Council Highlights May 19, 2026

Councillor Reynish advised Council that the Sports Wall of Fame celebration is coming up on May 31 at Big Marble Go Centre. Robert Grisonich, Wade Peterson and Wes King-Hunter will be inducted at the event. He encouraged the community to attend and congratulated all of the inductees. More information can be found here

Councillor Phaff reminded the community that the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival is coming up this weekend. More information can be found on the Our Collective Journey Website.

Councillor Mohammed noted the quarterly report from Medicine Hat Economic Development and encouraged community members to review the report, which can be found in the agenda package on page 27.

Bylaw 4883-2026 – Rezoning of 21 Ranchlands Blvd NE 

Brad Irwin, Senior Planner, presented amending Bylaw 4883-2026, an application to rezone 21 Ranchlands Boulevard NE from Neighbourhood Commercial District to Medium Density Residential District. First reading of the bylaw occurred on April 20.  

The proposed rezoning is to facilitate the development of a mid-rise (on the lower end) medium density Apartment. While the subject site’s current Neighbourhood Commercial zoning already permits apartments, it is restricted by a three-storey height limit. This application seeks to transition the parcel to a dedicated residential district that accommodates the height increase necessary for a future apartment development.  

Following a public hearing, City Council passed Bylaw 4883-2026. 

Development and Expansion Incentive Program - Bylaw 4885-2026 and Bylaw 4886-2026 

Council gave first reading to Bylaw 4885-2026 to amend the Residential Tax Exemption Bylaw 4851; and gave first reading to 4886-2026, the Non-Residential Tax Exemption Bylaw to repeal and replace the Tax Incentive Bylaw 4667.

The item will be considered at the June 1 meeting of City Council, along with the Development and Expansion Incentive Program which includes Creating a “Development and Expansion Grant” intended to encourage commercial and industrial investment and expansion, of strategic target sectors, to occur in Medicine Hat.  

Electric Substations Infrastructure Modernization 

City Council approved an increase to the Electric Utilities Distribution’s 2026 Sustaining Capital Asset Budget for end-of-life substation replacements in the amount of $21,550,000. A 2025 assessment identified a number of deficiencies across three substations that range in age from 40-45 years old. The reliability risks identified through the assessment, coupled with long-lead times for key components, compelled administration to bring forward the budget amendment ahead of the 2027-2028 budget. The budget amendment will be funded through capital reserves.  

‘Momentum’ Medicine Hat Community Well-Being Plan 

Shona Dickie, Manager of Community Supports, provided a presentation to City Council on the progress of the Community Wellbeing Plan, ‘Momentum’. The plan is a ten-year strategy designed to enhance community well-being. Co-developed with partners in the community, the plan was approved by City Council in 2025. See the full presentation on page 123 of the Agenda Package.