.

Update on South Side Outdoor Pool and Brier Run Sports Fields
Corporate Services Representative for Labour Relations Matters
Community Vibrancy Advisory Board (CVAB) Meeting Minutes of August 20, 2025
Community Vibrancy Advisory Board (CVAB) Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2025
Community Vibrancy Advisory Board (CVAB) Meeting Minutes of October 29, 2025
Medicine Hat Resilient and Inclusive Community Task Force Meeting Minutes of November 19, 2025
Public Services Committee Meeting Action Items – December 8, 2025
Corporate Services Committee Meeting Action Items – December 11, 2025
Energy, Land and Environment Committee Meeting Action Items – December 18, 2025

Proposed rezone of lot in Harlow neighbourhood from Mixed Use to Medium Density Residential

Bylaw 4862 - To Rezone 1064 1 St SW

Council gave first reading to Bylaw 4862 on December 15, 2025. The application is to rezone 1064 1 Street SW from Mixed Use to Medium Density Residential. This change is in response to a September 2, 2025, City Council resolution directing administration to bring forward a land use bylaw amendment for Council’s consideration, for 1064 1 Street SW to be rezoned to Medium Density Residential, and that height of development on the property be restricted to a maximum of 10.5 meters or two stories, whichever is less, and managed through the conditions of a purchase and sales agreement between the City and the potential purchaser. 

Mayor Clark opened the public hearing, and Jim Genge, Superintendent of Planning, provided a presentation.

Following the public hearing, City Council approved Bylaw 4862 - To Rezone 1064 1 St SW.

Proposed rezone of lots to allow for secondary suites

Bylaw 4866 - To Rezone 5366/5368, 5371/5373 and 5377/5379 Southlands Dr SE

Council gave first reading to Bylaw 4866 on December 15, 2025. The application is to rezone the parcels located at 5366/5368, 5371/5373 and 5377/5379 Southlands Drive SE from Low Density Residential to Medium Density Residential. Adoption of the proposed amendment will allow for the development of two secondary suites (basement suites) within the building under construction located at 5366/5368 Southlands Drive SE, for a total of 4 units, and attached Housing (semi-detached duplexes) with secondary suites (basement suites) at 5371/5373 and 5377/5379 Southlands Drive SE for a total of 8 units.

Mayor Clark opened the public hearing, and Jim Genge, Superintendent of Planning, provided a presentation.

Following the public hearing, City Council approved Bylaw 4866 - To Rezone 5366/5368, 5371/5373 and 5377/5379 Southlands Dr SE.

Bylaw 4868 - To Rezone 308/310 Somerside Cres SE

Council gave first reading to Bylaw 4868 on December 15, 2025. The application is to rezone 308/310 Somerside Crescent SE from Low Density Residential to Medium Density Residential. Adoption of the proposed amendment will allow for the development of two secondary suites (basement suites) within the building under construction located at 308/310 Somerside Crescent SE, for a total of 4 units.

Mayor Clark opened the public hearing, and Jim Genge, Superintendent of Planning provided a presentation.

Following the public hearing, City Council approved Bylaw 4868 - To Rezone 308/310 Somerside Cres SE.

Electoral Boundary Commission

Councillor Cocks confirmed that Council has a pre-scheduled time to provide input to the Alberta Electoral Boundary Commission on January 16. The focus of the City’s submission is to advocate for a return to something similar to the former boundaries, and that the City should have a MLA that represents the urban interests of Medicine Hat. Following the update, City Council approved a motion to support Councillor Cocks' submission to the commission.

Business arising from closed session

South side recreation facility RFP paused

Councillor Phaff moved that City Council direct administration to cancel RFP # CMH-25-05 until further notice. The RFP is to conduct preliminary design on a new recreation facility in the south end of the city. The delay is to allow the new council an opportunity to confirm their collective vision for the development of future recreation amenities.

Interim City Manager

City Council approved a motion to appoint Managing Director of Public Services, Joseph Hutter, Interim City Manager for the period of January 1, 2026 to March 31, 2026.

Council approved a motion directing Administration to provide:

all outstanding council motions for all standing committees at the January 19, 2026 Regular Meeting of City Council as an opportunity to understand the background of previous motions and determine the next steps.

a complete list of outstanding and upcoming budgeted capital projects and major operating expenses for all standing committees at the January 19, 2026, Regular Meeting of City Council.

the relevant policies and bylaws for each of the standing committees at the January 19, 2026, Regular Meeting of City Council.

Committee Meeting Agendas and Minutes
www.medicinehat.ca/AgendasMinutes

Live Meetings
https://www.youtube.com/CityMedicineHat

Next City Council meeting to be held in Council Chambers in City Hall on
Monday, January 19, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.