Neat to Know: October 29, 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.
Alberta has a new time zone: (UTC-6) Mountain Time (Alberta)
Alberta has adopted NEW permanent Alberta Time (previously called Mountain Daylight Time or MDT in Alberta) to eliminate the previous practice of semi-annual clock changes. Its official abbreviation is “ABT”
This Sunday, November 1, the new time zone will officially come into effect and for the first time we will not turn our clocks back by an hour.
While the City of Medicine Hat is working to ensure our systems and services are aligned with the new time standard, we ask residents to stay mindful during this transition and double-check times for bus schedules, registrations, appointments, and online services on Monday to avoid any confusion.
For details on how to ensure your personal devices and applications update properly, visit Alberta.ca.
Prepping for 2027 tree planting
We’ve started site preparation for 2027 tree planting within year two of the Growing Canada's Community Canopies (GCCC) grant program!
The three-year program provides approximately 2,200 trees annually to be planted on both public (800) and private (1,400) property.
There are a lot of exciting locations chosen for these 800 trees in 2027, and a few have already been prepped. Not all locations will be taken care of this fall – this work just gives us a head start. Sites that are prepped will be clearly marked, covered with plywood and staked down, leaving no open holes.
Check out our public advisory to:
- View some of the 30 locations identified for 2027
- Learn how we select these locations
- Stay tuned for the public tree giveaway portion of the GCCC grant program
Pumpkin recycling
We’re excited for Halloween this Saturday! And, after this weekend, there will be a lot of decorative pumpkins and Jack O’Lanterns ready to be disposed of.
We encourage you to consider composting or disposing unpainted pumpkins in your organics waste (green) cart rather than in with your garbage.
How does that help make a difference? Waste diversion. Instead of taking up space at our landfill, Pumpkins and all other allowable organics waste materials head to our Waste Management Facility where staff turn them into our high-quality SureGrow compost!
There are several ways we can work together and keep out of the landfill:
- Compost your pumpkin in your own backyard. You can incorporate it into your compost pile or bury it in your garden. Don’t be surprised if you see pumpkins sprout next year!
- If you have a green organic waste cart, you can add it in with other yard, garden and vegetable waste. Just remember to remove your candles and glow sticks! Painted pumpkins cannot be composted, so please place those in your grey garbage cart instead.
- Drop it off at the City’s composting facility out at the Waste Management Facility, which remains in operation year-round.
Organics waste collection continues until the week of November 16 to 20 this year. For tips about composting and managing yard waste, visit www.medicinehat.ca/yardwaste.
2027 Waste Collection Schedule and Zone Map
Our Environmental Utilities team now has next year's residential waste collection schedule available!
Stay ahead of the game and save the 2027 Waste Collection Schedule and Zone Map to see when collection will come to your zone next year.
And, as always, for real-time waste collection schedules and information, download the free Recycle Coach app on your smartphone or mobile device, or visit the Recycle Coach website.
Remembrance Day hours
Hours and services at various City of Medicine Hat facilities will be affected by the Remembrance Day statutory holiday on Wednesday, Nov. 11.
Visit our holiday hours page to view what to expect for City facilities and Waste Collection on Remembrance Day.
And stay tuned for details of this year's Remembrance Day service.
Know someone who would be a great fit for a City agency?
The City is recruiting for public members on our boards, commissions, and working groups. These agencies bring vital community involvement into the City's decision-making process.
Why it matters
City agencies play a vital role in shaping local policy, advising Council, and driving community initiatives. These groups need diverse perspectives, people with lived experience, fresh ideas, and a passion for making a difference.
Who can apply
Any resident of Medicine Hat who meets basic eligibility. We encourage people from all walks of life, especially those who may not see themselves in traditional leadership roles. The City values:
- Diverse cultural and professional backgrounds
- Lived experience with accessibility, equity, or community challenges
- Passion for civic improvement and public service
Which agencies have openings available?
- 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
- Working Group for Accessibility and Inclusion
What is the time commitment?
Most groups meet monthly or as needed. Attendance and active participation are expected.
