Neat to Know: February 12, 2026
Your weekly roundup of City news, updates, and other important information.
Flags at half-mast in honour of Tumbler Ridge
In recognition of the tragic events that occurred in B.C., flags have been lowered to half‑mast at all City facilities and will remain lowered for a total of seven days. We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and communities affected by this horrific incident.
We also honour the courage and selflessness of the first responders who acted under incredibly difficult circumstances. During this time of profound grief, we stand in solidarity with all those whose lives have been forever changed.
Family Day hours, service effects
Hours and services at various City of Medicine Hat facilities will be affected by the Family Day statutory holiday on Monday, February 16.
Don't forget, there are two exciting opportunities be offered on Family Day!
Medicine Hat Transit service is available as part of a new statutory holiday transit service pilot project. Medicine Hat Transit will offer its Sunday service hour model (8:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.). Learn more about the pilot project and what you can expect on our website.
And, head on up to Big Marble Go Centre for Family Day Fest! Check out our Upcoming Events section below for more event details.
Visit our holiday hours page to view what to expect for City facilities, Waste Collection and more for Family Day: medicinehat.ca/holidayhours
New Look Up and Live! webmap
The City of Medicine Hat has launched an interactive tool that displays overhead powerlines and links to key safety resources, helping residents and contractors stay safe on every project.
With 350+ km of overhead lines in our community, this map makes it easier than ever to identify hazards before you get to work.
Read the announcement on our website.
Explore the tool: medicinehat.ca/lookupandlive.
Hand exposure: Do’s and Don’ts
While the new Look Up and Live! map helps discover overhead hazards in Medicine Hat, Click Before You Dig has made underground utility safety a priority for decades. They tell us we must submit a line locate request before disturbing the ground for underground work and that the safest way to dig near utilities is by hand.
But there is a right way and a wrong way to dig. Our friends at Utility Safety Partners offer these important do’s and don’ts when exposing utilities by hand:
Do:
- Use blunt shovels wherever possible. If using a spade shovel, be slow and careful.
- Loosen compacted soil by prying gently instead of striking forcefully.
- Dig at an angle. Aim for a glancing motion rather than a direct impact.
Don’t:
- Probe with sharp or pointed tools.
- Use pickaxes or pointed bars.
- Apply full body weight or jump on the shovel.
Find more helpful information at medicinehat.ca/linelocates.
Seasonal commercial patios
As spring approaches, now is an ideal time to prepare your business for patio season. Seasonal patios are a great way to enhance our city's vibrancy and offer your customers additional options.
If you're a restaurant or pub owner considering an outdoor seating area, here are some key points:
- On private property? Check your previous permits.
- Using public space? Annual re-application required.
- $2 million liability insurance needed for public property use.
- It's best to apply early - at least 10 business days before opening.
Have more questions? Review the comprehensive guidelines on different types of commercial patios and the application process on our Outdoor Patios & Sidewalk Cafes webpage.
Downtown residential parking permits
Don't forget, new residential parking permits for the designated area will be available for pickup starting Monday, February 16. Current permits will expire on February 28.
Permits are available to residents living within time-restricted parking zones near the designated area.
How to apply:
Submit your application online at medicinehat.ca/residentialparking. Or, apply in person at the Municipal Works office (188 Kipling Street SE):
- Monday to Thursday – Between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
- Friday – Between 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Please note, the Municipal Works office is closed daily from 12 to 1 p.m.
What you’ll need:
- Valid driver’s license
- Current vehicle registration (for each vehicle requiring a permit)
Permits will only be issued for vehicles registered to eligible addresses within the designated area. Each household is also eligible for one visitor permit.
Valentine’s Day sale – Animal Pound Services
Thursday, Feb. 12 to Saturday, Feb. 28
Our Animal Pound Services team is running a Valentine’s Day sale to help dogs in their care to find a fur-ever home! Enjoy 25% off dog adoptions from February 12 to 28.
Help these pups find a loving home, and who knows... maybe you’ll meet your new best friend along the way.
Ready to meet the one? Message the Animal Pound Services team on Facebook or call 403-487-5671 to book an appointment and view their available dogs.
Family Day Fest
Monday, Feb. 16 | 12 to 4 p.m. | Big Marble Go Centre
🎉 Join us for an unforgettable Family Day Fest sponsored by Big Marble Farms! Big Marble Go Centre is hosting a total facility takeover event, packed with exciting FREE activities for the whole family.
