Council Highlights June 7 2021

As a point of privilege, Councillor McIntosh acknowledged the tragic discovery at the former residential school in Kamloops and paid tribute to the 215 children whose lives were taken. Cllr. McIntosh encouraged all Canadians to listen and learn in order to take positive steps forward to help heal together.

Merrick Brown, Manager of Support Services in Emergency Services, provided City Council a City of Medicine Hat COVID-19 update, including the progress being made with the Province of Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan, where mandatory restrictions are being safely eased as vaccine targets are reached and hospitalizations decline. Full details on vaccine information, guidelines and current restrictions can be found here.

Amanda Brinda, City Planner and Director of Development Services, and Erin Onoferychuk, Superindent of Planning, presented on Bylaw #4668, a bylaw of the City of Medicine Hat to amend Bylaw #4168, the Land Use Bylaw. The amendment would see 29 - 5 Street SE change from low density residential to medium density residential. First reading of Bylaw #4668 occurred on May 17.

Following a public hearing, City Council approved second and third reading of Bylaw #4668, a bylaw of the City of Medicine Hat to amend Bylaw #4168, the Land Use Bylaw.

Dennis Egert, Managing Director of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer (CFO), presented the CFO Report as of December 31, 2020.

Through Public Services Committee, City Council received for information updates on the following:

• 911 Communications Centre
• Parks & Recreation Master Plan
• Motion of April 19, 2021 – Short and long term shelter

Through Administrative Committee, City Council approved tender recommendation MW21-26 – 2021 Bridge Maintenance Program. The bid was awarded to Horseshoe Hill Construction Inc. in the amount of $1,037,100.

City Council approved second and third reading of Bylaw # 4664, a Bylaw of the City of Medicine Hat to disestablish a business improvement area known as the City Centre Development Area.

Under new business, City Council appointed the inaugural members of the Community Vibrancy Board. The following appointments are in effect immediately:

• Niki Gray, three-year term
• Jill Reid, three-year term
• Amy Risk Richardson, three-year term
• Katie Smith, three-year term
• Darcy Stach, three-year term
• Michael Christie, two-year term
• Dylan Giles, two-year term
• Paul MacKenzie, two-year term,
• Mary Tulip two-year term