Neat to Know: March 27, 2025
Your weekly roundup of City news, updates, and other important information.
Residential recycling – different provider, same service
Starting Tuesday, April 1, our residential recycling program will be managed by Circular Materials as part of a shift to Alberta’s new extended producer responsibility (EPR) program.
What is EPR? The program shifts the cost of recycling single-use products, packaging and printed paper products onto the producer of these products. That means the residential consumer is not charged.
The curbside recycling collection process will not change for residents with this change in service provider. There will be no changes to the collection schedule or the list of items that can be recycled. The City’s three bulk recycling depots will also remain open and accessible for residential use.
Our entertainment venues are sensory friendly!
Co-op Place and the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre have become the first two entertainment venues in Alberta to earn KultureCity® Sensory Inclusive™ Certification.
KultureCity® is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with sensory needs. Their Sensory Inclusive™ program has been widely embraced by venues, stadiums, and cultural institutions across Canada and around the world. With this new certification, Co-op Place and the Esplanade are now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible when attending an event.
What did this certification entail and what can residents expect moving forward? Learn more below.
Co-op Place Express returns
Playoff hockey is back in Medicine Hat, and so is the Co-op Place Express!
Medicine Hat Transit is pleased to offer the Co-op Place Express service to Medicine Hat Tigers games in the first round of the 2025 WHL Playoffs to make your trip as easy and pleasant as possible.
- Pickup location: Medicine Hat Mall
- Cost: $5 round trip
- Ways to buy: Tixx.ca, cash, MHTgo! card or use your monthly bus pass
Conserve water and save
Did you know that residential utility customers use the most water in Medicine Hat, particularly in the summer months, and that Medicine Hat is among the highest water users in Alberta? Here’s how we’re working to reduce peak and overall water consumption to extend the life of our water utility infrastructure.
Seasonal tiered water rate structure in effect starting April 1
From April 1 to October 31, a tiered water rate structure is in effect. Starting April 1, residential water customers will be charged more as their water use increases.
- Tier 1: 0-20 cubic metres $1.40 per cubic metre
- Tier 2: 21-40 cubic metres $1.50 per cubic metre
- Tier 3: 41+ cubic metres $1.55 per cubic metre
Conserve and save! You now have more control and impact on your utility bill by monitoring and reducing your water usage.
How to conserve Track your usage on eUtility
Environmental Conservation Charge on water
The water service bylaw #2379 outlines the rates customers pay for water in Medicine Hat. A 2024 update introduced an Environmental Conservation Charge on each cubic metre of water used in excess of 40m3. This additional six cents per cubic metre is used to fund water saving initiatives through the HAT Smart program.
GCC Pump Track now open
The pump track at Gas City Campground is now open for the season! Crews put the finishing touches on facility maintenance this week, and it’s now available daily between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The track can accommodate bikes, scooters, skateboards, and roller blades. It has both beginner and intermediate courses.
Division Avenue construction resumes
Work on the Division Avenue South Rehabilitation Project will resume on Monday, March 31, 2025. Crews completed most of the extensive project in 2024, leaving just one phase remaining in 2025.
The final phase of construction is anticipated to be completed by late-June 2025, weather permitting. Remaining work includes the following two sections and their corresponding upgrades:
Work zone 1: 7 Street to 10 Street (full closure required)
- Intersection at 7 Street stays open
- Intersection at 10 Street will close
- Transit impacts: One stop closed - Route 21
Work zone 2: Multi-use trail from Old Cemetery Road to College Avenue
- No road closure needed
- Completed after zone 1 is finished
What's in a bill? NOT a residential recycling service charge
Thanks to a shift to Alberta’s new extended producer responsibility (EPR) program that shifts the cost of recycling single-use products, packaging and printed paper products onto the producer of these products (see above), residential customers in Medicine Hat will no longer have a Residential Recycling Service Charge on their utility bill starting April 1.
New show at Co-op Place – on sale tomorrow!
Big news this week! The legendary band Foreigner is bringing their Juke Box Hero Tour to Medicine Hat at Co-op Place on November 5, joined by special guests 54-40. Tickets go on sale Friday, March 28 at Noon at tixx.ca – don’t miss your chance to see this iconic show live!
Meanwhile, a beloved community tradition is back at the Esplanade! School Art 2025 returns for its 47th year, showcasing over 800 incredible works from students across 41 local schools. From paintings and sculptures to video and photography, this vibrant exhibition is sure to inspire and amaze.
The Esplanade is open Tuesday to Saturday, Noon to 5 PM, with Pay What You Will gallery admission. Come experience the creativity of our local youth!
Exercise your body and spirit at Big Marble Go Centre this weekend!
We’re offering an exciting new fitness class for FREE this weekend that is sure to get you moving and shaking. In our Latin Dance class, you will learn the basic steps of salsa, cumbia, merengue, and other rhythms while working on body coordination. You'll also enjoy a dance session with lively music, exercising your legs as well as your physical and mental fitness.
There are four classes total for you to enjoy, Saturday and Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Visit our website here to register.
Bird scooters are back
Bird Canada has been rolling their e-scooters and bikes out around Medicine Hat for the season! Hatters got a lot of use on these scooters and bikes in 2024, travelling 63,000 kilometres.
Want to learn more on using Bird scooters in Medicine Hat? We've got some frequently asked questions on our website with more information on the following, and more:
- Downloading the Bird Canada app
- Where users can ride and park scooters
- Age requirement of users
- Speed limit and other safety measures
We’re looking forward to another beautiful season in 2025 – safe travels!
Industry report on aviation, aerospace and defence
Medicine Hat Economic Development has released the first of two industry-specific business retention and expansion studies, this one focusing on aviation, aerospace and defence in southeast Alberta.
The report is primarily targeted to aviation, aerospace and defence businesses and experts in the industry, but also has relevance to the Southeast Alberta business community as it may provide an indication of future initiatives.
The second industry specific report on manufacturing is expected to be released in the coming months.
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