Neat to Know: May 22, 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.
Wanted: market vendors
We're looking for local businesses and organizations who promote fitness, healthy living, and outdoor recreation and programs to join us on Saturday, June 8 for Energy in Motion. This free, outdoor community event celebrates Parks and Recreation Month with local food trucks, an obstacle course bouncy castle, face painting, local vendors, and live fitness demonstrations and activities—all set in the beautiful Riverside Veteran's Memorial park. Don’t miss this chance to connect with the community and jumpstart a summer filled with health, happiness, and the great outdoors.
Fill out the application View event details
Civility and respect
Medicine Hat City Council released a video on Tuesday's Council meeting to promote respectful dialogue and civil interactions to build a stronger, healthier community.
Council highlights
After each regular City Council meeting, we publish "Council Highlights" to recap the main decisions. You can even subscribe to receive them right in your inbox by selecting the Council Highlights box at subscribe.medicinehat.ca.
At yesterday's meeting, Council heard two public hearings to amend the Land Use Bylaw, approved a motion to change the funding structure for the Clean Energy Improvement Program (more to come on that soon!), advanced capital funding for future refurbishment and maintenance activities on the turbines at the power plant, and much more.
Read the highlights Watch Council meeting
Want to attend a council meeting in-person? City Council meets on the first and third Monday of each month.
Rain barrel draw
We're giving away 45 more rain barrels but you have to act fast! We'll draw for winners this Friday (May 24).
It's easy to enter. Head on down to City Hall and fill out a ballot. We'll contact the winners using the info on the ballot and deliver the barrels the following week. Good luck!
Complimentary Compost Giveaway
Saturday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kipling Street Recycling Depot
240 Kipling Street SE
Bring a shovel and container to load up on complimentary compost from the City while supplies last! SureGrow Compost is an all-natural soil amendment produced by the City from the leaf and yard waste materials collected through our organics collection program. There will be a limited quantity, so we’ll only be able to provide 10 gallons of compost per household on a first-come, first-served basis.
#DifferentKindOfEnergy at the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival Community Day
Saturday, May 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Riverside Veteran's Memorial Park
We're celebrating the #DifferentKindOfEnergy the Rise Up Hot Air Balloon Festival brings to our community by participating in their Community Day! We'll be in Riverside Veterans' Memorial Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with bouncy castles, face painting by Crazy Paints By Katie, and live music by Monster and Cake.
Community Day details #DifferentKindOfEnergy
Council Committee of the Whole: George Cuff
Wednesday, May 29 at 3:30 p.m. in Council Chambers
George B. Cuff is acclaimed across Canada among municipalities, crown agencies, and other public sector bodies for his expertise as an advisor, consultant, and author focused on the art and principles of governance and the elements of effective organizational management. His distinguished career includes leadership roles such as the Presidency of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. His visit provides a unique opportunity for our residents and City Council members to learn from one of the foremost experts in the field.
Just announced! Blippi: Join the Band Tour
Sunday, November 17 at 2 p.m. at Co-op Place
Join global sensation Blippi to make music in your hometown in the brand new live Blippi: Join the Band Tour! Blippi will be joined onstage by Meekah along with their singing and dancing buddies and LIVE musicians. They’ll explore what makes music, including sounds, rhythms and instruments, with fan favorite Blippi hits. So, grab your drumsticks, tune up your guitar, and move those feet with Blippi and get ready for a musical performance that's fun for the whole family!
Introducing BREIS
BREIS is Medicine Hat Economic Developments Business Retention and Expansion - Industry Specific research initiative. But it's more than just an acronym; it's a new approach to fostering growth and prosperity in our region.
Our goal? To build strong relationships within the business community, gather industry-specific insights, and develop actionable strategies for sustained growth and success.
We invite all interested businesses to reach out to our Economic Development department to join the study today!
'No parking' signs help keep transit flowing
With construction disrupting some of our major roadways, we've had to reroute our Medicine Hat Transit buses to streets they don't typically travel, including some with tight corners. For instance, you may have noticed 'no parking' signs on Fourth Street SE where it meets Macleod Trail SE on a hairpin turn. In order for our buses to make that turn, it's best if there are no cars in the way. Adhering to the 'no parking' signs will help us all get to where we're going safely.
When in drought: reduced spray park hours
The spray parks at the Ross Glen Towne Centre and Saamis Rotary Park opened this past weekend, but with current phase 1 water conservation measures in place, the City's Water Shortage Management Plan dictates reduced hours. The water will be on from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. daily for all the little kiddles (and big friends!) to enjoy.
Budget commitment #2
Five commitments underpin the 2025-2026 budget planning process. Here is commitment #2:
Balance affordability with the need to invest in City infrastructure and operations: It’s important to strike the delicate balance between affordability for our residents and the requirement to invest in our city's infrastructure and operations. We must make prudent investments today to lay the groundwork for a prosperous future.
We know there are residents in our city who are struggling with affordability from the rise in inflation, interest rates on mortgages, and more. The City's budget must carefully consider how address those same pressures that are making it more expensive to provide City services into the future.
Stay tuned next week for commitment #3, or read all five on our Shape Your City page.
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