Neat to Know: May 7, 2026
Neat to Know is 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.
May 4, 2026 City Council Meeting
Following four public hearings, Council passed a number of rezoning bylaws at their regular meeting on Monday, May 4. They also approved:
- a pilot program to permit alcohol consumption in designated parks from July 2, 2026 to September 30, 2026
- the Whistleblower Policy and Privacy Management Policy
- a new Budget Committee made up of Councillors Phaff, Young, and Mohammed
- a budget amendment to accept third-party funding towards a marketing campaign to attract professionals and entrepreneurs to live in Medicine Hat
It was a jam-packed agenda so be sure to read the full highlights.
Opportunity is Calling in Medicine Hat
We have secured funding through Alberta’s Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) program to support a new, multi-year workforce attraction initiative.
The project – known as Opportunity is Calling in Medicine Hat – is a coordinated marketing campaign designed to attract skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote workers to the city while addressing critical gaps in the local workforce.
Read our news release to learn more about this announcement and project.
25 new acts coming to the Esplanade
The Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre has announced its new lineup of performing arts entertainment for the 2026/27 season. Esplanade Members received first access to purchase their favourite seats at Early Bird Prices yesterday. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow (May 8)!
Read our news release to learn more about the lineup, and to get your tickets.
Momentum Kick-Off Grant application window open
We have created a new, one-time grant funding opportunity to support projects that help advance strategic objectives in the Community Well-Being Plan.
The Momentum Kick-Off Grant window opened for applications this week. The application window will remain open until June 5, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Read our news release to learn more about this exciting one-time grant program, including how to apply.
Residential street sweeping
Crews began in Zone 1 of our Residential Street Sweeping Program this week and continue to progress through zones!
Watch for signage! Workers place No Parking signs on street corners at least 12 hours before sweeping begins in residential areas.
Visit medicinehat.ca/streetsweep to learn more about what to expect throughout our Residential Street Sweeping Program, and to view the zone map and latest schedule updates.
Victoria Day hours
Hours and services at various City of Medicine Hat facilities will be affected by the Victoria Day statutory holiday on Monday, May 18.
Visit our holiday hours page to view what to expect for City facilities and Waste Collection on Victoria Day.
No transit service
Please note, Victoria Day is not included within our statutory holiday transit service pilot project. There will be no Medicine Hat Transit stat holiday service until Canada Day. Learn more about our pilot project here.
Not getting meeting notifications? That’s on us…
In an effort to continually improve your experience on our website, we consolidated a few calendars to make it easier to see what’s happening from our homepage. In doing so, however, calendars you used to subscribe to have moved, breaking your e-notification subscription. (We’re sorry!)
We apologize for this inconvenience but assure you that reinstating your e-notifications is as easy as re-subscribing to the meetings/categories that interest you and clicking the confirmation link when it hits your inbox.
Free compost giveaway & battery recycling
Saturday, May 9 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | 1453 Hutchinson Ave SE
Our second of three free compost giveaway days in 2026 is coming up quickly!
After giving out 19,300 kilograms of free SureGrow compost during our first event on April 18, we’re back for May 9. Bring a shovel and container and come grab up to 10 gallons of compost per household.
This year, you can also come recycle your used household batteries. We’ll have a station on-site to allow for safe and proper battery recycling.
Can’t make it on May 9? Our final event of the year is Saturday, Sept. 12 – same time, same place.
Learn more about our SureGrow compost at medicinehat.ca/suregrow.
And, if you have household batteries lying around and want to recycle them outside of these events, visit RecycleYourBatteries.ca to find a recycling location near you.
Want to see more upcoming events, programming and activities? View all options at City of Medicine Hat facilities:
Railway repairs force pair of short-term road closures
CPKC has begun scheduled repairs on the railway tracks on the bridge over the South Saskatchewan River. This work requires a pair of brief road and trail closures on both sides of the river – one underway and one upcoming.
Read the public advisory to learn about the closure currently affecting River Road SE and one upcoming for a section of Parkview Drive SE.
Gas main replacement on South Railway Street SE
Starting May 11, City crews are working along the north side of South Railway Street SE near the Seven Persons Creek to replace a natural gas main. Speed limits will be reduced to 30 km/hr in both directions and we ask motorists to use caution and obey flag personnel on site.
Work areas will be fenced off, including the area just east of the creek that is often used for parking by trail users. Parking is available on the south side of South Railway ST SE for trail usage.
The Seven Persons creek trail and Saratoga dog park trails will remain open to the public on either side of South Railway St SE, as will access to the Memorial Arboretum and Saratoga Dog Park.
If all goes well, construction is only expected to last two weeks. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
Land Use Bylaw Refresh: What we heard from the community
Community input has shaped every phase of the Land Use Bylaw Refresh. Through open houses, surveys, trade shows, and online feedback, residents consistently called for clearer rules, predictable outcomes, and land use regulations that respect neighbourhood character. People also emphasized the importance of walkable neighbourhoods, affordable housing options, and transparency in how development decisions are made. This feedback is summarized in the What We Heard Report and is directly reflected in the proposed bylaw changes.
You can learn more about the Land Use Bylaw Refresh by visiting our Shape Your City webpage.
What’s next?
Feedback gathered over several years will be considered by City Council at the June 1, 2026 public hearing. A time for the hearing will be available when the Council agenda is set on Friday, May 29.
To view all our career opportunities at the City of Medicine Hat, visit our Careers webpage and sign up for job alerts.
Growing Canada’s Community Canopies Assistant
Temporary (12-week Term) | Full‑time | On site
If you're energized by outdoor work, community impact, and hands-on learning, this is an opportunity to contribute to a nationally recognized sustainability initiative while gaining practical experience in parks operations.
As a Growing Canada's Community Canopies Assistant, you'll play a meaningful role in expanding urban tree cover, supporting environmental stewardship, and helping shape the public spaces that residents enjoy every day.
Learn more and apply on our Careers webpage.
Labourer – Solid Waste
Temporary (up to 6 months) | Full‑time | On site
We are looking for a dependable, safety-focused Labourer – Solid Waste to support daily operations in Solid Waste Collection and Landfill Services.
This is a hands-on, front-line role involving manual labour, light-duty vehicle operation, customer service, and support for landfill and collection activities.
Learn more and apply on our Careers webpage.
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