The Mustard Seed's site on Allowance Avenue Southeast in Medicine Hat's North Flats neighbourhood on Feb. 6, 2025. Eli J. Ridder/CHAT News

By Eli J. Ridder

IN THE COMMUNITY

Mustard Seed to permanently close North Flats site at month’s end

Feb 12, 2025 | 8:45 PM

The Mustard Seed revealed Wednesday that it will permanently close its North Flats location at the end of February ahead of a City of Medicine Hat-mandated stop work order.

The closure satisfies resident complaints over the behaviour of those who used the site but at the same time leaves those same vulnerable people without critical services indefinitely.

The Medicine Hat Community Housing Society and the Alberta government has been searching for a new, unified location for The Mustard Seed’s services since last year.

After the city’s planning authority in January struck down a development permit, The Mustard Seed was asked to cease operations at 503A Allowance Avenue Southeast.

Its last day of operation at the location will be on Feb. 28, the Friday before a March 3 deadline to stop work at the site, the non-profit announced on social media.

CITY HALL

Five applicants awarded sea cans, City of Medicine Hat says

2h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Tours to start for potential new Mustard Seed sites, Medicine Hat official says

23h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat College students place second in Alberta business competition

Mar 25, 2025

There will be a significant immediate impact to Medicine Hat’s most vulnerable people, according to The Mustard Seed.

Over 100 daily meals normally served at Allowance Avenue will no longer be available after it closes.

There are also 275 individuals who rely on the site’s mailboxes for vital documents and over 100 who use the address for government-issued identification.

The Seed said that 150 individuals rely on the Community Impact Centre for health wellness needs.

Allowance Avenue was also a hub for donations. The Seed said 350 essential items are distributed to 90 individuals monthly, it added in the post.

The Mustard Seed said in a post it is still dedicated to providing essential services in Medicine Hat.

“Our priority remains compassionate support for vulnerable citizens,” it said in a statement.

“We understand the community’s concerns and are committed to continuing vital services.”

The emergency shelter on Eighth Street in the South Flats neighbourhood remains unaffected.

Coun. Shila Sharps says the permanent closure was “unfortunate” but that she respects the organization’s choice.

“We still have a vulnerable population that requires our attention, and I look forward to ongoing discussions with the province on how best to support them,” she told CHAT News in a statement.