Council Highlights May 4, 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.

Two items were added to the agenda:

• Councillor Cocks advised he would bring a notice of motion forward at the end of the meeting.
• Appointment to Subdivision and Appeal Board was added to the agenda.

Deputy Mayor Phaff advised that Mayor Clark and Councillor Mohammed were not in attendance as they were delegates at an Aviation, Aerospace and Defence Summit in Edmonton.

Councillor Varga acknowledged the 100 Days Out event hosted by the Special Olympics planning committee on Saturday, May 2 – marking 100 days until the beginning of the National Special Olympics Committee. He encouraged community members to sign up for volunteer opportunities at www.socmedhat2026.ca/volunteers.

Councillor Cocks pointed to the City of Medicine Hat’s announcement of the creation of a new, one-time grant funding opportunity to support projects that help advance strategic objectives in the Community Well-Being Plan. The Momentum Kick-Off Grant window is open for applications until June 5, 2026 at 3 p.m. More information is available on the City website.

Councillor Reynish advised that he and Councillor Cocks attended the Member Appreciation Night at the Esplanade on April 30.  The brand-new season of performing arts entertainment at the Esplanade will be unveiled Tuesday, May 5 at 8 a.m. Visit www.tixx.ca to explore the full lineup of exceptional entertainment.

Interim City Manager Hutter introduced the new Managing Director of Corporate Services and CFO, Mustansar Nadeem, and thanked Lola Barta for her support in filling in the role for the past several months.

Councillor Reynish recognized Economic Development week. Led by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), this annual celebration highlights the work that strengthens communities, drives innovation, and builds resilient local economies.

City Council received the following items for the corporate record.

• Public Services Committee Meeting Minutes of April 13, 2026
• Administrative and Legislative Review and Government Relations Committee / Council Employee Committee Meeting Minutes of April 14, 202

City Council received the following items for information.

• Municipal Planning Commission Meeting Minutes of April 22, 2026
• Community Vibrancy Advisory Board (CVAB) Meeting Minutes of February 25, 2026
• What Matters to Hatters Coalition
• 2025 Municipal Election Report
• Public Services Committee Meeting Action Items of April 13, 2026
• Administrative and Legislative Review and Government Relations Committee / Council Employee Committee Meeting Action Items - April 14, 2026

Bylaw 4873 - 2026 - Rezoning 201 2nd Street NW

Rebecca Arabsky, Intermediate Planner, presented Amending Bylaw 4873-2026, an application to rezone 201 2 Street NW (the former Riverside School site) from Direct Control District to Low Density Residential District. First reading occurred on April 7, 2026. The site was zoned Direct Control District in accordance with the Riverside Neighbourhood Plan. This zoning was in place to allow City Council the opportunity to exercise control over future development of an important community landmark. With the demolition of the Riverside School building, Direct Control zoning is no longer necessary. The rezoning application was submitted for the purpose of facilitating low density residential development.

Following a public hearing, Council passed Bylaw 4873-2026.

Bylaw 4875-2026 - Rezoning 800 Gershaw Drive SW

Brad Irwin, Senior Planner, presented amending Bylaw 4875-2026, an application to rezone 800 Gershaw Drive SW from Mixed Use District to Highway Commercial District. First reading occurred on April 7, 2026. The proposed rezoning is for the purpose of facilitating a motor vehicle sales or motor vehicle service station on the site, which is how the site has been used for the last 40 years. Details of the development will be confirmed through future development permit application/review. The Mixed Use District no longer accommodates these uses as a result of an amendment to the land use bylaw in 2022. Rezoning the site to C-H District can be seen as an appropriate district because of the proximity to Highway 3, the context of the surrounding area, and the previous use of the site.

Following a public hearing, Council passed Bylaw 4875-2206.

