Neat to Know: May 29, 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.
Kinsmen Free Swim
The Kinsmen Club of Medicine Hat is once again sponsoring free public swimming at both Hill and Strathcona outdoor pools this summer. Remember that kiddos under eight years of age must be accompanied in the water within arm's reach by a person 16 years of age or older.
Sports Wall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Last Thursday, we had the distinct honour of inducting Joseph Fisher and Zorislav Krco into Medicine Hat's Sports Wall of Fame at the induction ceremony at the Big Marble Go Centre. Zorislav's distinguished journey in Karate spans 48 years, highlighted by attaining the 8th Dan rank, a testament to his dedication and mastery of the sport. Joseph's impact on hockey in Medicine Hat began with his playing career, as the first local to join the NHL with the Detroit Red Wings and a Stanley Cup win in 1943, and then later co-founding the Western Hockey League's Medicine Hat Tigers in 1970.
Watch the video Nominate someone
Compost giveaway
On May 25 we gave away approximately 12000 kg of compost to 150 residents. All of this compost was sourced from our leaf and yard waste pick up.
And mark your calendars because we're doing it all over again on June 8 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.(or until supplies last). On Saturday, June 8, meet us at the Kipling Street Bulk Recycling Depot with a shovel and container, and we'll provide the compost!
Read ‘em and sweep!
The 2024 Spring Street Sweeping Program is complete. Thank you for your cooperation in moving your vehicles to ensure we finish as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
Hey - did you know that the City purchased its very first street sweeping machine in 1938 followed by a replacement in 1949 to "reduce reliance on hand sweeping"? Learn about the precision and dedication that has gone into Medicine Hat's residential sweeping program over the last 70 years in this article on our website.
Water bottle fill stations
Each summer, we provide convenient access to clean, safe drinking water at various outdoor locations throughout the community. You can find the locations on the City's iMap anytime. In 2024, the water stations are located at:
- McCutcheon Natural Area Trail across from 727 McCutcheon Drive NW
- Jeffries Trail near 602 4 Avenue NE
- East edge of Parkview Close NE
- Towne Square at 603 First Street SE
- Across from The Mustard Seed near 530 Allowance Avenue SE
- Strathcona Island Park near the Heritage Pavilion
- South Ridge Trail near 4803 Southlands Drive SE (by Masterpiece Southland Meadows)
- Southlands Boulevard SE nearby the cricket pitch
Learn more about our bottle fill stations
TODAY! 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.
Energy in Motion
Saturday, June 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Towne Square and Riverside Veterans Memorial Park
Come celebrate Parks and Recreation month outdoors with Energy in Motion. This event promotes wellness and active living in our community. Guests can expect local food trucks, an obstacle course bouncy castle, face painting, local vendors, and live fitness demonstrations and activities.
Explore the Local Market
Enjoy a market with local vendors including: Bird E-Scooters, The Boarding House, The HOBBY House, Medicine Hat Pickleball Club, Medicine Hat College Rattlers, Medicine Hat Mavericks, Prestigious Essential Health Oils, Redcliff Girl Guides, Studio Fore Golf, YogaRevolution, YMCA of Medicine Hat, and more! Sign-up as a vendor, it's free!
Get active and join in the fitness fun with live demonstrations and activities:
10:50 a.m. – 'Strength and Muscle' hosted by Big Marble Go Centre
11:30 a.m. – 'Family Yoga' hosted by YogaYou4ia
12:15 p.m. – 'Fast Fitness' hosted by Big Marble Go Centre
1:30 p.m. - 'Belly Dancing' hosted by Tone Fitness and Dance
Goose crossing!
Did you know there is a goose crossing sign up on College Ave?
When Mother Goose is teaching her little goslings how to move about their new world, she often takes them on an adventurous trek across College Avenue from the College to the golf course.
At this time of the year, we ask all drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to take extra caution near any wetlands. Pause to enjoy their delightful waddle and remember to respect their space.
Tax notices mailed
Tax notices were mailed on May 21 and property taxes are due on or before Friday, June 28. That is also the last day to sign up for the Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP) for 2024 if you'd rather split your tax payment into pre-authorized monthly transfers.
The roads might be closed, but the businesses are open!
When construction season is in full swing, you might find it inconvenient to get to your fave shop or restaurant. Our crews are working really hard to support our local business owners through what can be a very disruptive time for their company, so we hope you will too! Make the extra effort to go, even if you have to park a bit further away, or detour around the perimeter construction fence to reach their front door. We've done everything we can to keep their doors open, but we need you to do everything you can to get inside!
Specifically, say hi to the businesses in these locations:
- Downtown on 3 Street SE or 6 Avenue SE
- 8 Street NW in Crescent Heights
- Division Avenue on the hill
We heard you: reduced spray park hours with a twist!
Even though we had lots of rain here in Medicine Hat in May, we still need to keep an eye the upstream storage reservoirs which are still testing at below-normal levels. Therefore, we remain in Phase 1 of our Water Shortage Management Plan.
However, based on community feedback, we have adjusted the spray park hours to better meet residents' needs.
The spray parks at Strathcona Island Park and Kiwanis Central Park are now open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. The spray parks at the Ross Glen Towne Centre and Saamis Rotary Park will remain open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
These hours are effective until July 8, 2024 and at that time, we will re-evaluate to balance community needs with water conservation goals.
Budget commitment #3
Five commitments underpin the 2025-2026 budget planning process. Here is commitment #2:
Ensure financial sustainability of our municipality: Our municipality's financial health, without reliance on our energy production business unit, is essential for our long-term viability. We must be committed to reducing our reliance on volatile, unpredictable and unsustainable commodity revenues through responsible budgetary practices and prudent management of resources.
When we commit to more stable revenue sources, we build financial health. Stay tuned next week for commitment #4, or read all five on our Shape Your City page.
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