Neat to Know: August 20, 2026
Neat to Know is a roundup of City news, updates, and other important information. You can expect to see the week's most interesting content and even some that may have not been delivered through our regular channels.
An unforgettable week
1,700 participants… 1,500 volunteers… 10 sports… 12 chapters… 3,500 spectators… six competition venues… three special event venues… 6,500 hotel room nights… 37,400 meals… 29,000 hours of volunteer time… 1,385 medals… and countless pins, smiles and high-fives all contributed to a week many won’t soon forget.
From August 11 to 15, Medicine Hat hosted the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games and from all accounts, the event was a smashing success.
While the economic impact is still being analyzed, the $3.8 million dollar event was expected to bring over $12 million dollars to our region. What can’t be calculated, however, is the warmth and joy the Games brought to the athletes and visitors, and to our local community.
See for yourself: head to social media for some of the most heartwarming photos and videos of the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026.
- Special Olympics Summer Games Medicine Hat Facebook
- Special Olympics Summer Games Medicine Hat Instagram
- Special Olympics Canada Facebook
- Special Olympics Canada Instagram
And visit the Games website for news, photos and results at: socmedhat2026.ca.
Send us your Special Olympics story!
At Monday’s City Council meeting, Councillor Brian Varga, Honourary Chair of the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026, revealed that he’d like to commemorate the Games in a meaningful way. He requested local volunteers and spectators to reach out to him and share your stories so that he can assemble a book.
If you have one, please send your Special Olympics story to Councillor Varga using the Council Contact Form: medicinehat.ca/contactcouncil.
East Parking Lot paving begins at Big Marble Go Centre
Construction on the east parking lot at the Big Marble Go Centre begins Wednesday, August 19 to remove existing turf and irrigation systems from the landscaped middle islands and then resurface with new asphalt.
Work is expected to wrap up by October 2 and will occur in phases to minimize disruption and maintain vehicle access to the pickleball courts.
Read the announcement for full details.
2026 trail rehabilitation program begins next week
Starting Monday, Aug. 24, we’re improving three trail corridors in the Ross Creek trail network: Carter Crescent Trail, Ross Glen Trail, and East Glen Trail.
We’ll be upgrading trail surfaces, widening paths, adding new signs, fixing fences, and enhancing drainage to make your trail experience even better! Work will continue until late October (weather permitting), so please follow posted signs and consider alternate routes. Learn more about Medicine Hat’s trail network at medicinehat.ca/trails.
Demolition set for two unused Kipling Street SE buildings
The demolition of two unused buildings located at 345 Kipling Street SE has been rescheduled. Demolition will take place from August 31 to September 2. It had previously been scheduled for August 10 to 12.
Read our public advisory to learn more about what to expect.
August 17, 2026 City Council Meeting
In the regular City Council meeting of Monday, August 17, 2026, Medicine Hat City Council approved a budget reallocation of working capital funds for Electric Generation and gave first reading to modernize the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Bylaw.
Council also supported changes to Business License Fees in 2027 that will eliminate Tier 4 charges and reassign Tier 4 businesses to Tier 2 or Tier 3 and directed Administration to provide recommendations for a standard fee-setting philosophy.
Final free compost and battery recycling event of the year
Save the date! Our third and final free compost and battery recycling event of 2026 is just around the corner.
The last event of the year is set for Saturday, September 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1453 Hutchinson Ave SE.
These have been popular events once again! We’ve provided 37,335 kilograms of SureGrow compost, and residents have recycled 170 kilograms of used household batteries over the first two events.
Looking to collect some compost to give your soil a boost for next spring? Bring a shovel and container and come grab up to 10 gallons of compost per household!
And, come recycle your used household batteries while you’re at it. We’ll have a station on-site to allow for safe and proper battery recycling. Proper recycling reduces the chance of fires in our collection trucks and at the landfill.
Learn more about our SureGrow compost at medicinehat.ca/suregrow. And, if you have household batteries lying around and want to recycle them outside of these events, visit RecycleYourBatteries.ca to find a recycling location near you.
Youth Dodgeball Tournament
Thursday, Aug. 27 | 1 – 3 p.m. | Big Marble Go Centre
Get ready to dodge, duck, dip, dive, and connect - our Youth Dodgeball Tournament is almost here, and it’s bringing all the energy this summer needs.
The tournament is the perfect mix of friendly competition, sportsmanship, and high‑energy play that helps develop communication, cooperation, and physical literacy skills.
Even better - youth with Rec and Ride passes can register for FREE, making this an easy win!
