Neat to Know: November 5, 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.
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November 2, 2026 City Council meeting
At its November 2 meeting, City Council approved the distribution of $35,500 in 2027 Community Vibrancy Grants to support local projects, festivals, community events, and initiatives that enhance quality of life in Medicine Hat.
Council gave first reading to Bylaw 4904-2026 to redesignate 514 South Railway Street SE as a Direct Control Special Use District. A public hearing is scheduled for December 7, 2026 and second and third readings will be considered at that time. If approved, it would provide the zoning required for The Mustard Seed to submit a development permit application for a community shelter and navigation centre.
Learn more about this application process
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City launches new City Manager Newsletter
We've launched a City Manager Newsletter, offering residents a regular opportunity to hear directly from City Manager Joseph Hutter about the issues, projects, priorities and people shaping the community.
The newsletter will provide updates on strategic initiatives, major projects, organizational priorities and municipal services, while also offering a behind-the-scenes look at the work that takes place across the organization every day to serve residents.
In addition to sharing information about municipal decisions and initiatives, the newsletter will also highlight the people who make local government work, helping residents gain a deeper understanding of the diverse skills and expertise required to deliver essential services to the community.
Medicine Hat spotlight at Grand Slam of Curling P&H Masters
Medicine Hat is on the world stage this week! As part of the City’s sponsorship of the Grand Slam of Curling P&H Masters, we created a broadcast commercial highlighting some of the reasons our community is a great place to live, work and build a future. Watch the commercial to see how Medicine Hat is being introduced to audiences across Canada and around the world. Then visit medicinehat.ca/opportunity to take a fresh look at what our community has to offer and enter for the chance to win a trip for two to the Grand Slam of Curling finals in Kingston, Ontario, this December.
In the meantime, the biggest moments of the P&H Masters are still ahead at Co-op Place. The competition intensifies this weekend with the quarterfinals and semifinals leading into Sunday’s men’s and women’s finals. Get your tickets at tixx.ca, bring your energy and help us give the world’s best curlers an unforgettable Medicine Hat welcome.
Energy Innovation Challenge concludes
This week, the City of Medicine Hat and Decentralised Energy Canada (DEC) marked the conclusion of the demonstration phase of the Energy Innovation Challenge.
Over the past three years, five Canadian innovators tested technologies ranging from energy storage and grid planning software to advanced monitoring systems and local power generation solutions. Together, these projects brought more than $4.6 million in shared investment into the program and helped advance technologies with the potential to support utilities across Canada.
Congratulations to Arcobi, Edgecom Energy, Aqua-Cell Energy Inc., Eguana Technologies and TAKEnergy Inc. for your work to support a diversified energy economy.
Learn more at medicinehat.ca/innovationchallenge.
Community Vibrancy Grant funding distributed
As noted in our Council Highlights section above, we are pleased to have distributed $35,500 in Community Vibrancy Grant funding to 10 deserving recipients within the grant program's Community Projects and Activities stream!
- Medicine Hat Adaptive Sport and Recreation | The Larry Godin Classic | $3,000
- Medicine Hat Public Library Board | Library Comic Con No. 4 | $3,000
- Kiwanis Club of Medicine Hat | Family Day at Police Point Park | $1,000
- Medicine Hat Rotary Music Festival Society | Medicine Hat Rotary Music Festival | $5,000
- Downtown Voice | Downtown Days 2027: Food & Beverage Expo & Community Festival | $2,500
- Park Meadows Estates | Park Meadows Estates Christmas Lights | $2,500
- The Maven Mockingbird Movement | The Mockingbird Lift | $1,500
- Medicine Hat Creative Community Pilot Program | $15,000
- Medicine Hat Jamaican Community | Jamaican Day | $2,000
This marks the first of two intakes for the Community Projects and Activities stream in 2027. Stay tuned for the second grant application window!
Learn more about the Community Vibrancy Grant and all other exciting grant programs at medicinehat.ca/grants.
Upcoming Kindness Campaign
Partnership between Medicine Hat Transit and What Matters to Hatters
Our team at Medicine Hat Transit is pleased to partner with the What Matters to Hatters Coalition on a Kindness Campaign starting November 13 (World Kindness Day)!
The non-profit’s fourth-annual Kindness Campaign focuses on fostering even stronger, kinder connections between Medicine Hat Transit drivers and ridership.
Read our news release to learn more about how to participate and the importance of the campaign.
The campaign will conclude Saturday, February 20, 2027, which aligns with the end of Random Acts of Kindness Week.
Budget 2027-2028
Council deliberations for the 2027-2028 budget are ramping up and will continue for the remainder of the year.
The main approval process kicked off Monday, November 2 when the Rate bylaws received first reading. Setting the utility rates forms a fundamental part of meeting the revenue projections of the rate-based utility segment of the budget (remember, Medicine Hat’s budget has four main components – more on that here).
Next up, the Energy Production and Land & Real Estate budgets will be offered for approval on Tuesday, November 17.
Then, on December 7 and 8 (with multiple public hearings on December 7, Council approved adding a meeting the following day to get through important budget discussions), Council will hold a public hearing for the rate bylaws and consider second and third reading. This is also when Council will consider the Rate-Based and Municipal budgets.