Bylaw 4876 - 2026 - Rezoning 2 & 6 Sierra Green SW

Justin van der Merwe, Intermediate Planner, presented amending Bylaw 4876-2026, an application to rezone 2 and 6 Sierra Green SW from Medium Density Residential District to Low Density Residential District. First reading occurred on April 7, 2026. To date, development throughout Saamis Heights has been generally consistent with the relevant Area Structure Plan and subdivision plans. This rezoning application would not result in a departure from the statutory planning documents as it would return the site back to its initial low-density zoning.

Following a public hearing, Council passed, Bylaw 4876-2026.

Bylaw 4877 - 2026 - Rezoning 2 & 4 Ranchero Place NE

Brad Irwin, Senior Planner, presented amending Bylaw 4877-2026, an application to rezone 2 and 4 Ranchero Place NE from Low Density Residential District to Medium Density Residential District.

First reading occurred on April 7, 2026. The proposed rezoning of 2 & 4 Ranchero Place NE provides policy aligned intensification supporting the myMH Master Plan and Ranchlands Area Structure Plan. By transitioning this vacant site to accommodate a four-unit development, the project maximizes existing municipal infrastructure and introduces "missing middle" housing. This development serves as a logical transition between the neighborhood's low-density interior and the higher-traffic collector road, reinforcing the established residential character along Ranchlands Boulevard.

Following a public hearing, Council passed Bylaw 4877-2026.

Alcohol Consumption in Designated City Parks – Pilot Project

Council approved a motion directing Administration to:

• develop and implement a pilot program to permit alcohol consumption in designated City park areas from July 2, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2026. The pilot project must:
  • be in accordance with applicable legislation and City bylaws and policies and include clear rules and limitations;
  • include public communication and signage outlining permitted use and expectations for responsible behaviour; and
  • involve engagement with the community before, during and after the pilot project to gauge impact and public opinion.
• report back to Council at the conclusion of the pilot with findings, including data on enforcement issues, safety impacts and community feedback, as well as recommendations on whether to expand, modify, or discontinue the program.

Whistleblower Policy 8051-2026

City Council approved Whistleblower Policy 8051-2026, to be effective June 15, 2026. They also approved a budget amendment in the amount of $100,000 to be funded by operating reserves; rescinded Fraud Policy 8042, effective June 15, 2026; and rescinded Whistleblower Policy 8046, effective June 15, 20. The policy will be posted to the City website and the third-party reporting service will begin accepting reports on June 15, 2026.

Procedure Bylaw Amendments 4887-2026

Following a motion to approve, by unanimous consent, all three readings, Council passed Bylaw 4887-2026 to amend the Procedure Bylaw. The proposed amendments include:

• minor housekeeping amendments;
• amending the table of contents to correct page numbering to reflect the current bylaw structure;
• clarifying that Quorum as defined is not required for the purposes of the Agenda Review Committee;
• providing the Agenda Review Committee with authority related to adjusting Orders of the Day and approving Requests to Address Council;
• providing authority to the City Clerk to correct typographical, grammatical, and formatting errors that do not materially affect the principle or substance in published agendas and minutes;
• formalizing the current practice of recording and posting the videos of Standing Committee meetings;
• establishing the Mayor as the official spokesperson for Council;
• adjusting the process related to the Request to Address Form to reflect the Agenda Review Committee as the approval authority;
• establishing the Budget Committee pursuant to resolution 2026/055 as a Standing Committee with an end date;
• combining the functions of the Administrative and Legislative Review and Government Relations Committee and the Council Employee Committee into a single committee called the “Governance Committee”; and
• enhancing clarity in the Standing Committees Terms of Reference.

Council then approved a motion to appoint Councillor Phaff (Chair), Councillor Young (Vice-chair) and Councillor Mohammed to the Budget Committee. 

Third Party Grant One-Time Operating Initiative Requests

City Council approved a budget amendment for third party grant activities as follows:

• $123,000 for a new 2026 One-Time Operating Initiative (OTOI) which will be funded by a third-party grant of $111,000 and third-party funding of $12,000 from Tourism Medicine Hat.
• The reallocation of unused operating funds of $99,000 from the 2023 MOE – Settlement, Integration & Language Project (SILP) to this new 2026 OTOI.