Grab your crew and sign up for our high-energy, 4-team round-robin dodgeball tournament. Whether you’re playing for the championship glory or just the laughs, it’s the perfect way to spend your Thursday afternoons.
Flag Football
Starting September 13 | 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. | Methanex Bowl at Big Marble Go Centre
Flag Football returns this fall with both a boys and girls time slot to choose from. This 6-week skills & drills program is designed to introduce young players to the fundamentals of flag football in a fun, low-pressure setting. Each session focuses on the basics - catching, throwing, running routes, and flag pulling - giving kids the repetition and guidance they need to build real confidence with the ball.
No league play, just learning, growing, and falling in love with the game. Powered by Under Armour Flag Canada.
Want to see more upcoming events, programming and activities? View all options at City of Medicine Hat facilities:
Medicine Hat Southwest Substation update
Ground work began this June on the site of a new substation in the southwest area of Medicine Hat and is now nearing completion. As this phase wraps up, construction of the substation facility will begin. You may notice increased activity at the site, including more workers and vehicles. Crews may occasionally work on weekends and will comply with all applicable City noise bylaws.
Major substation equipment will arrive this fall and construction of the transmission line along Township Road 122 and Range Road 63 will begin late this year.
The Project website is the best source of up-to-date information as we work to support growing electrical demand in Medicine Hat’s south.
Year in review of City Operated Animal Pound Services (APS)
It’s been over a year since the City began operating Animal Pound Services. One of APS's proudest achievements has been the successful adoption of 269 cats and 27 dogs in its first year of operation.
In our latest Municipal Matters article, hear from Samantha Lole, Animal Care Lead as she reflects on a year full of significant accomplishments, meaningful partnerships, and positive outcomes for animals throughout the Medicine Hat Community.
Riverside Corridor Enhancement - What We Heard
Thank you to everyone who participated in phase 2 of engagement for the Riverside Corridor Enhancement project from May 12 to June 15, 2026. Feedback received through stakeholder meetings, a survey, door knocking, and four open houses are detailed in this What We Heard Report. And, many common questions are answered in the updated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
This phase of engagement focused on design elements where public input can help inform future decisions. Community feedback is an important part of decision-making; however, project decisions must also consider factors such as safety requirements, accessibility, technical analysis, operational needs, budget, and Council direction. The purpose of engagement is to provide decision-makers with a clear understanding of community perspectives and the trade-offs associated with different options, rather than identify a single preferred choice.
No decisions have been made on the future of this project. We invite those who participated in the engagement to complete a brief five-minute survey to help us evaluate our public participation process.
Urban Hens - What We Heard
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Urban Hens survey from May 19 to June 26, 2026. Feedback received through the survey will be considered alongside research, best practices from other municipalities, operational requirements, and financial analysis as we finalize recommendations for Council. No decisions have been made on the future of this project.
Water Management and Adaptation Strategy - Survey results
The City is developing a long-term Water Management and Adaptation Strategy to plan for future water risks. Recently, we invited the public to share their views on which water challenges were most important, how urgent you feel action is, and your level of support for different types of future approaches. Thank you to everyone who participated in this process.
From a public perspective, we learned that aging infrastructure, growth and water demand, and balancing conservation and amenities were the highest priority areas to focus on over the next 10-20 years. This public input is being used to support the identification of actions and adaptations in the final strategy.
To view all our career opportunities at the City of Medicine Hat, visit our Careers webpage and sign up for job alerts.
Corporate Safety Specialist
Permanent | Full‑Time | On site
In this role, you'll help create safe, healthy, and resilient environments for employees, visitors, and the community. You'll partner with leaders and frontline employees to identify risks, implement practical safety solutions, and support emergency preparedness and business continuity efforts.
Entertainment and Events Coordinator
Permanent | Full‑Time | On site
Are you passionate about creating unforgettable experiences through arts, culture, and live entertainment? The City of Medicine Hat is looking for a dynamic and relationship-focused Coordinator, Entertainment and Events to help shape the region's cultural landscape. In this role, you'll connect artists, community organizations, audiences, and stakeholders to deliver engaging performances, festivals, and events that enrich our community.
Recreation Attendant (Fitness)
Temporary | Casual | On-site
Looking for an opportunity where you can build experience, work with people, and make a positive impact in your community? We're seeking energetic and approachable Recreation Attendants to support the fitness floor at the Big Marble Go Centre, helping create a safe, welcoming, and positive experience for patrons.
This is a great opportunity for someone interested in fitness, recreation, health and wellness, or customer service. You'll provide support and guidance to patrons, help maintain a safe and welcoming fitness environment, and develop valuable communication, customer service, and recreation skills.
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