Neat to Know: September 17, 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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Fire Prevention Week: Safe charging is a superpower
Fire Prevention Week is coming up October 4 to 10, and this year’s theme is “Safe charging is a superpower.”
The message is particularly important in Medicine Hat. This summer alone, Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services responded to six battery and charging-related incidents, including incidents involving devices being charged with the wrong charging cord. To put that number in perspective, Toronto, with a population of more than three million people, has reported 97 lithium-ion battery fires this year. Based on population, Medicine Hat’s six incidents represent a rate approximately 2.7 times higher per capita. At the same rate, a city the size of Toronto would experience approximately 264 incidents.
Lithium-ion batteries power many of the devices we use every day, including phones, tablets, laptops, power tools, e-bikes and toys. While generally safe when used properly, improper charging or damaged batteries can increase the risk of fire.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be sharing simple ways you can charge safely and help prevent battery-related fires.
And remember batteries never belong in the garbage. Recycle used batteries at an approved drop-off location. Visit recycleyourbatteries.ca to find a location near you.
Residential recycling material list expanding
Don't forget, a more convenient and enhanced residential recycling system is coming to Medicine Hat next month!
Our recycling program has been managed by Circular Materials since April 2025, as part of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program in Alberta.
After a successful first phase of the program, Circular Materials has announced they’re expanding the list of recyclable materials in Phase 2, which comes into effect Thursday, October 1.
Statutory holiday transit service
The third-and-final day of our statutory holiday transit service pilot project is coming up!
The last day of the pilot is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Wednesday, Sept. 30. Service will run from 8:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
The first two days of the pilot were Family Day and Canada Day. Overall, the pilot has provided valuable information on community demand for transit service on statutory holidays.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation hours
There will be other effects to hours and services at various City of Medicine Hat facilities on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Visit our holiday hours page to view what to expect for City facilities and Waste Collection.
Art in Motion: Thank you, Medicine Hat!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended Art in Motion this past weekend. From painting and creating to dancing, exploring, and connecting, your enthusiasm and creativity helped make this year's event truly special.
We are grateful to the artists, performers, vendors, volunteers, partners, and members of our community who came together to celebrate arts and culture on First Street. Thank you for making Art in Motion such a vibrant and memorable day. We can't wait to do it all again next year!
And, come join us for another exciting celebration of southern Alberta art next week at the Esplanade! Check out more details in the Upcoming Events section below.
Complimentary compost consumption is climbing
Our SureGrow compost giveaway days have sure grown!
This past Saturday, we hosted the last of three free compost giveaway and battery recycling in 2026, concluding the popular program for the year.
The numbers are in, and the year-over-year growth is incredible! We gave away a total of 45,545 kilograms of our high-quality SureGrow compost over the three events in 2026 – an average of about 15,182 kg per event. The average is 25% higher than 2025 (12,138 kg) and over 51% more than 2024 (10,000 kg)!
We were also pleased to add another element to our events this year, providing an opportunity for residents to safely recycle used household batteries. Residents recycled 220 kilograms of household batteries. This helps reduce the chance of fires in our collection trucks and at the landfill, so we appreciate residents taking advantage of the opportunity.
If you missed this year's events, you can still enjoy the benefits of our SureGrow compost and battery recycling:
- Bulk SureGrow compost is available for sale at the Waste Management Facility year-round for just $30/Tonne.
- To recycle household batteries, visit RecycleYourBatteries.ca to find a recycling location near you.
We’re looking forward to continuing these events in 2027, so stay tuned for those dates.
Saamis Tepee Grand Opening and Demonstration Pow Wow
Saturday, Sept. 19 | 1 p.m. | Saamis Tepee
Join us this 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.
Public reception: Mostly Harmless
Friday, Sept. 25 | 7 p.m. | Esplanade
The Esplanade presents Mostly Harmless, a 3000-square-foot immersive installation by internationally exhibiting artist Robyn Moody. It comprises handmade machines working in tandem with instruments to generate expressions of sound and light.
Join us for the public reception to celebrate this exciting solo exhibition. Opening remarks will begin at approximately 7:30 p.m.
Want to see more upcoming events, programming and activities? View all options at City of Medicine Hat facilities:
Recruiting now: apply for a City board, commission or working group position
There’s no better way to engage than by having a seat at the table – and we just happen to have some empty chairs available!
The City of Medicine Hat is currently recruiting residents to serve on a variety of city agencies. Whether your interests lie in community development, planning, heritage, accessibility, public safety, libraries, or other civic matters, there's an opportunity to contribute your voice and expertise.
Current openings include:
- 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
Applications are accepted until October 30, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact? Apply online at medicinehat.ca/cityagencies
How money flows
The Distributable Funds/Dividend Policy #0169 establishes the relationship between the City and its for-profit business units.
Our earning areas - utilities, land, and energy - generate funds that flow into reserves, which sit at the center of the City’s financial model. Free cash flow is the name we use for the funds flowing into the reserve from business units.
Business units >>> Reserves >>> Municipal Budget
Without the dividend from the City’s business units, the municipal budget would require more tax revenue to maintain the same level of service. Herein lies the crux of the Medicine Hat advantage.
To view all our career opportunities at the City of Medicine Hat, visit our Careers webpage and sign up for job alerts.
Environmental Specialist
Permanent | Full‑time | On-site
We’re looking for an Environmental Specialist who will provide trusted guidance across City departments, supporting regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and public safety.
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