Neat to Know: June 11, 2024
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Please enjoy this week's edition of Neat to Know, 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.
Beware of scams
A local business owner recently reported to the Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) that they had received a call from an unknown person claiming to be an employee of the City of Medicine Hat. The caller advised the business owner that the utilities were going to be disconnected due to lack of payment and directed that payment for the “overdue” amount was required via Bitcoin. The victim was also provided a 1-800 number to call which was directed to a false City of Medicine Hat voicemail system with several prompts for various City departments.
Anyone who has fallen victim to this scam, and has not already reported it to police, is asked to contact the MHPS at 403-529-8481.
Special Transit needs your input
We are seeking community input for the upcoming review of our Special Transit services! You may give your feedback through an Online Community Survey before June 30, 2024, or attend an in-person public engagement session Wednesday, June 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Craft Room of the Unison at Veiner Centre.
Exciting opportunity for cleantech innovators
The Energy Innovation Challenge (EIC) is open for applications! This initiative, organized by Decentralised Energy Canada (DEC) in partnership with the City of Medicine Hat, aims to advance decentralised energy solutions in Canada. We are seeking innovative technologies that can improve grid reliability, resiliency, energy affordability, and sustainability.
Key highlights:
- Up to $1 million in total funding available for up to 6 projects
- Projects can be awarded up to a maximum of $250,000
- Applications are due by June 21, 2024, at 8pm MDT
Don't miss this chance to bring your innovative solutions to market and make a real impact on Canada's energy landscape. Check out the challenge’s website to consult the application guide.
Environmental Framework
On June 3, 2024, City Council adopted the Environmental Framework which serves as the primary document to guide environmental policy direction and clearly articulates our commitments to support a sustainable future.
Read the framework on our Sustainable Action webpage
We're refreshing the Land Use Bylaw
The City of Medicine Hat is in the process of refreshing its Land Use Bylaw (LUB), and we'd like you to submit feedback through a community survey.
A Land Use Bylaw helps to ensure ongoing development aligns with the City’s overall vision. The bylaw controls development by categorizing all properties in a city into various land use districts. It governs what land use may occur on every piece of property and establishes a system for issuing development permits.
The current Land Use Bylaw was drafted in 2013 and this refresh is intended to better serve the current and future needs of Medicine Hat. Please complete the survey by July 31.
Take the survey Learn more about the LUB refresh project
Water Bottle Fill Stations are back in service
With the weather heating up, take advantage of a great way to cool down and stay hydrated by using one of our eight fill stations around the city:
- McCutcheon Natural Area Trail across from 727 McCutcheon Drive NW
- Jeffries Trail near 602 4 Avenue NE
- East edge of Parkview Close NE
- Towne Square at 603 First Street SE
- Across from The Mustard Seed near 530 Allowance Avenue SE
- Strathcona Island Park near the Heritage Pavilion
- South Ridge Trail near 4803 Southlands Drive SE (by Masterpiece Southland Meadows)
- Southlands Boulevard SE near the cricket pitch
You can find these locations on the City’s iMap page! Look for the water bottle icon: www.medicinehat.ca/imap
On June 3, 2024, City Council approved a motion from Councillor VanDyke to nominate Councillor Robert Dumanowski for the Alberta Municipalities Distinguished Service Award.
Councillor Dumanowski has served on the Medicine Hat City Council since 2001, proving his unwavering dedication to municipal government and our community. His contributions have played a crucial role in the well-being and growth of the community and his extensive experience and commitment makes him a deserving candidate for recognition.\
Thank you for your dedication, Councillor Dumanowski. Congratulations and good luck!
Learn more about the Distinguished Service Award
Just announced: fall season of shows at the Esplanade
Member pre-sale is on now! Tickets go on sale Friday, June 14
We've recently announced the six-show On-Stage Series bundle, plus Aparna Nancherla, Morgan Klaiber, The Paperboys, Dufflebag Theatre's Robin Hood, Barka by Girovago, The Hello Darlins, James Keelaghan, and more!
Learn about Early Bird Pricing
Towne Square Block Parties
Saturday, June 15 from Noon to 4 p.m. (and EVERY Saturday!) at Towne Square 603 First Street SE
This summer, discover the heart of our community at Towne Square's Block Party - Saturdays from noon to 4 p.m.
It's where neighbours become friends, and the community comes alive. This is your Towne Square, join us to celebrate the unique energy of our town.
Guests can expect a changing lineup of free activities and games for all ages, loosely centered around a new theme each week. This Saturday, we're celebrating nature.
Municipal Matters
Last Thursday, the Medicine Hat News published our first edition of Municipal Matters. City Manager Ann Mitchell wrote "Local Government Primer" that sets the stage for how municipal governments are structured in Alberta.
Watch for other municipal 'matters' in future editions, including some fun historical facts about how your City is run.
And the winner is...
Last Wednesday, June 5 we drew the winner of our Different Kind of Energy story submission contest in a live video on Facebook and Instagram! The lucky winner of the $1,500 Experience the Energy prize pack and the hot air balloon ride for two, submitted their story through our Shape Your City portal using the screen name 'KatinHat.' The submission, titled 'Home Sweet Home' can be read here.
'KatinHat,' if you're reading this, please check your email for details of how you can claim your prize! Congratulations!
Division Avenue South Rehabilitation
The City of Medicine Hat is rebuilding Division Avenue South to address degrading subsurface condition. The road is currently closed between 3 Street SE and 6 Street SE with detours in place.
We want to remind all residents that the businesses in and around the construction zone remain open and accessible from the detoured routes. Please continue to support these businesses, (maybe even go out of your way to do so!) so that we can all enjoy a successful construction season.
Did you know the City has a greenhouse?
That's right! Each November, staff order all the seeds and "plugs" (teeny tiny plants) needed the following spring and lovingly care for them over winter in our very own greenhouse at the bottom of Old Cemetery Hill, on the site of the Parks and Recreation administration building.
A team of four individuals plant 30,000 flowers each year in 34 locations, each meticulously designed by our horticulturist. One of the biggest challenges in planning flower beds is finding plants the deer won't eat since their taste can change over time and they start to eat plants they used to leave alone.
So, the next time you're walking by your favourite public flower bed (one of our favourites is in front of the library!), we hope you think of our little greenhouse and all the flowers it takes to make our community bloom.
Budget commitment #5
Five commitments underpin the 2025-2026 budget planning process. Here is commitment #5:
Alignment with Council Strategic Priorities: We need to ensure that every dollar we spend aligns with Council's strategic priorities of Innovation, Economic Evolution, Service Orientation, Partnerships and Governance, Community Wellness, and Resilience and Sustainability, as well as our corporate strategic objectives.
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