Neat to Know: January 22, 2026 | City of Medicine Hat

Jan 22, 2026

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

Committee meeting recordings to be posted online

Starting with today’s Development and Infrastructure Committee meeting, recordings of the open meetings of standing committees of City Council will now be posted online, part of the City’s ongoing efforts to improve access to information and encourage resident awareness of City activities in convenient ways. These committees include:

Administrative and Legislative Review and Government Relations
Audit
Corporate Services
Council Employee
Development and Infrastructure
Emergency Advisory
Energy, Land and Environment
Municipal Planning Commission
Public Services

The day after each meeting, the recording will be published to its corresponding playlist on the City’s YouTube channel. These Standing Committee Meetings are not live-streamed (like City Council meetings) due to technology constraints in the meeting room. Those who wish to watch the meetings live must continue to access the agenda from the City’s website and join via MS Teams.

Go to the City’s YouTube channel

Statutory holiday transit service pilot project

We're excited to introduce a pilot project that will provide transit service on three statutory holidays in 2026!

The initiative starts Monday, Feb. 16 for Family Day. The second stat holiday will be Canada Day on Wednesday, July 1. These two days were overwhelmingly chosen by transit users in a 2025 survey.

The third and final statutory holiday will be based on use over the first two days, including the usage patterns of riders taking advantage of holiday service.

The following three days will be considered for the final statutory holiday in the pilot:
🧡 National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Wednesday, Sept. 30
🪖 Remembrance Day – Wednesday, Nov. 11
🎁 Boxing Day – Saturday, Dec. 26

Read the news release for more information on this pilot project.

Jam Pail Bonspiel registration open

Registration is open for the 2026 edition of the Jam Pail Bonspiel! The longtime family-favourite event is ready to bring the fun in year 61.

This year’s Jam Pail Bonspiel is set for Monday, March 9 and Tuesday, March 10 at the Moose Rec Centre. The event had previously been held during the February break. This date change allows us to connect with the event’s roots and invite schools to participate during the day!

This year's event will include three registration categories:

Ages 7-9
Ages 10-12
Open/All Ages

Register and learn more about the event at: medicinehat.ca/jampailbonspiel

Campground registration nearly here

Campground registration is almost here for the 2026 season! Registration for the campgrounds at Gas City and Echo Dale opens Monday, February 2 at 8 a.m.

We’re thrilled to offer an even longer camping season at Gas City Campground (GCC) in 2026... nearly SIX MORE WEEKS!

GCC opens Monday, April 6. It had previously opened the last Friday in April. The GCC season now lasts until the end of October, instead of closing on Thanksgiving.

Echo Dale Campground will maintain its standard season schedule.

Check out the full camping schedule, important dates, and all things camping at medicinehat.ca/camping. Registration links for GCC and Echo Dale will go live on this page February 2 at 8 a.m.

Outdoor rinks making a comeback

Winter weather during winter... what a concept!

Now that we actually have seasonal temperatures after that heatwave last week, our Adopt-a-Rink volunteers and staff have begun working to build ice back up on our outdoor rinks. It will take some time for these dedicated volunteers and staff to do this after nearly all ice disappeared.

So far, Heald Rink is the only rink ready to welcome skaters.

We appreciate your patience as we try to overcome the reality of Medicine Hat winters to ensure quality outdoor amenities for our residents to enjoy during the season!

Want the latest updates on ice conditions for our outdoor rinks and ponds around the community? Check out our Skating and Shinny webpage for weekly ice condition reports.

January 19 City Council meeting

It was our shortest one yet! At their regular meeting on January 19, Councillors highlighted community initiatives, including a successful Pecha Kucha Night and discussions with local advocates supporting unhoused residents. Council also announced that all standing committee meetings will now be recorded and available on YouTube and reviewed several key reports and updates. Plus, Councillor Young has been appointed Acting Mayor from February 3 to March 19, 2026.

Read the full highlights | Watch the meeting

2026 State of the City Address

Building Together: Mayor’s Luncheon on Community Engagement

presented by the Kiwanis Club of Medicine Hat and Medicine Hat Lodge Trademark Collection by Wyndham

Tuesday, January 27 | 10:30 a.m. | Medicine Hat Lodge Ballrooms

The Kiwanis Club of Medicine Hat and the Medicine Hat Lodge Trademark Collection by Wyndham have partnered to present the 2026 State of the City Address.

This special event brings together community members, business leaders, and local organizations to hear directly from Mayor Clark on the current state of our city, key initiatives, and the vision for the year ahead. The luncheon provides an opportunity to connect, engage in meaningful dialogue, and celebrate the collaboration that strengthens our community.

View the deluxe buffet menu here.

Tickets are $50 each, available until January 25 on Eventbrite.

Comedy for the Games

Sun. March 8 | 7 p.m. | Esplanade

A pair of top comics are taxiing into Medicine Hat on March 8 for Comedy for the Games. Proceeds support the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games Medicine Hat 2026!

Cash Cab host Adam Growe and comedy festival regular Todd Ness are both headliners in their own right, but will each take the stage in the special event.

Tickets go on sale to the general public tomorrow (Jan. 23) at 12 noon!

Learn more about the event and get tickets at Tixx.ca.

Sled library

We’re excited to introduce the Sled Library pilot project in Celebration Park, located in Southlands!

This recreation pilot project provides sleds for community members to enjoy. It couldn’t be easier to use the Sled Library:
🛷 Borrow a sled if you need one – everyone is welcome!
🛷When you’re finished, return the sled to the blue box.

Check out the Sled Library in action

These sleds are loaned out on the honour system. Returning your sled allows everyone to enjoy this free amenity. It also ensures they’re available the next time you want to go for a rip.

If this pilot project is successful, we’ll be looking at installing the same amenity in Kin Coulee in the future!

Airport Master Plan survey

Our Airport Master Plan survey is live!

Give your input and influence the master plan by:
🚁 Identifying what value YXH provides to you.
✅ Sharing your priorities to help shape the airport's vision and mission.
Providing your view of what success is for YXH in the future.

Complete the survey by February 8 for a chance to win a $75 Prepaid Credit Card.

And, thank you to everyone who attended our five public engagement pop-up events held around the city between Monday and Wednesday!

These events were filled with diverse, impactful conversations and perspectives. This feedback, like the survey, provides us with great information as we develop the Airport Master Plan.

Take the survey and learn more about the Airport Master Plan on the Shape Your City project page.

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

Water Treatment Plant Labourer - Summer

Temporary | Full-time | On Site

The Water Treatment Plant Labourer will assist Operators in the safe and efficient operation of equipment associated with the production of the municipal water supply. To be successful in this role, you are mechanically inclined, have the ability to perform physically demanding tasks, and enjoy working in a collaborative team environment. This role is part of a 24/7 operation, requiring 12-hour shifts that alternate between days and nights.

Check it out

Seasonal Operations and Maintenance Labourers

Seasonal | Full time

Are you passionate about the outdoors and looking for a rewarding opportunity to make a difference in your community this summer? As a Parks Labourer with the City of Medicine Hat, you'll play a vital role in maintaining and enhancing our beautiful parks, open spaces, cemeteries, and outdoor recreation amenities. This full-time seasonal position runs approximately from mid-April to the end of October, making it an excellent entry-level opportunity for individuals who enjoy hands-on work in a dynamic outdoor environment.

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