Neat to Know: September 10, 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.
Joseph Hutter is officially appointed City Manager
City Council has officially appointed Joseph (Joe) Hutter as City Manager for the City of Medicine Hat, effective September 15, 2026.
“Over the past eight months, Joe has shown us that he can do this job and how he will do it,” said Mayor Linnsie Clark. “He listens carefully, exercises sound judgment and is willing to have honest conversations when the issues are difficult. He stepped into this role during a period of significant change and he brought much needed stability, clarity and forward momentum to the organization. Council has seen Joe’s leadership firsthand, and we are confident he is the right person to serve Medicine Hat as our City Manager.”
"I am honoured by Council's confidence, and am committed to leading with humility, integrity and professionalism,” said Hutter. “Medicine Hat is a community with tremendous potential, supported by dedicated, knowledgeable employees, a committed City Council, and engaged residents.”
Municipal Matters
Improving irrigation management to conserve water
Water conservation is becoming increasingly important, and municipalities are adapting their operations to use water more responsibly.
In our latest Municipal Matters article, Jeff Quinlan, Parks and Recreation Technician, talks about how our Parks and Recreation department is embracing new irrigation technology that helps protect valuable green spaces while reducing water consumption.
Read this week's Municipal Matters at medicinehatnews.com.
September 8, 2026 City Council Meeting
City Council’s September 8, 2026 meeting included decisions to postpone Bylaw 4893-2026 on the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, approve a water protection motion that includes writing a letter to appropriate provincial or federal officials, and appoint Joe Hutter as permanent City Manager.
Committee Business included a presentation of the What We Heard Report on the Riverside Corridor Enhancement Project, and decisions to adopt updated health and safety, cybersecurity and IT acceptable use policies, advance recreation facility planning, approve the Baker-Spalding Block historic designation, and begin the Cypress Club historic designation process.
Council also gave first reading to three rezoning bylaws for 22 Sierra Green SW, 535 16 Street SW and 855 Gershaw Drive SW, with public hearings scheduled for October 5, 2026.
City launches interactive hiring resources for local employers
Medicine Hat Economic Development is launching a comprehensive suite of interactive tools designed to help employers make more informed hiring decisions by focusing on observable competencies, skills and behaviours that drive success in the workplace.
Developed in collaboration with workforce development experts and local employers, Competency Match provides a structured approach to recruitment that helps organizations look beyond traditional credentials and better assess a candidate's ability to perform in a role.
Read our news release to learn more.
Season winding down for several outdoor Parks and Rec amenities
It’s that time of year. As the weather cools down, our seasonal amenities will begin wrapping up for the year. Upcoming closures include:
- Echo Dale Boat Lake will close Monday, September 14
- Strathcona Spray Park and Kiwanis Central Park Spray Park will close Monday, September 21
- Hill Pool will close Thursday, October 1
Thanks for enjoying the season with us and we’ll see you again next summer!
Planning and Development Continuous Improvement Program
Ensuring high-quality customer experience
Our Planning and Development Services department has implemented a Continuous Improvement Program, intended to continuously review department processes and procedures, including tracking timelines for approvals.
The intent is to ensure a predictable, transparent, and user-friendly customer experience through a commitment to identify areas for improvement, especially those related to efficiency and communication with applicants, the public and all interest holders.
Read the full news release to learn more about this program and initiatives to date.
Spur-ring development
The Spur is a compact extension of the Ranchlands development positioned along the south/east side of Ranchlands Boulevard NE, where 10 new single-family residential lots are being developed. In the most literal sense, its name describes exactly what it is: a small branch extending from the larger Ranchlands neighbourhood.
The Spur marks renewed City development activity in Ranchlands in a measured way. Rather than beginning another large phase all at once, the project takes a more focused approach: add a small number of lots, respond to current demand and continue building out an established neighbourhood.
Members of the general public interested in a lot within The Spur are encouraged to reach out to a builder.
Saamis Tepee Grand Opening and Demonstration Pow Wow
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 1 p.m. | Saamis Tepee
Join us next Saturday at the Demonstration Pow Wow hosted by the Miywasin Friendship Centre at the Saamis Tepee, featuring the grand opening of the Saamis Tepee Dancefloor Resurfacing Project.
This project was a partnership between the City and Miywasin Friendship Centre with Indigenous Elders, cultural leaders, dancers, and community members who helped shape the design and select the preferred dance surface.
Come celebrate this important milestone and experience the pow wow.
Plan your Art in Motion adventure
Saturday, Sept. 12 | 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. | First Street SE
Art in Motion returns to First Street SE on September 12, filling the street with hands-on art activities, live entertainment, cultural experiences, food and market vendors and family-friendly fun.
To help visitors navigate the event and make the most of their day, an interactive map is available that highlights activities by location and provides an easy way to navigate the event. No matter what activity interests you, the map can help you plan your route and discover everything happening throughout the afternoon.
Visitors are also encouraged to explore beyond First Street to explore downtown’s many shops, restaurants and local businesses while enjoying the festivities.
View the interactive map and start planning your day here.
Free compost giveaway and battery recycling
Saturday, Sept. 12 | 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | 1453 Hutchinson Avenue SE
The final free compost giveaway day in 2026 is this weekend!
These events have provided an opportunity at up to 10 gallons of our SureGrow compost per household, along with a chance to safely recycle your used household batteries. Proper battery recycling reduces the chance of fires in our collection trucks and at the landfill.
We hope to see you on Saturday!
Learn more about our SureGrow compost at medicinehat.ca/suregrow. And, if you have household batteries lying around and want to recycle them outside of this event, visit RecycleYourBatteries.ca to find a recycling location near you.
Want to see more upcoming events, programming and activities? View all options at City of Medicine Hat facilities:
Alcohol in Parks – take the second survey
The Alcohol in Parks pilot program continues in Medicine Hat. The pilot program will run until September 30, 2026.
It allows users 18 years and older to responsibly consume alcohol while seated at designated picnic tables in Kin Coulee, Echo Dale Regional Park and Strathcona Island Park. Signage is posted on site to indicate which tables are included in the pilot.
Park users can take a survey during the pilot program period to let us know how this program affects you and your enjoyment of these spaces.
Learn more and take the survey on the Alcohol in Parks Pilot page on Shape Your City.
Sustaining Capital vs. Strategic Capital
Last week, we touched on the difference between the City’s Operating Budget and the Capital Budget. Today, we dice the Capital Budget in two.
Sustaining Capital maintains, upgrades or replaces what we already have. It can mean replacing the roof on a City facility, repaving an existing road, or replacing an obsolete fire engine.
Strategic Capital, on the other hand, invests in expanding services, capacity, or revenue potential. This could mean building a new park, expanding a rec centre, or building roads for a new neighbourhood.
In last week’s example where the Capital Budget pays to buy/build lights and the Operating Budget keeps the lights on, we can further apply the two types of capital as follows:
- Sustaining Capital = replacing old lights when they wear out
- Strategic Capital = adding lights to a new area
As part of the budget process, departments list their sustaining capital needs and the areas they’d like to invest in new capital. These requests are then ranked and prioritized, then either included in or cut from the budget that is presented to Council for consideration later this fall.
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