MEDICINE HAT, AB – The City of Medicine Hat is examining the future of its electric generation assets and that could mean selling them off or partnering with the private sector.
The city made that announcement in a news release two weeks ago.
Now, former city commissioner and MLA Bob Wanner wants city council to hit the pause button on the possible sale of the electrical generation system.
In an open letter to council, Wanner urges them to use the time between now and the October civic election to conduct a detailed public process.
And not to make a decision until after an informed public elects a new city council this fall.
“I think that this is an issue so important that this council not make the final decision on this. This is something that’s going to have an impact on our community for generations and I believe that needs to be decided by a new council, not by this council.”
In the letter, Wanner says selling the electric distribution system would destroy the Medicine Hat advantage.
“Look at all the options for the long term,” Wanner added. These are not decisions that ought to be made based upon the quarterly statement released last month, it’s a long term matter, and deciding it quickly is simply wrong.”
He’s calling on council to undertake public consultation when dealing with the potential sale between now and the civic election.
“We’re shareholders, we own the company. Decisions like this should never be taken, even in the private sector, these kinds of decisions are so significant that shareholders get a chance to decide upon. So that’s one part I believe is clearly at risk,” Wanner added.
According to a statement from the city on Thursday, “There is no specific timeline in place for a conclusion to the strategic discussion pertaining to our generation assets. There is no imminent announcement or conclusion to this process. If there are material developments of interest to the community from this process, we will make those available as soon as possible.”
“We recently posted additional information regarding this process on our City website where there is also an opportunity to ask a question and/or express opinions. We are trying to answer as many of these as we can within our resource limits, so the public’s patience is appreciated,” the city added.
