Neat to Know: August 21, 2025
Your weekly roundup of City news, updates, and other important information.
Trail safety
It’s been a beautiful season to get out and explore the approximately 190 kilometres of our Heritage Trail Network around Medicine Hat! It’s great that so many residents of all ages enjoy these amenities, whether on e-bikes, scooters, pedal bikes, rollerblades, skateboards, mobility scooters, walking, running, walking dogs, pushing strollers and more.
We love seeing such versatile use of our trails and pathways around the community! With such diverse use comes the reminder for trail safety. Be mindful of the following tips for safe trail use:
Be alert
- Look both ways before entering a pathway. Be sure the trail is clear of obstructions and watch for slippery sections covered by ice, loose gravel or silt. Always remember to watch for wildlife.
- Stay aware of your surroundings and make sure that you can hear others. Avoid using smart phones and keep the volume low. Be aware of other trail users and their stopping limitations.
Be courteous
- Remember to stay to the right side of the trail and step off when coming to a stop. Keep to the pathways as much as possible to protect wildlife and habitat. Please do not disturb or feed any wildlife.
- Pick-up after your pet and consider keeping your dog on-leash, even on off-leash trails. Not everyone is comfortable with other pets.
- Remember, not everyone has the same abilities.
Be predictable
- Cyclists should make sure their bike is equipped with lights and reflectors, especially if riding at dusk or dawn. Sound your bell or call out to other trail users, and slow down before passing on the left-hand side.
Be safe
- The recommended speed limit on our trails is 20km/h. Remember to yield to other trail users.
- Consider the weather and only hike or ride when trail conditions are adequate.
Learn more and watch a trail safety video on our Trails, Cycling and E-Scooters webpage.
Upcoming transit route changes
Fall North Zone Pilot update (Routes 10, 11, 12)
Transit has consistently had difficulty maintaining schedule adherence on Route 11 NW Crescent Heights. Starting on June 26, changes were made to both Route 10 and Route 11 to improve service and schedule adherence.
Following initial survey feedback, an adjustment to these routes is planned for August 28, to refine travel time and arrival at the Transit Terminal.
These piloted changes will run from August 28 to December 31.
During that time, we are seeking survey feedback from users on your preference and experience. If the pilot is not an improvement, your feedback will allow us to consider alternative changes.
Drop DED!
Dutch elm disease (DED) is a fatal fungus that can affect all elm species in Alberta. The fungus clogs the elm tree’s water conducting system and will cause the tree to die quite quickly, usually within one or two seasons.
Understanding how to spot symptoms or to understand its effect is important to help prevent its spread.
The Government of Alberta implements an annual pruning ban from April 1 to September 30, aids in prevention. The ban restricts pruning during the active season of elm bark beetles, which carry the disease. The beetles are attracted to fresh wounds (cuts) on elm trees, and a lack of pruning reduces the number of wounds they can access.
If you see signs of DED in your elm tree – wilting leaves in summer, branch dieback, brown streaks under the bark, please contact:
Medicine Hat DED hotline: 403-529-8333 “Option 6” (Parks and Recreation office)
STOPDED hotline: 1-877-837-ELMS (3567)
Learn more on the Government of Alberta’s website:
Don’t touch the pine if it’s trapped in the line!
Give us the power to help.
We’ve had a few nights with strong winds in these dog days of summer so it’s a great time to remind you not to touch or try to remove debris or tree branches that contact a power line. Stay back at least 10 metres and then call us at 403-529-8262. We will complete a safety assessment and remove anything that is a hazard. Stay safe!
Labour Day hours
Hours and services at various City of Medicine Hat facilities will be affected by the Labour Day statutory holiday on Monday, September 1.
Visit our holiday hours page to view what to expect for City facilities, Medicine Hat Transit, and Waste Collection for Labour Day.
Why should you vote?
Your dollars, your say.
Municipal governments decide how to allocate property tax dollars for essential services like waste management, public transit, and emergency response. Voting helps ensure your money is spent in ways that align with your values and priorities.
Water bottle fill stations
We’ve received inquiries from some residents concerned that our water bottle fill stations are running on their own or leaking – we appreciate their concern, and are happy to share that this is a normal part of the process!
Our water bottle fill stations are equipped with an automatic flushing system set to run four times throughout the day to help ensure the water remains fresh and ready to quench your thirst.
Next time you see a station running on its own, just know the station is operating as expected!
Roadway resurfacing program rolls on
A section of South Boundary Road and South Ridge Drive is set for paving as part of our annual roadway resurfacing program.
Starting tomorrow (Friday, August 22), paving will begin on a portion of South Ridge Drive that has been milled adjacent to South Boundary Road.
After crews complete this work, they will move on to the first of two sections on South Boundary Road starting Monday, August 25.
The west section (South Ridge Drive to Vista Drive) will be completed first. It is scheduled to be finished by August 28, weather permitting. Paving on the east section of South Boundary Road near Southlands Drive is scheduled to begin Tuesday, September 2.
Please expect delays and drive with caution in these areas. Lane closures will be required to detour traffic through each work zone.
The annual roadway resurfacing program is anticipated to be completed by September 11.
To check out this and other capital projects, visit our capital project map.
Art in Motion
September 13, Noon to 5 PM, Esplanade, First Street, Library and Courthouse Grounds and City Hall East Side Plaza
Colour, culture and community are on full display as Art in Motion transforms the Esplanade and First Street into a hub of creativity and connection for the whole family. This annual celebration back by popular demand brings to life the area with vibrant art installations and demos, live performances from music to dog agility, creative activities for all ages, indoor and outdoor markets, local resource fair, multi-cultural fashion and, for the first time, Sticks on First.
From music and movement to hands-on experiences and fine art, Art in Motion showcases the talent and energy that make Medicine Hat thrive. Join us at this one-of-a-kind street festival and be part of a day where creativity connects us all.
August 18 City Council Meeting
It was a full agenda Monday evening in Council Chambers for City Council’s first meeting back from the summer break.
Council approved a motion to begin public engagement for the development of an outdoor aquatics facility on the south side of the community and the construction of sports fields in Brier Run. Council also put forward and deliberated several motions, and postponed a funding recommendation to support the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede.
Read about these and much more in this week’s Council Highlights.
To view all our career opportunities at the City of Medicine Hat, visit our website and sign up for job alerts.
Lifeguard
Casual
Dive into an exciting opportunity with The City of Medicine Hat!
We're looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our team as Lifeguards. This role is your chance to ensure the safety and enjoyment of our community at our aquatic facilities.
Bring your energy, leadership, and lifesaving skills to a team that values growth, teamwork, and fun!
911 Communications Operator
Temporary, casual
Are you calm under pressure, passionate about public safety, and eager to make a difference in your community?
Join our team as a 911 Communications Operator with the City of Medicine Hat and play a vital role in coordinating emergency responses.
If you thrive in fast-paced environments and value teamwork, this role could be a perfect fit for you!
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Contact Us
Media Relations
580 1 St SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 8E6
403-529-8100
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