Neat to Know: November 20, 2025

Proactive planting preparation

Our Parks and Recreation team started some proactive 2026 tree planting work last week, which will continue to revitalize our beautiful tree network.

Crews are performing site preparation for tree planting locations around the city.

This work helps save time and effort in the spring, and allows us to take advantage of optimal planting conditions. Once the ground thaws, crews will be able to utilize high soil moisture to ensure the trees thrive immediately after they’re planted. We also won’t need to wait for the ground to dry out enough to excavate.

This site preparation work includes (but is not limited to) the following locations:

• Saamis Rotary Park
• Southridge Community Park
• Southlands Park
• Hamptons Park
• Gilwell Park
• Southview Park
• Celebration Park
• Southridge Crescent SW Park
• Sunset Park
• Megan Wahl Park

If you see us out in these parks, please avoid the area to give our team enough space to safely work.

These sites will be clearly marked and will be covered with plywood and staked down, leaving no open holes.

We know the level of pride Hatters have for the trees in our city, so we ask that if you see plywood removed or any other damage, please call the Parks team at 403-529-8333 (option 6).

Safe battery disposal matters

Improper disposal of items like lithium-ion batteries and pressurized tanks can lead to serious safety hazards for collection crews, landfill staff, and the general public.

Lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in phones, laptops, e-bikes, and power tools, can become a fire hazard if punctured, crushed, or overheated.

Pressurized tanks—such as propane or helium cylinders—can also explode when compacted, potentially igniting leftover contents or turning into dangerous projectiles.

When garbage is compacted inside collection trucks or at the landfill, even a single battery or tank can cause a fire or explosion.

Here’s how you can help:

• Drop off used batteries at an approved collection site. Visit call2recycle.ca to find a convenient local location.
• Take empty or partially used pressurized tanks to the Waste Management Facility’s household hazardous waste area for safe disposal.

And the winner is...

The winner of our recent Good Neighbour Contest is Jennifer Stang! Jennifer was nominated by Michele Patton, who had this to say about Jennifer:

“My neighbour is the glue that binds our court. She is the first person to offer assistance if anyone needs a hand. She helped me paint my garage doors! She organizes get-togethers and is the first one to sign up for food or to help make it happen. When people are sick, she makes soup. When you're grieving, she brings meals. It doesn't matter how old or young you are, she is a friend to all. She has widened our circle of friends and is a joy to be around. There is no better neighbour than this one!”

Congratulations to both Jennifer and Michele for winning the contest prize pack!

When we went to deliver the prize, Jennifer and Michele were talking about the amazing, fun activities they do in their neighbourhood – from Easter Egg Hunts to BBQs, clam roasts to block parties. They also shared how they have started including other blocks and families from neighbouring areas into their celebrations – growing the circle and increasing the connections and fun.

It’s great to hear these stories about all the good that is happening in our community!

Community Microgrants – Funding to foster connections

As we mentioned above, it’s great to hear stories of our community coming together. And it’s important that we provide all the opportunities we can for these connections to form and thrive around Medicine Hat.

That’s why, through our Community Microgrants program, we’re excited to continue offering event and activity funding for up to $500 through the Neighbourhood Connections stream. This funding stream supports community gatherings and activities that strengthen neighbourhoods and foster social connection and inclusion.

Even with winter around the corner, there are plenty of heartwarming block party ideas for you and your neighbourhood, including:

• Trade in the lemonade stand for a hot chocolate bar!
• Winter wonderland decor
• Chili cook-off
• ⛄building contest
• S’mores station
• Winter games
• Skating or sledding fun
• Caroling
• Winter craft corner

The grant intake is ongoing, and applicants are encouraged to apply for funding at any time throughout the year.

Festive light installation

We began installing our festive light displays around the city after Remembrance Day!

Our Municipal Works department installs 354 festive lights every year to help celebrate the holiday season.

They pick 10 high-traffic roads around Medicine Hat to ensure a nice balance of lighting city-wide, and where the most Hatters can see them.

We hope you enjoy seeing them along each of the following locations:

• Downtown
• First Street SE
• Maple Avenue Bridge
• Eighth Street NE
• Division Avenue N near 20 Street NE
• Kingsway Avenue SE and South Railway Street SE
• Trans Canada Way SE
• Carry Drive SE
• Dunmore Road SE
• 13 Avenue SE

And, when you see our crews installing these lights, please obey all traffic signs and posted speed limits in the area.

Municipal Matters – How Medicine Hat manages its Infrastructure for the Future

Jeff Hogland, Director of Fleet, Facilities and Asset Management, had the opportunity to author our most recent edition of Municipal Matters in the Medicine Hat News, out today. 

In his article, Jeff explains that every essential service comes with a physical asset that requires ongoing care and maintenance, and, eventually, renewal. Grass in parks must be maintained, water pipes need to function without leaks, and emergency vehicles must remain ready for rapid response. Jeff and hist team work hard to ensure the services we rely on are ready to deliver when we need them. 

Read the full article to learn more.

2025 Midnight Madness

Shumka’s Ukrainian Nutcracker

Friday, Dec. 5 | 7:30 p.m. and Saturday Dec. 6 | 2:00 p.m. | Esplanade

An annual Christmas tradition in Western Canada, Shumka’s Nutcracker blends the grace and lyrical nature of classical movement with the strength and power of Ukrainian character dance, leaving audiences exhilarated and entertained. The cast of over 70 features Shumka dancers, youth from local dance schools, and the Clara’s Dream Choir.

Get your TIXX to this wonderful seasonal classic!

2025 living wage released