These funds will be used to fund the project “Opportunity is Calling”, a marketing campaign to attract professionals and entrepreneurs outside of our region to live and work in Medicine Hat. No new funds are required for this project – the budget amendment is required to accurately reflect the funds available with the receipt of the grant funding. 

Intermunicipal Committee orientation and working regionally workshop

Council approved a motion to support the request from the Intermunicipal Committee to collaborate and proceed with a two-day Tri-Area regional workshop facilitated by a third party with the City of Medicine Hat’s contribution not to exceed $7,500.

Appointment to Subdivision and Appeal Board

City Council approved a motion to appoint Cathy Acton, effective immediately, to the Subdivision and Appeal Board with a term to expire on December 31, 2027

Privacy Management Policy 0193-2026

City Council approved Privacy Management Policy 0193-2026, as presented. The Government of Alberta updated its access and privacy legislation in June 2025, requiring public sector organizations to develop a formal Privacy Management Program that demonstrates accountability, transparency, and ongoing risk management. The policy provides the foundation for consistent, accountable privacy management and is the first step in building the Privacy Management Program. 

Land Use Bylaw Refresh 4853-2026

Council gave first reading to Bylaw 4853-2026, the Land Use Bylaw. The refresh of this bylaw is meant to address key land use issues and align zoning and regulations with community expectations and the policies of the Municipal Development Plan. A public hearing will be held at the June 1, 2026 City Council meeting. 

Arts and Culture Recognition Program Naming

Council approved the Community Vibrancy Advisory Board’s recommendation to name the Arts and Culture Recognition Program award the “Arts and Culture Legacy Award”, and to name the program location at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre the “Arts and Culture Legacy Gallery”.

Advocacy related to AISH and ADAP

Councillor Cocks gave notice a motion seeking Council support to advance an advocacy effort on behalf of Medicine Hat residents related to the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) Act and Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP).

The motion was as follows:

WHEREAS the City of Medicine Hat supports community well-being and inclusion, and has a vested interest in ensuring that residents with disabilities receive adequate and stable financial supports from other orders of government that lift individuals out of poverty and do not create new barriers to participation in community life or employment; 

AND WHEREAS on December 9, 2025, the Government of Alberta passed Bill 12, the Financial Statutes Amendment Act, which amended the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped Act and established the Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP), with implementation scheduled for July 1, 2026; 

AND WHEREAS the amendments authorize the government to re‑determine eligibility under the new AISH and ADAP categories with specific criteria and assessment processes for determining eligibility yet to be established through regulations and policy; 

AND WHEREAS the changes introduce a new benefit structure through the creation of ADAP, modify administrative processes including appeal rights, and leave several elements, such as benefit levels, indexation practices, and detailed eligibility criteria, yet to be set through regulation; 

AND WHEREAS changes to provincial income support programs may influence demand for community‑based services and supports delivered by non‑profit organizations and municipalities; 

AND WHEREAS stakeholders have noted the need for further clarity regarding eligibility definitions, transition procedures, and the long‑term implications of the system, resulting in several Alberta municipalities passing resolutions requesting additional consultation, transparency, or implementation considerations related to these legislative changes. 

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Mayor, on behalf of the City of Medicine Hat, advocates the Government of Alberta to immediately pause the implementation of the recent changes to the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped Act and the Alberta Disability Assistance Program; 

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Government of Alberta be urged to undertake meaningful, accessible consultation with persons with disabilities, advocacy organizations, municipalities, community partners, and medical professionals; 

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Province be requested to publicly report on the anticipated social and economic impacts of these changes on persons with disabilities in Medicine Hat prior to proceeding with implementation.

Council approved a motion to wave the notice of motion to discuss the item.

City Council then approved the motion as presented.