Council Highlights September 8, 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 Reynish acknowledged that Mayor Clark proclaimed September as Prostate Awareness month and encouraged residents to learn more about prostate health. He also reminded all men over the age of 40 to have their PSA levels tested frequently. 

Councillor Reynish reminded community of the upcoming Terry Fox Run on September 20 at Medicine Hat College.

Councillor Cocks spoke to the current challenges Canada is facing with the imposition of new trade tariffs from the US Government.  

Councillor Mohammed advised that he and Mayor Clark recently had the opportunity to meet and welcome two new doctors that recently moved to the community. 

Councillor Young spoke to the Sepak Takraw (Kick Volleyball) Canadian Championships that took place at Big Marble Go Centre this past weekend. 

City Council received the following items for the corporate record

• Public Services Committee Meeting Minutes of August 10, 2026
• Corporate Services Committee Meeting Minutes of August 13, 2026
• Development And Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes of August 20, 2026
• Public Services Committee Meeting Minutes of August 24, 2026

Bylaw 4893-2026 - Subdivision And Development Appeal Board

Council postponed second and third reading of Bylaw 4893-2026 to repeal and replace Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Bylaw 3009 until September 21 to address amendments requested by City Council.

Protection of Water, Source Water, and Water Quality

Council approved the following motion:

Background

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 and 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.

Motion

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 and 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 and 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.

City Manager Appointment

City Council approved a motion to appointed Joseph (Joe) Hutter as the permanent City Manager. Hutter joined the City of Medicine Hat in September 2024 as the Managing Director of Public Services and has served in the role in an interim capacity for the last eight months. During his time with the City of Medicine Hat, Hutter has played a key role in leading the organization through a period of change while maintaining focus on service delivery, organizational stability, and Council priorities. Read the full news release.

Riverside Corridor Enhancement Project – What We Heard Report

Safira Lachapelle, Public Participation Specialist, summarized the engagement results of the recent Riverside Corridor engagement activities. She summarized the results of the engagement efforts that included:

• Riverside Community Connect leader meetings and one on one conversations.
• One on one meetings with 13 businesses and organizations in the neighbourhood.
• A detailed survey to formally collect feedback on project design elements and better understand participants' connection to the area.
• Four open houses, including one open house held in partnership with the Riverside Community Connect neighbourhood barbecue, resulting in 300+ discussions.
• Door-to-door outreach to more than 220 households along 3 Street N, resulting in 30+ conversations.

The engagement process revealed a community that is deeply invested in the future of Riverside and highly engaged in discussions about the corridor. While opinions differ on many aspects of the proposed design, participants consistently demonstrated a keen interest in being involved, a strong desire to improve the corridor, and to ensure it continues to serve the neighbourhood well into the future. Read the full What We Heard Report.

With public engagement now complete, a recommendation on the corridor design will come forward to City Council for decision this fall. 

Facilities for the Future – Recreation Renewal Initiative

Scott Richter, Acting Director of Parks and Recreation, provided a presentation to City Council summarizing the steps that have occurred over the past few years related to public engagement and ongoing planning to support decision-making on future recreation facilities in Medicine Hat. Following the presentation, City Council approved a motion to continue the Facilities for the Future initiative by:

1. entering into negotiations to acquire land in the City’s south end for recreation amenities;
2. commencing the South Outdoor Aquatics Project preliminary design by re-issuing a Request for Proposal;
3. exploring funding opportunities with provincial and federal governments, and other potential funders, for contribution towards construction of south side recreation amenities;
4. confirm area structure plan, complete an outline plan and functional servicing studies for Brier Run area;
5. continuing to explore near-term recreation opportunities with regional and community partners to meet emerging needs and pressure;
6. developing a comprehensive Recreation Facilities for the Future Framework and the list of associated projects to guide long-term facility planning, investment, prioritization and service delivery decisions.

Health and Safety Policy

City Council approved Health and Safety Policy 8052-2026, as presented; and rescinded Health, Safety and Environmental Policy 8002. Administration reviewed the current Health, Safety and Environmental Policy 8002 and recommended repealing it in favour of this new policy that aligns with current legislation, organizational structure, and operational practices. Environmental provisions were also removed, as the City’s Environmental Framework, adopted in 2024, now addresses the City’s environmental commitments and resilience objectives.

Cybersecurity Policy and Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy

City Council approved Cybersecurity Policy 0194-2026, and Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy 0195-2026, and rescinded Cybersecurity Policy 0164 and Acceptable Use Policy 0163. Both policies have been modernized to reflect current cybersecurity risks, digital governance expectations, and operational realities. Together, these policies establish a strengthened governance and compliance framework that positions the City to better safeguard information assets, manage emerging threats, and ensure responsible and consistent use of technology across the organization.

Bylaw 4882-2026 – 515A North Railway Street SE Municipal Historic Resource Designation

Council approved Bylaw 4882-2026, the Baker-Spalding Block Municipal Resource Designation Bylaw. On February 2, 2026 Council approved the recommendation to issue an intention to designate 515A North Railway Street SE as a Municipal Historic Resource and to draft a Bylaw to be brought forward after the 60 days’ Notice of Intention to Designate is complete. 

Municipal Historic Redesignation – 218 6 Avenue SE

Council approved a motion issuing an intention to designate 218 6 Avenue SE, the Cypress Club, as a Municipal Historic Resource, directing staff to draft a Bylaw to be brought forward after the 60 days Notice of Intention to Designate is complete. The Cypress Club is highly significant as Medicine Hat’s first purpose-built social club, established to serve the city’s business, political, and ranching communities. For over a century, it has remained an important social and networking institution, reflecting the role such clubs played in fostering community leadership, business development, and social connections in a growing prairie city. Its continued use as a gathering place provides a tangible link to Medicine Hat’s social and civic history.

Bylaw 4890-2026 Rezoning of 22 Sierra Green SW

City Council gave first reading of Bylaw 4890-2026 to rezone 22 Sierra Green SW from Neighbourhood Residential 1 District to Neighbourhood Residential 2 District. The site has a total area of 0.048 ha (482 m²) and is owned by Jayco Builders Inc. The applicant intends to consolidate the site with the neighbouring lot. Adoption of the proposed land use bylaw amendment will allow for the development of Row Housing comprising 4 units.

A public hearing will be held at the October 5, 2026 City Council meeting.

Bylaw 4891-2026 Rezoning of 535 16 Street SW

City Council gave first reading of Bylaw 4891-2026 to rezone 535 16 Street SW from Regional Commercial Special Use District to Neighborhood District 2. The intent of this amendment is to establish the necessary land use district to enable the conversion of an existing commercial motel, the Ranchmen Motel, into a multi-unit housing development. The proposed amendment represents a land use shift from a commercial district to a residential district.

A public hearing will be held at the October 5, 2026 City Council meeting.

Bylaw 4892-2026 Rezoning of 855 Gershaw Drive SW

City Council gave first reading of Bylaw 4892-2026 to rezone 855 Gershaw Drive SW from Regional Commercial Special Use District to Neighbourhood Residential 2 District. The intent of this amendment is to establish the necessary land use district to enable the conversion of an existing commercial motel, the Sundek Motel, into a multiunit housing development. The proposed amendment represents a land use shift from a commercial district to a residential district.

A public hearing will be held at the October 5, 2026 City Council meeting.