Remembrance Day hours
Hours and services at various City of Medicine Hat facilities will be affected by the Remembrance Day statutory holiday coming up on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Visit our holiday hours page to view what to expect for City facilities and Waste Collection on Remembrance Day.
Organics waste season wrapping up
Our Organics waste (green cart) program is nearing a close for 2026.
Organics waste is collected seasonally, in assigned collection zones. This year’s program began April 6, and the final week for collection is November 16 to 20. View the 2026 Residential Waste Collection Calendar and Map to find the final collection date in your zone.
The program is a great way to get rid of that yard waste during fall cleanup. Make sure to take advantage of it and fill your green carts before the season is over! View what materials are and aren’t allowed on our Yard Waste webpage.
Not a part of the program and want a green cart in 2027? Request an organic waste cart. For a one-time service fee of $50, we will deliver a green vented 95-gallon organic waste cart to the front of your property. The fee will be applied to your utility account and can only be authorized by the current utility account holder.
And, view the 2027 Residential Waste Collection Calendar and Map to see next year's organics waste collection dates.
Help make a difference in your neighbourhood
Adopt-a-rink program
It’s hard to think about when the forecast is calling for daytime highs around 15 degrees, but outdoor rink season is coming.
And, we’re looking for community-minded volunteers to help maintain these popular outdoor neighbourhood rinks so that they’re able to be well-used and enjoyed this winter.
By volunteering, you'll help create a safe, enjoyable space where families, friends, and neighbours can get outside and enjoy the season together.
What we provide:
- Shovels, chippers, and hoses
- Training and support
- Assistance with some snow removal
Volunteer responsibilities:
- Building ice
- Shovelling when needed
- Flooding when needed
Please note: Due to construction at Central Park, the Low-Board Rink has been relocated to Kin Coulee Park near the Bandshell.
We are seeking volunteers for:
- East Glen High-Board Rink
- Kensington Park Low-Board Rink
- Kin Coulee Park Low-Board Rink
- Southlands Park Low-Board Rink
- Upland Park Low-Board Rink
- Viterra Park Low-Board Rink
Interested in making a difference this winter? Submit your volunteer application today and help keep the magic of outdoor skating alive!
Defence Growth Forum
Economic Development, along with Land & Real Estate and the Airport, joined defence and industry leaders for a day of insights, discussion and connection focused on the future of Canada's defence sector at the last week. This was a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry experts, learn about emerging opportunities, and discuss how our region can play a growing role in Canada's defence and aerospace sectors.
The momentum and enthusiasm shared throughout the event reinforced the exciting opportunities ahead for Southeast Alberta.
Check out photos from the event
From rotation to relocation
We spoke with Paul VanWerkhoven – a pharmacist at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital – about his relocation journey last month. Initially here on a practicum rotation as part of his program at the University of Alberta, Paul found fulfilling work at the hospital and a new home in city.
Streamlining the bulk recycling process
Did you know that the bins at our bulk recycling depots are now classified as single stream?
That means you can leave the sorting to the hat in Harry Potter, and put any allowable item in any bin.
Our recycling program is managed by Circular Materials as part of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program in Alberta. This includes the residential recycling (blue cart) collection, and the three bulk recycling depots in the city. These depots are perfect for residents and businesses that aren't part of the residential recycling program, or those who have oversized recyclables.
And don't forget, Circular Materials expanded its allowable material list on October 1 as part of Phase 2 of the EPR. So, not only can you avoid sorting, but you can also recycle more items in your blue carts or at these depots and keep them out of the landfill!
Visit our bulk recycling depots page linked above to learn more about these locations and the recycling program.
Fall Break Art Days return to the Esplanade
November 9 to 13 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Esplanade
Looking for a creative Fall Break activity for your child? The Esplanade's Fall Break Art Days offer a full day of hands-on learning, creativity, and exploration for children ages 5 to 12!
Participants will spend their mornings exploring the Esplanade's galleries and exhibitions while creating imaginative art projects that encourage creative thinking and problem-solving. In the afternoons, children will enjoy special programming at the Medicine Hat Public Library, combining multiple community learning experiences in one engaging day.
All art supplies are included, and each day offers new opportunities to create, discover, and make new friends.
- Dates: November 9, 10, 12, and 13
- Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (drop-off begins at 8:30 a.m.; pick-up until 4:30 p.m.)
- Ages: 5 to 12
Spaces are still available for the November 9 and 10 sessions. Register soon to secure your child's spot for a creative and inspiring Fall Break experience!
Want to see more upcoming events, programming and activities? View all options at City of Medicine Hat facilities:
To view all our career opportunities at the City of Medicine Hat, visit our Careers webpage and sign up for job alerts.
Special Projects Coordinator
Temporary (Up to 5 months) | Part‑time | On site
We're seeking a Special Projects Coordinator to play a key role in supporting initiatives that contribute to community growth and economic development.
In this role, you will help support development opportunities, coordinate key stakeholders, and ensure the seamless administration of the economic development department.
Payroll and Benefits Technician
Permanent | Full-time | On site
As our Payroll and Benefits Technician, you'll contribute to a positive employee experience by delivering accurate and responsive payroll, pension and benefits services.
If you're detail-oriented, service-focused and comfortable navigating complex systems and requirements, this role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact across the organization.
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If you are interested in career opportunities at the City of Medicine Hat, sign up for job alerts.
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