Neat to Know: September 24, 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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September 21, 2026 City Council Meeting
At its September 21 meeting, City Council directed Administration to proceed with Option 1 for the Riverside Corridor Enhancement Project on 3 Street North, maintaining the existing road width while adding curb extensions at seven key pedestrian locations.
Council received a presentation on the proposed 2027-2028 Budget including budget assumptions, property tax projections, operating pressures, and capital investments
Council also approved updates to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board (SDAB) Bylaw and the Public Member Appointments Policy to improve clarity around member attendance expectations.
National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada is next week on Wednesday, Sept. 30.
This day honours the children who never returned home and Survivors of residential schools, as well as their families and communities. This federal statutory holiday was established by Parliament in 2021 in recognition that publicly commemorating the tragic and painful history of residential schools, and its ongoing impacts across generations, is a vital component of the reconciliation process.
In recognition of this important day:
- All City offices will be closed Wednesday, Sept. 30, reopening Thursday, Oct. 1
- Flags at all City facilities will be lowered to half-mast from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1
- The Saamis Tepee will be lit orange on Sept. 30
We encourage all community members to take time to reflect and acknowledge this day in a way that is meaningful to you.
Please note that the observance of this statutory holiday will also include several effects to hours and services at various City of Medicine Hat facilities:
- Transit service – The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is the final day of our statutory holiday transit service pilot project. Service will run from 8:15 a.m. to 7:15 p.m.
- Hours and service effects – Visit our holiday hours page to view what to expect for City facilities and Waste Collection.
Provincial referendum signage regulations
The City of Medicine Hat has received a number of inquiries related to provincial referendum signage. As a municipal government, we have a limited role in the regulation of any type of provincial election signage.
Read our public advisory to learn more about the provincial and municipal governments’ legislated roles for signage regulation ahead of the referendum on October 19, 2026.
Fire Prevention week
Fire Prevention Week runs from October 4-10. Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services is sharing some helpful tips and information for residents over the next few weeks.
Cheap chargers start fires
That extra charger in your junk drawer might fit your device but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe to use.
Always use the cord and charger that came with your device or a replacement approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire. Cheap or off-brand chargers may also lack important safety features or fail to meet recognized safety standards.
When replacing a charger, make sure it is compatible with your device and purchase it from the manufacturer or an approved source.
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.
Prescribed burn at CFB Suffield next week
Speaking of fire - our neighbours at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Suffield let us know that they will conduct another round of prescribed burns in their National Wildlife Area from September 29 to October 3.
During this time, residents may notice smoke visible from a distance and increased emergency vehicle activity near the base. These burns are carefully planned and closely monitored environmental management activities that help maintain healthy prairie ecosystems and support species at risk. Fire suppression resources will be on site throughout the operation, and prescribed fires will only proceed when weather conditions are appropriate. There is no anticipated impact to daily activities outside the base perimeter, and no danger to surrounding communities.
Residents with questions or concerns can contact CFB Suffield Range Control at 403-544-4310.
Water bottle fill stations
We're into the final days of the season for our water bottle fill stations.
Crews will begin removing them starting Monday, Sept. 28, with overnight temperatures getting cooler.
Our ten fill station locations have been busy this year with all this amazing weather to get outdoors and explore our beautiful community. And we'll be sharing the usage stats from the 2026 season once staff can crunch the numbers. Stay tuned!
Learn more about this service on our website.
Electric infrastructure work in Tower Estates early this October
Electric crews will be replacing transformers in the Tower Estates neighbourhood the week of October 5-9 (weather permitting). While this work is pretty ordinary for us, the electric equipment in Tower Estates is a bit more challenging to reach and requires a crane to lift the transformers in and out of the area. There may be short traffic disruptions while we move equipment around.
We’re communicating directly with the customers who will experience planned power outages, but residences can expect intermittent outages ranging from 1-5 hours during this time frame. Please be patient with the crews during this time as these asset replacements are integral to the longevity of our electrical system.
Kinsmen Aquatic Park at Big Marble Go Centre re-opens this Friday
Annual maintenance of the Kinsmen Aquatic Park is finished ahead of schedule, and the pools are set to re-open this Friday, Sept. 25 at Big Marble Go Centre.
With the main aquatics facility back open, Hill Pool officially closes for the season at the end of today, Thursday, Sept. 24.
Experience Cassie and Maggie like never before
Thursday, Oct. 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre
Kick off the Esplanade's 2026/27 On-Stage Series with JUNO-nominated Celtic powerhouse duo Cassie and Maggie.