Don’t miss out on:
🏊 Swimming – Have a splash-tastic time with our Wibit obstacle course! 🎟️Tickets are sold out, but we will have limited walk-in swim spots available for those that don't get tickets.
🔫 Nerf Battles – Join a battle every hour on the hour in the Fieldhouse. We supply the darts and blasters, but you can bring your own Elite NERF Dart compatible blasters if you've got them!
🏰 Inflatable Adventure Zone – Bounce into fun with inflatables for all ages in the Fieldhouse.
⛸️ Skating – Strap on your skates for public skating.
✨ Tot Time – Our popular Tot Time will be set up in the Gym.
🎲 Yard Games – All your favorite larger than life games in the Gym.
🏀 Basketball – play a pick-up game of basketball or work on your 3-point shot in the Gym.
🎶 Kindermusik – Progression Music will be getting the kiddos rocking and rolling in the Sage Room
🖍️ Quiet Room Activities – perfect for when the kids need to get away from all the excitement and slowdown in the Play Room. Enjoy puzzles and colouring while you’re here!
🌭 Snack Break – When you work up an appetite, you've got options! Fryer Tucks will be set up in the main hall across Booster Juice.
There’s something for everyone, with action-packed fun happening throughout the entire facility. We can’t wait to celebrate Family Day with you! 🎉
Family Day Sale – Tixx.ca
Feb. 13 at 12 p.m. until Feb. 16 at 11:59 p.m.
For a limited time, we’re bringing ticket prices back to Early Bird... that’s 15% off shows made for sharing, laughing, and experiencing together.
Whether it’s a family night out, a grandparents-and-kids outing, or just a reason to get out and enjoy something special, these shows are built for connection.
Included in the Family Day Sale:
- The Celtic Tenors (Trio of Irish vocalists)
- Pinocchio (Musical theatre)
- MOMIX: Alice (Dance/acrobatic retelling of Alice in Wonderland)
- Shaun Majumder (Canadian comedian)
- Delhi 2 Dublin (Bhangra x Electronic dance party)
Sale starts at noon tomorrow, and pricing lasts until end-of-day on Family Day!
Indigenous Advisory Circle
Indigenous community members living or working in Medicine Hat are encouraged to submit expressions of interest for participation on an Indigenous Advisory Circle.
The Indigenous Advisory Circle will provide guidance, advice, and lived-experience perspectives which support respectful relationships, meaningful engagement, and informed decision-making between the City of Medicine Hat and Indigenous peoples.
Expressions of interest must be submitted by Friday, February 27 at 3 p.m.
Learn more about the application process and the Indigenous Advisory Circle on our website.
Hydration station utilization
Our popular water bottle fill stations got a lot of use in 2025. And their popularity continues to grow as Hatters look to stay hydrated while enjoying our beautiful trails and parks spaces.
These fill stations, connected to fire hydrants, provide the same treated, potable drinking water distributed to businesses and households around the city.
The 2025 numbers are in, and the public drank 247,922 litres of this high-quality water from these fill stations last year! That’s a 28 percent increase in use from 2024 (193,114 litres).
Stay tuned for our 2026 locations, which will be announced in the spring.
To view all our career opportunities at the City of Medicine Hat, visit our website and sign up for job alerts.
Arts Instructor (Summer)
Temporary (12-week term) | Full-time | On-site
Are you passionate about art and looking for hands-on experience in teaching and program planning?
As an Arts Instructor, you'll plan, organize, and teach arts classes for children and youth. You'll have the chance to build leadership skills, develop lesson plans, and bring creativity to life all while working in a fun and supportive environment.
Learn more and apply on our Careers webpage.
Hospitality Worker II
Casual | On-site
Do you thrive in a fun, fast-paced environment? Are you looking for flexible, casual work that keeps you close to the action at concerts, hockey games, and community events?
The City of Medicine Hat is hiring Hospitality Worker II's to support food and beverage service at our premier facilities. This casual, event-based role is perfect for outgoing, reliable individuals who enjoy working as part of a team to create outstanding guest experiences.
Learn more and apply on our Careers webpage.
Facility Maintenance Operator VI
Permanent | Full-time | On-site
Bring your expertise to a hands-on role that keeps the City of Medicine Hat's municipal buildings safe, reliable, and operating at their best.
The Facility Maintenance Operator VI supports the day-to-day operation of a wide range of facilities by maintaining building systems, responding to service needs, and contributing to minor maintenance projects.
Learn more and apply on our Careers webpage.
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Media Relations
580 1 St SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 8E6
403-529-8100
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