Neat to Know: November 28 2023

Thanks for reading Neat to Know - a new feature from the City of Medicine Hat to ensure you don't miss important info and some that is really, well... neat to know!

You can expect to see this feature regularly as we round up the week's most interesting content and even some that may not have been delivered through our regular channels.

Electricity contracts

You'll remember that on November 1, 2023, fixed and variable contracts for electricity were cancelled and customers were automatically transferred to a single best-of-market interim electricity rate. This rate will not exceed a maximum of 11 cents per kWh or go below a minimum of 7 cents per kWh.

The new rate  is expected to provide a better price than any of the previous contract rates, though customers who wish to revert to their pre-existing contract can do so by emailing customer_accounts@medicinehat.ca by the end of the day on November 30 (this Thursday). We will honour your contracted rate for the length of time remaining in your original contract term.

Council mid-term report - priority 1

Council's first strategic priority is fostering a culture of innovation. Half-way through their term, this approach has made way for initiatives like:

• adopting a Strong Towns approach, encouraging administration and community to make incremental improvements that benefit the community such as traffic calming measures, water bottle refill stations, community microgrants, finding a solution for public access to washrooms downtown, and more.
• adding grant-funded EV charging stations at Towne Square
• advancing the energy transition with a $7 million investment to explore transition opportunities, progressing work on Project Clear Horizon to assess feasibility of carbon capture and storage in Medicine Hat, and approving participation in Decentralized Energy Canada's Next Generation Energy Innovation Challenge

Read the mid-term report in full

Kipling Community Garden

The City of Medicine Hat, in partnership with the Community Food Connections Association, is relocating the Kipling Community Garden to Osborne Park in Crescent Heights. Starting Spring of 2024, the tennis courts in Osborne Parks will close, paving the way for the community garden.

Learn more

Strong Towns "Fixing the Housing Crisis Here at Home" 
Tonight - November 28 - Esplanade at 7 p.m.
Free, everyone welcome - Learn more 

Mobilizing Your Community to become a Strong Town 
November 29 - Medicine Hat Public Library Theatre at 1 - 2 p.m.
Seating is on a first come, first serve basis - Learn more

The Great Disconnect: A Documentary
December 7 - Medicine Hat Public Library Theatre at 1 p.m.
Seating is on a first come, first serve basis - Watch the trailer 

The Great Disconnect: A Documentary 
December 14 - Esplanade at 7 p.m.
Free, reserved seating - Get Tickets

Towne Square 'Lighting for a Cause'

The City of Medicine Hat's Lighting for a Cause program is an initiative designed to bolster community spirit while shining a light on important social causes. In addition to the Saamis Tepee, you can now reserve Towne Square online for the promotion of your event or social cause.

Apply now

Microgrants

Looking for ways to connect with your community? Why not apply for a microgrant and host a gathering for your neighbourhood? Through Provincial Funding, these microgrants, accessible up to $500, are available in two categories: Community Connections  and Arts, Culture & Heritage .

Here's some event inspiration:

• A neighborhood Winter carnival
• A stew or chili cook-off with your neighbors
• A Classic car trunk or treat event in your neighborhood
• Neighbourhood talent show and concert

 Apply now

Transportation Master Plan

Medicine Hat’s current Roadway System Master Plan was last updated in 2013. It is best practice to review and update transportation planning documents every 5 to 10 years to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders.

In July 2023. the City initiated the development of a Transportation Master Plan (TMP) to lay out the long-term vision for a city’s Transportation network, encompassing comprehensive strategy, initiatives, and infrastructure developments. Medicine Hat’s TMP will plan for the next 30 years, taking into account evolving transportation infrastructure requirements to accommodate growth and cater to the changing needs of travelers, while aligning with direction from the Municipal Development Plan.

Stay informed

2024 property tax revenue

The 2024 budget update was passed on November 20 and we're hearing folks in the community thinking that Council decided to increase property taxes in 2024.

In fact, the 5% increase to the amount of revenue the City must collect in 2024 from property taxes was already set out when the two-year 2023-2024 budget was approved back in 2022. The recent budget update (which is used to account for changes to conditions from when the budget was approved and level-set the next year's budget) actually resulted in no change to the tax implications from what was already planned and approved.

Another important note is that existing homes and businesses are only responsible for 4% of the 5% revenue increase. One per cent will come from projected growth in the assessment base which is new properties or businesses.

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