Neat to Know: February 5, 2026 | City of Medicine Hat

Feb 05, 2026

Your weekly roundup of City news, updates, and other important information.

Indigenous Advisory Circle

We’re excited to invite Indigenous community members living or working in Medicine Hat to submit expressions of interest for participation on an Indigenous Advisory Circle. Individuals who identify as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit are encouraged to submit an expression of interest.

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.

Before the Spotlight: The Hatters Who Carried History Forward

In Medicine Hat, Black history is made of quiet resilience and extraordinary people who worked hard, crossed borders, broke barriers, and built community when the odds weren’t in their favour.

This Black History Month, the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre and MY96 are proudly presenting the story of a Black pioneer with a one-woman musical about Josephine Baker - a global icon who refused to be limited.

But before we step into the theatre lights with Josephine: A Burlesque Cabaret Dream Play… the article below introduces Hatters who carried their own kind of spotlight.

Read Before the Spotlight

Family Day hours

Hours and services at various City of Medicine Hat facilities will be affected by the Family Day statutory holiday on Monday, February 16.

A couple of exciting opportunities will be offered on Family Day this year.

Medicine Hat Transit service is available for transit users 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 details on that family-favourite event.

Visit our holiday hours page to view what to expect for City facilities, Waste Collection and more for Family Day.

medicinehat.ca/holidayhours

New downtown residential parking permits

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.

Campground registration open

In case you missed it, campground registration opened for the 2026 camping season on Monday!

Secure your spots at Gas City and Echo Dale Campgrounds, and learn more about key dates for the 2026 season, at medicinehat.ca/camping.

February 2 City Council meeting

On Monday, City Council approved a capital budget amendment of $131.5 million to move forward with the 75-megawatt (MW) phase of the Saamis Solar project, contingent on securing a power purchase agreement with a committed customer before breaking ground. They also approved a Notice of Intention to designate 515A North Railway Street SE as a Municipal Historic Resource.

Read the full highlights | Watch the meeting

Lisa Brokop: Hall of Fame Tour

Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre

Canadian-born, Nashville-based, and a powerhouse on stage for over 30 years, Lisa is back with her new album Who’s Gonna Fill Their Heels? From writing hits for Reba McEntire and Terri Clark to her own classic “Give Me a Ring Sometime,” she’s a true country music icon.

Catch her live and experience a voice that’s rich, warm, and unmistakably hers. Don’t miss out! Tickets are only $50.

Get tickets

Family Day Fest

Monday, February 16 | 12-4 PM | Big Marble Go Centre

🎉 Join us for an unforgettable Family Day Fest! 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 – Reserve your spot in advance for a splash-tastic time with our Wibit obstacle course! 🎟️Tickets available Friday, February 6 at 12:00 p.m.
🔫 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.
🌭 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.

🎟️Grab your tickets on TIXX.CA tomorrow, Friday, February 6 at 12:00 p.m. to guarantee your spot for swimming only. We will have limited walk-in swim spots available for those that don't get tickets.

We can’t wait to celebrate Family Day with you! 🎉

Community survey

A reminder that you may receive a phone call between February 2 to 16, 2026 from IPSOS (587-318-1459) asking you to participate in the City's biennial community survey. Because the survey is statistically accurate, the results are a trusted source of information and residents who receive a call are encouraged to participate. If you are not contacted and would like to participate, an online version is available here.

Airport Master Plan survey

This is the last week to participate in the airport master plan survey, which closes February 8, 2026. Public feedback will influence planning for the future of YXH including understanding the airport’s value, priorities, and future success. Participants who share their perspectives will be entered to win a $75 prepaid credit card.

The lowdown on Saamis Solar

Council’s approval to build the initial 75MW phase of the Saamis Solar project centres on three key drivers:

The project makes money.
There will be no property tax or electric rate increase related to the project.
A power purchase agreement with a committed customer must be finalized before construction begins.

While we can’t share all of the details, we’ve answered the following questions (and more) on the Saamis Solar project page on Shape Your City:

How much will Saamis Solar Cost and how will we pay for it?
Will my taxes or electricity rates increase?
What return will Saamis Solar generate and where are the business case details?
What factors were considered in the detailed analysis?
Why solar and why now?
What happens if the sun doesn’t shine?

Review the FAQ and follow along as the project progresses at medicinehat.ca/saamissolar.

To view all our career opportunities at the City of Medicine Hat, visit our website and sign up for job alerts.

View all career opportunities

Computer Data Input Operator / Traffic Counter

Seasonal | Full-time | On-site

As a Computer Data Input Operator / Traffic Counter, you'll collect, manage, and assess critical infrastructure and traffic data used to plan maintenance, upgrades, and future improvements to our transportation and stormwater systems.

This position is well-suited for engineering, engineering technology, or GIS students looking to gain real-world municipal infrastructure experience through a mix of field work, data collection, and technical analysis.

Learn more and apply on our Career Opportunities webpage.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Student Operator

Temporary (summer employment) | Full-time | On-site

This entry-level position is responsible to assist with the operation and maintenance of the Wastewater Treatment Plant. You will assist with the operation and maintenance of all plant equipment; responsible for maintaining the plant grounds which includes mowing of grass, weeding, cultivating flowers, operating irrigation systems and daily cleaning and painting of all buildings and equipment.

This position requires the incumbent to be enrolled in an approved Water & Wastewater Technician program at an accredited post-secondary institution and completing the required work term for that program.

Learn more and apply on our Career Opportunities webpage.

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