How to apply
- Visit medicinehat.ca/cityagencies and review the Applicant Handbook
- OPTIONAL: Create a short video (max 90 seconds) to introduce themselves and highlight their strengths.
- Download and fill out the application form.
- Submit your application, including form, (optional) video, and resume, before November 13 at 4:30 p.m.
Grand Slam of Curling Masters
November 3 to 8 | Co-op Place
The Grand Slam of Curling Masters – the second stop of the 2026 Grand Slam of Curling season – is coming to Co-op Place from November 3 to 8!
Experience six days of world-class competition as 16 elite men’s teams and 16 top women’s teams battle it out on the ice in one of the season’s premier events.
Don’t miss your chance to witness Olympic medallists, world champions, and Canadian favourites at this can’t-miss curling championship.
Ticket options include:
- Full Event Package - includes all 22 draws including Sunday's Men's and Women's Finals
- Weekend Draw Package - includes Friday Evening, all day Saturday and Sunday's Men's and Women's Finals
- Day Packages - available for Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- Single Draws
Tenille Townes
Monday, Nov. 9 | 8 p.m. | Esplanade
The Living Room Tour is an intimate acoustic evening featuring Tenille solo on stage with her guitar, sharing the songs and stories behind them.
Complete with furniture and keepsakes from her own living room, the show transforms each venue into a warm and welcoming space where music, conversation, and connection take center stage.
With a handful of audience requests woven into the set each night, no two performances are the same, creating a shared experience where songs, stories, and vulnerability are exchanged in both directions.
Brent Butt
Saturday, Nov. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Esplanade
Canadian comedic legend Brent Butt is coming to the Esplanade!
Born in Tisdale, Sask., Brent Butt discovered early that being funny was a good way to get attention. Brent honed his comedy in school and at the age of 20 moved to the city to pursue a career in stand-up. Within months he was headlining top clubs in Toronto, and within a couple years he was touring internationally and appearing at major festivals.
Want to see more upcoming events, programming and activities? View all options at City of Medicine Hat facilities:
New neighbourhood playground
Simon F. Scott Memorial Park now has a new playground after replacement work finished up this month!
Located in the Meadowlands neighbourhood, this park is named after Simon F. Scott who founded S.F. Scott Manufacturing Co. Ltd., producers of Blue Imp playground equipment. Family-owned for four generations, Blue Imp is Canada’s most experienced manufacturer of playground equipment, commercial playgrounds, outdoor fitness equipment, park furniture and more.
Their roots go back to 1917 when Simon F. Scott founded a blacksmith shop. They have evolved to become Canada’s longest-standing maker of playground and park equipment. Now into their second century of operation, they continue to design and craft a vast array of playground and park products at their headquarters here in Medicine Hat.
We are pleased to share that the playground replacement at Simon F. Scott Memorial Park was made possible through a partnership with Blue Imp. In recognition of the connection to this park named after their founder, Blue Imp has generously provided the new equipment at a significant discount to help ensure the park has a playground worthy of its namesake.
Call for volunteers: Adopt-a-rink program
Help keep winter fun alive in Medicine Hat with Adopt-A-Rink!
We're looking for community-minded volunteers to help maintain outdoor neighbourhood rinks this winter through our Adopt-A-Rink Program.
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 currently 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!
To view all our career opportunities at the City of Medicine Hat, visit our Careers webpage and sign up for job alerts.
Specialist - Corporate Safety
Permanent | Full‑Time | On site
In this role, you'll help create safe, healthy, and resilient environments for employees, visitors, and the community.
While supporting internal departments, you'll play a key role in identifying and managing risk, strengthening a culture of safety, and helping ensure the services our community relies on are delivered safely and effectively.
Water and Sewer System Operator - Entry - Step 2
Temporary (up to 6 months) | Full-time | On Site
We're seeking a Water and Sewer System Operator to support the operation, installation, maintenance, and repair of the City's Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Systems infrastructure. If you have successfully complete Grade 12 and possess a valid Class 3 Alberta motor vehicle operator's license with air endorsement, we want to hear from you.
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