This unique concert experience puts you right on stage with the artists. Walk through backstage spaces, grab a drink, and settle into an intimate club-style setting for a unique concert experience.
With over 17 combined Canadian Folk Music, East Coast Music, and Music Nova Scotia awards and nominations, Cassie and Maggie blend deep Celtic roots with a fresh, modern energy that's captivated audiences around the world.
Claim your On-Stage seat here.
Pickleball Mini League
9 – weekday sessions| Oct 2-30 | 11:45 – 1:45 p.m. | Big Marble Go Centre
Take your pickleball game to the next level by joining our Pickleball Mini-League! This registered program is perfect for players looking to enjoy some friendly competition while building their skills. Open to all recreational skill levels, the league offers a fun and structured environment where you can play matches, improve your game, and meet new people.
Games are scheduled up to 3 times per week, and paddles and balls are available if needed. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the sport, this league is a great way to stay active, challenge yourself, and enjoy the game. Pre-registration is required to secure your spot, so sign up and get ready to be in the kitchen!
Last chance to explore downtown on our Historic Walking Tour
Sept. 26 | 10 a.m.| Meet at Towne Square 603 1 St SE
Don’t miss the final Historic Downtown Walking Tour of the season. Discover the stories, architecture, and hidden details that shaped Medicine Hat, from ghost signs and historic facades to the people who helped build the community we know today.
The tour wraps up at Hometown Culinary, where you can enjoy an iced coffee for the original 1947 price of just 25 cents and take in a piece of local history before the season comes to a close.
Book your spot on the tour here.
Jimmy Carr at Co-op Place this Saturday!
Sept. 26 | 8 p.m.| Co-op Place
One of the world's most successful comedians is making his Medicine Hat debut this Saturday. Known for his lightning-fast wit, dark one-liners, and unmistakable laugh, Jimmy Carr brings his latest tour, Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny, to Co-op Place as part of his biggest Canadian tour to date.
Limited tickets are available at tixx.ca.
Want to see more upcoming events, programming and activities? View all options at City of Medicine Hat facilities:
Alcohol in Parks - Last chance to take Survey #2
The Alcohol in Parks pilot program concludes on 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.
Municipal Matters:
Municipal budgeting in Medicine Hat about balancing growth, infrastructure and affordability
Municipal budgeting is one of the most important responsibilities of local government, affecting everything from road maintenance and public safety, to parks, recreation facilities and utility services. Developing a balanced budget requires careful planning and responsible financial management to ensure the city’s long-term sustainability.
In this week’s Municipal Matters, the City’s Manager of Municipal Services Business Support breaks down key considerations and assumptions when developing the municipal budget and how Council chooses priorities to support the long-term wellbeing of the community.
To view all our career opportunities at the City of Medicine Hat, visit our Careers webpage and sign up for job alerts.
Access and Privacy Coordinator
Permanent | Full-time | On Site
Help strengthen public trust through responsible information access and privacy practices. As our Access and Privacy Coordinator, you will lead and support key elements of the City's access to information and privacy program, helping ensure legislative compliance, sound information practices, and responsive service to employees, applicants, and the community.
Digital Marketing Specialist
Temporary (up to 17 months) | Full-time | On site
We’re looking for a Digital Marketing Specialist to help bring community programs, events, and experiences to life through engaging digital campaigns that reach thousands of residents and visitors. If you're passionate about digital advertising, campaign optimization, audience targeting, and using data-driven insights to improve performance, we'd love to hear from you.
Guest Services Attendant
Temporary | Part Time | On Site
Help create memorable experiences at some of Medicine Hat's most exciting events.
As a Guest Services Attendant, you'll often be one of the first points of contact for visitors, providing a warm welcome, answering questions and offering helpful support throughout their visit.
Medicine Hat FireFit team brings home national medals
Medicine Hat firefighters Josh Fauth, Jason Labash and Steve Seymour recently competed at the FireFit Championships, taking on some of the best firefighters from across Canada.
Competing as Medicine Hat FireFit Team Iron Horse, the trio participated in FireFit independently, dedicating their own time to training and competing in the demanding firefighter fitness competition.
The team had an impressive showing at this year’s championships. Seymour earned bronze in the Men’s Over 45 Individual event, while Labash finished in fourth place. Fauth and Labash recorded the fastest time in the Over 40 Tech2 event, bringing home the championship trophy. Team Iron Horse has now earned the Tech2 trophy more times than any other team, continuing a decade of success in the category.
The team also brought home a silver medal in the Men’s Over 40 Team Relay. Congratulations to Josh, Jason and Steve on an outstanding competition and an incredible display of dedication, hard work and athleticism!
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