Neat to Know: October 22, 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.
October 19, 2026 City Council meeting
City Council held its annual Organizational meeting followed by its regular meeting of council on Monday.
At the Organizational Meeting, City Council approved:
- The schedule for Deputy and Acting Mayor
- The Council and Committee meeting schedule for 2027
- Appointments to standing committees, boards and commissions for Oct. 19, 2026 to Oct. 18, 2027
At the City Council meeting:
- Council held a public hearing for Bylaw 4890-2026 - Rezoning of 22 Sierra Green SW
- Following the public hearing, City Council approved Bylaw 4890-2026
- Arising from the discussion, City Council approved a motion directing Administration to explore options for a permanent secondary roadway in Saamis Heights
- Council approved City Manager Performance Evaluation Policy 8053-2026 as presented
City clarifies land use rezoning application process
The Mustard Seed’s land use application to rezone 514 South Railway Street SE came before Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) on October 21. MPC recommended no support for the application.
Due to notable public interest in this application, the City of Medicine Hat wishes to clarify how this application will proceed, as per the legislated requirements of the Municipal Government Act.
View our public advisory to learn what to expect.
Organics waste season nearing a close
Our Organics waste (green cart) program wraps up for the 2026 season next month!
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 that week.
The leaves are leaving the trees, and this program provides the perfect opportunity 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.
Municipal Matters: Why small businesses matter to Medicine Hat
It’s Small Business Week in Canada – the week runs from October 19-25, 2026 and occurs in the third week of October annually.
Small Business Week is a chance to recognize these businesses, the people behind them and the contributions they make.
In our latest Municipal Matters article in the Medicine Hat News, Selena McLean-Moore, Director of Economic Development, talks about the importance of supporting the small business community and how her department strives to provide these critical supports.
Budget 2027-2028: Key assumptions
At the start of each budget cycle, administration develops a set of key assumptions that serve as the foundation for building the budget. The assumptions for the 2027-2028 budget were presented at the September 21 Regular Council meeting (view the agenda package for full details).
The operating budget is based on the following assumptions:
- The assessment base will grow by 0.5% in 2027 and 0.75% in 2028.
- Fees and charges will increase by 3% annually.
- No inflationary adjustment will be added to departmental base budgets. This means departments must absorb rising costs within their existing budgets, effectively starting each year with reduced purchasing power as inflation increases expenses.
- The City’s investments are projected to generate $16.9 million in 2027 and $17 million in 2028. In addition, business units are expected to contribute an annual dividend of $3 million, and $5 million per year will be drawn from the Medicine Hat Endowment Fund.
Budgeting involves a combination of assumptions, forecasts, and projections rather than exact predictions. As a result, actual financial outcomes may vary if these assumptions do not materialize as expected, requiring adjustments throughout the budget cycle.
For more on budget development, visit: medicinehat.ca/budget.
The Great Pumpkin Smash
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 1 to 3:30 p.m. | Esplanade
It’s almost here! Join us for our annual Great Pumpkin Smash this Saturday. It’s a free, all-ages Halloween event filled with pumpkins, creativity, treats and plenty of spooky fun. Bring the whole family, come dressed in your favourite costume, and get ready to send a pumpkin flying from the Esplanade terrace!
When you’ve had your turn on the terrace – don’t head home just yet! There is a lot to do:
- The Boo Revue! performance by Puppet Stuff Canada at 3 p.m. in the Main Theatre
- Spin Your Own Spider Web - Get creative with a hands-on art activity where kids weave colorful yarn webs and add their own spooky spider!
- Free Face Painting
- Listen to live music from Sounds of Thunder
- Sunshine Learning Bus - Explore the bus and enjoy a fun, hands-on experience
- Food Truck - Road-Runner Smash and Dash
- Complimentary cookies and treats
- Free pumpkins for the smashing, while they last!
Kinsmen Free Swim
Saturday, Oct. 24 | 6 to 8 p.m. | Big Marble Go Centre
Kinsmen Free Swim is back!
Join us for an evening of free public swimming at Kinsmen Aquatic Park sponsored by the Kinsmen Club of Medicine Hat.
Bring your swim gear, friends and family and your gear for few hours of fun in the pool. No registration required - just check in with customer service and make a splash!
Jake’s Gift
Tuesday, Nov. 3 | 7:30 p.m. | Esplanade
Jake’s Gift is a multi-award winning Canadian play about a World War II veteran’s reluctant return to Normandy, France, for the 60th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
While revisiting the shores of Juno beach, Jake encounters Isabelle, a precocious 10-year-old from the local village. Isabelle’s inquisitive nature and charm challenge the old soldier to confront some long-ignored ghosts – most notably the war-time death of his eldest brother, Chester, a once promising young musician.
At its heart, Jake’s Gift is about the legacy of remembrance and makes personal the story behind one soldier’s grave.
Want to see more upcoming events, programming and activities? View all options at City of Medicine Hat facilities:
The Subdivision and Development Appeal Board helps shape our community
The shape of our community matters. The City of Medicine Hat is looking for citizens to serve on the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB).
SDAB is an independent quasi-judicial board established under the Municipal Government Act.
Board members hear appeals related to development permits and subdivision decisions, balancing property rights, community interests, and responsible growth. Your decisions help influence how our city develops for years to come.
Learn how to apply and check out more city agency opportunities in the Ways to Engage section below.
Make a difference on a City board, commission, working group
Application deadline extended to November 13
The City’s various boards, commissions and working groups allow us to gain important community perspective on important issues. Putting your name forward for one of these groups is a formal way for your voice to be heard and to impact how Medicine Hat evolves.
We’re currently recruiting for:
- Accessibility and Inclusion Working Group
- Assessment Review Board
- Combative Sports Commission
- Community Vibrancy Advisory Board
- Heritage Resources Working Group
- Municipal Planning Commission
- Public Library Board
- Police Commission
- Subdivision & Development Appeal Board
The application window closes Friday, Nov. 13 at 4:30 p.m.
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact? Apply online at medicinehat.ca/cityagencies.
To view all our career opportunities at the City of Medicine Hat, visit our Careers webpage and sign up for job alerts.
Recreation Fitness Leader I
Permanent | Full-Time | On-site
Are you passionate about fitness, wellness, and helping others achieve their health goals?
The City of Medicine Hat is looking for an energetic and knowledgeable Recreation Fitness Leader I to help deliver engaging fitness programs, classes, and wellness experiences that make a positive impact in our community.
In this role, you'll lead and support a variety of fitness opportunities including group fitness classes, drop-in programs, special events, and emerging services such as personal training.
Assessor I
Permanent | Full-time | On Site
If you're looking to build a meaningful career where your work directly impacts communities, property owners, and local services, this is your opportunity.
In this position, you'll play a key role in determining fair and equitable property assessments that support municipal decision‑making and public trust. This role offers hands‑on learning, mentorship from experienced assessors, and a clear pathway to professional accreditation and career growth.
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