Neat to Know: July 3, 2024
Please enjoy this week's edition of Neat to Know, a roundup of City news, updates, and other important information. You can expect to see the week's most interesting content and even some that may have not been delivered through our regular channels.
Southridge Community Park trail rehabilitation
Rehabilitation work is underway on two sections of the trail system in Southridge Community Park starting today. This work will provide structural improvements to a section in the north end of the park and help improve drainage along a section in the south end of the park.
Work on the north section has begun today and work in the south will start once the first section is completed – we anticipate that will be in mid-July, with all work wrapping up in August.
Read more on the trail rehabilitation work
This upgrade will help meet our high standard of the 170-plus kilometres of Heritage Trail Network in Medicine Hat. Trail rehabilitation ensures the Heritage Trail Network provides residents of all ages with reliable opportunities for walking, cycling, jogging, scootering, inline skating, skateboarding, and more.
Up to $500 available for Community Arts and Culture activities through Microgrant program
Funding is still available to the public through our Community Microgrants! The City offers these microgrants to foster connections in the community through neighbourhood or community gatherings and activities.
Community Microgrants of up to $500 are available for the Community Arts and Culture category. The purpose of this microgrant is to promote community arts and heritage, and celebrate diverse cultures. Visit medicinehat.ca/microgrant to learn more about the guidelines and criteria for this opportunity.
As of June 25, 2024, the Neighbourhood Connections funding category has closed for applications. Thank you to those who applied!
The Neighbourhood Connections Community Microgrant provided plenty of successes and benefits to Medicine Hat residents since it opened in January 2024. We received 35 applications and approved 23 events including block parties, neighbourhood barbecues, teas, workshops, and beautification projects. In total, we distributed $11,350 in grant funds.
Organizers and attendees of these events filled out a survey – 98% of respondents said they felt a stronger sense of community with the people on their block/in their neighborhood because of the event.
A sign for safety: dismount bikes
With summer officially here and beautiful weather around the corner, there are about to be even more cyclists and pedestrians out enjoying the 170-plus kilometres of Heritage Trail Network.
As cyclists are out exploring the beauty of our city, there will be some areas with signs requiring you to dismount and walk your bike.
When cyclists are asked to dismount, it’s typically thought of as a measure for pedestrian safety. But, in many cases (Finlay Bridge and the College Ave/Southridge Drive overpass for example) the need to dismount a bike is just as important for cyclist safety.
The railings on these bridges and overpasses aren’t high enough to protect cyclists. And, the lanes are too narrow to safely support both cyclists and pedestrians.
So, if you see signage requiring you to dismount, we ask that you do so not just for the safety of others, but also yourself.
E After Dark - In Our Nature
Saturday, August 24, 2024 at the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre
Join us for an adult only night of immersive visual art and electrifying beats, with free and premium experiences to choose from.
7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.: Begin your evening with a complimentary gallery experience for art exhibition In Our Nature. Engage with the artists, enjoy immersive interactions, and indulge in curated food and beverage options.
9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.: The party ascends to new heights on the Esplanade rooftop with a late-night silent disco ($). At this unique party, guests will wear specially designed wireless glowing headphones with three live DJs battling for your attention.
Drop-in public info session: East Ring Enhancement Project
Three days: July 9, 10, and 11 between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. in the Sage Boardroom at the Big Marble Go Centre
The East Ring Enhancement Project ensures Medicine Hat remains wired for what's next and can support projected growth in commercial and residential electricity use by upgrading a 40-year-old electricity transmission line. We've been working hard to identify the best possible route for the transmission line considering environmental interests, engineering design, costs, and community feedback. Our project leaders have narrowed down the options and would love to chat with you.
Ensuring our voice is heard at other levels of government
Q: How does the City maximize effective lobbying efforts?
A: Council and many Administration staff are members of their various professional organizations (i.e. CAO’s groups, Mayors and Reeves, Economic Development Associations, etc.). These groups often lobby the government as well as monitor new legislation and upcoming changes. Through involvement with these organizations, we can ensure that the City is up to date on forthcoming issues and initiatives, placing us in a better position to plan and prepare our own lobbying efforts.
The hills have... barricades
Starting July 8, the Old Cemetery Hill connecting Kipling Street SE to Division Avenue South will close as part of the Division Avenue South Rehabilitation Project. Along with the necessary road work, we’re also adding a new three-metre wide pathway connecting the top of the hill to the College Avenue/Kipling Street intersection.
Speaking of hills, the Altawana Hill is on track to open mid-month. It was closed for water/sewer infrastructure renewal along 7 Street NW.
As construction season continues, we’re asking for a little patience and for drivers to follow all marked detours.
When in drought: phase one counts
With rain last week and over the long weekend, it can be easy to take the excess water for granted. It’s important to keep in mind that despite the recent precipitation, Medicine Hat still remains in Phase One of the Water Shortage Management plan, which requests voluntary water conservation from our community members. Every single drop counts, here’s what you can do to help:
1. Conserve water wisely: Use washing machines and dishwashers only when they're full to save water.
2. Smart lawn and garden watering: Water your lawn and vegetable garden for up to 60 minutes a day (try early morning or evening to reduce evaporation in warm weather), no more than three days a week. Match your watering schedule with your home’s address: odd numbers on odd days and even numbers on even days. New lawns can have a bit more time to get established.
Learn more here: Water Conservation, Shortage and Drought - City of Medicine Hat
City Planner engages youth through Minecraft project partnership
Understanding local government and its impact can be a game-changer, especially for our youngest residents. Recently, our Senior Planner, Shawn Champagne, took part in an exciting collaboration with Dave Van Leeuwen, Education Technology Lead Teacher at Medicine Hat Public School Division. Together, they used Minecraft to help hundreds of elementary students design future building projects for Medicine Hat’s North Flats area.
Through the Medicine Hat Future Builders project, students imagined and constructed practical designs for assisted living facilities and family apartments, all while gaining insights into urban planning and development. This hands-on experience is not just educational—it’s sparking potential future careers in municipal government!
Read more about this innovative project and its impact on our community in the full article:
Watch presentation of new growth initiatives proposed for 2025-2026 budget
City Council is currently reviewing a set of ‘new growth initiatives’ to be considered for the 2025-2026 budget. These include both operating and capital initiatives to support increased service to our community and were first presented to Council on June 25.
Council returns to a Council Committee of the Whole on July 9 for further clarification on the proposed business cases. The meeting is open to the public and you are invited to attend or watch it live on YouTube.
To receive updates directly to your inbox, subscribe to eNotifications for the categories that interest you. There is a blue box at the bottom of each page on our website that will allow you to sign up for a variety of list-serves, or go there directly with the button below.
If you are interested in career opportunities at the City of Medicine Hat, sign up for job alerts.
Stay up to date.
Subscribe to eNotifications to stay connected with City of Medicine Hat news, activities, events, programs, operations and more.
