Neat to Know: August 7, 2025
Your weekly roundup of City news, updates, and other important information.
How we compare
While Medicine Hat is experiencing the same cost of living increases as the rest of North America and the world, we still enjoy a significant advantage when it comes to electricity and natural gas charges. On average, residential customers in Medicine Hat paid $561 less than customers in other Alberta cities, with $486 of that savings in distribution and MCAF fees alone.
See the breakdown for the first half of 2025 at:
A Hot Summer and a Hot Market!
It’s been a classic Medicine Hat summer—sunny, warm, and full of energy! And just like the weather, demand for land has remained hot. In their latest newsletter, our Land and Real Estate team updated the current inventory of single-family lots, unveiled the Land and Real Estate Strategy, and uncovered how we are building for the future.
Didn’t get the newsletter?
Binge on important current initiatives
These long summer days are perfect for binge-reading information you’ve always wondered about but don’t normally have the time to check out. Cut through the clutter and avoid misinformation by going directly to the source. Our City website and Shape Your City page contain accurate information about some of today’s important initiatives:
City Centre Vibrancy Program launches August 13
We’re set to launch the City Centre Vibrancy Program on August 13, 2025 and applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
This new program is designed to encourage improvement projects in our city centre by offering financial support through a combination of grant funding and interest-free loans, up to a maximum of $30,000 per applicant. Thank you to Community Futures Entre-Corp Business Development for partnering on this initiative.
Learn more about this program, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, below.
Education programs at Esplanade now open for registration on TIXX!
Whether you’re looking to dabble in painting under open skies, get behind the scenes of the Esplanade in the Collections, or enrol your child in their first art class, PD or Art Days, the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre has a full slate of creative programs for all ages this fall and winter.
Highlights include:
- Painting in the Park – a relaxed plein air series for adults, held in Kin Coulee Park.
- Inside the Vault – behind-the-scenes tours of the Collections of the Esplanade with two themes to pick from.
- Hands-on programs for kids and youth – including PD Day, Fall Break Art Days, and popular programs like Sensory Art for Tots, Art Explorers and Esplanauts.
- Back by popular demand teen and adult classes – Against the Grain (for youth 13–17) and Acrylic Alchemy (two different level painting course available for adults).
Programs fill quickly and spots are limited — early registration is encouraged!
Browse and register now at tixx.ca
International Youth Day
Tuesday, August 12 | 1 to 4 p.m. | Big Marble Go Centre
Get ready to MOVE with us on International Youth Day! Join us for high-energy action this Tuesday, August 12! We're inviting all youth ages 8–17 to join us for tons of FREE activities like:
- Pickleball
- Just Dance Party
- Giant parachute & gym activities
- Epic Nerf battles
- Giant slip n’ slide
- A full-on foam party
- And NEW this year: FREE swimming at Crestwood Rec Centre!
- Bonus: FREE transit for youth courtesy of Medicine Hat Transit!
Why vote?
Accessible leadership
Municipal government – your Mayor and City Council – are the closest level of government to residents. Council meetings are open to the public, and elected officials are more accessible than provincial and federal elected officials, making it easier for you to share your voice.
Medicine Hat’s Municipal Election is Monday, October 20, 2025.
Invasive weed of the week
It's not Dame's Rocket science!
Welcome to the fifth and final Invasive Weed of the Week feature! Previously, we’ve profiled the following noxious invasive plant species in this five-week series highlighting issues our IPM program works to control and reduce in Medicine Hat.
Leafy Spurge | Creeping Bellflower | Baby’s Breath | Downy Brome
Dame’s Rocket
Plant facts:
- Dame’s rocket is a biennial plant native to Europe and southwest Asia and was introduced as an ornamental. It has since spread throughout North America.
- It is a member of the Mustard family, and is a prolific seed producer.
- The flowers are very fragrant and are insect pollinated.
Why do we control this weed?
- Dame’s Rocket plants can release approximately 20,000 seeds, which allows it to aggressively and easily spread.
- It outcompetes native plants, and disrupts local ecosystems.
Control techniques – which are effective?
- Hand pulling is considered the most effective as the roots come out easily from moist soils, or can easily be dug out with a knife. Plant density may increase the year after control work, but repeated removal will work.
- Currently, no selective herbicides are registered to use on it. Only glyphosate-based herbicides are effective, which would kill any plant it’s sprayed on.
- Cultivation is not a suitable method.
- There are no known biological control techniques.
How can you help prevent its spread?
- It is often a contaminant of wildflower seed mixes – do not purchase seed mixes which do not list the contents.
Want to learn more?
Read more about Dame’s Rocket on the Alberta Invasive Species Council’s website.
Here’s how many skip the slip with online billing
In early 2022, we celebrated a milestone when the number of Medicine Hat utility customers who receive paperless electronic bills through eBilling reached 50%. We’re proud to say that at the mid-way point in 2025, 65% of utility customers said goodbye to paper and pay their utilities online.
Earlier this year, the City unveiled online opportunities for tax billing and payments. Since then, 4,000 tax customers (13.6%) signed up to receive their tax bills online and 300 paid online through the tax payment portal.
Conservatively, we estimate each paper bill to cost $2 when factoring in the stamp, envelope, paper, ink, printing processing, and mail clerk time. So, with more than 30,000 local utility and property accounts, the City saves at least $475,000 annually in printing and mailing expenses at these current eBilling levels.
Hey, that’s neat!
Join a commission, board or working group
The City offers over a dozen opportunities for members of the public to contribute to City decision-making through our committees, commissions, and boards. Currently, there are positions open for the Working Group for Accessibility and Inclusion, the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, and the Community Vibrancy Advisory Board. You can review the information and apply here:
To view all our career opportunities at the City of Medicine Hat, visit our website and sign up for job alerts.
Indigenous Relations Coordinator
Are you passionate about advancing reconciliation and building meaningful relationships with Indigenous communities?
We're seeking a dedicated Indigenous Relations Coordinator to lead initiatives that foster trust, promote cultural understanding, and ensure Indigenous perspectives are meaningfully integrated into municipal policies, programs, and services.
In this impactful role, you'll serve as a key advisor and liaison, guiding departments on Indigenous relations and protocols while championing inclusive, community-driven approaches to engagement and collaboration.
Electrical Safety Codes Officer
Are you a certified Electrical Safety Codes Officer who can support safe and code-compliant electrical installations across the city?
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Contact Us
Media Relations
580 1 St SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 8E6
403-529-8100
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