Cutting the tape for Kickstands grand opening. Jett Schwaier

By Jett Schwaier

IN THE COMMUNITY

Video: Kickstand in Medicine Hat has officially opened it’s doors

Sep 11, 2025 | 2:17 PM

The grand opening for Kickstand in Medicine Hat marks the sixth Kickstand hub in Alberta.

Kickstand is a new youth hub providing free, inclusive and judgement-free health and wellness services for young people ages 11 to 25.

The hub brings together mental health, substance use, primary care, peer support, Indigenous wellness and social services all under one roof.

Kickstand is in partnership with Mental Health Foundation, Government of Alberta, Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, Medicine Hat Health Foundation and McMan South.

—

WHAT'S ON

Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in December

Nov 30, 2025

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: November 28-30

Nov 28, 2025

IN THE COMMUNITY

Organizations in Medicine Hat and area receive donation from energy company

Nov 25, 2025

The goal for Kickstand is to help youth, experience more good days and build a healthier future.

Kathrine Hay, the executive director of Kickstand said she is very proud of the community to come together to create a special space.

“The leadership from the McMan team has been remarkable, and the involvement of the young people in this community has really been notable, so we’re very, very excited and proud today,” said Hay.

“It takes everybody pitching in to really help a community come together and be as successful as it can be, so I think it’s really, really a testament to Medicine Hat.”

Charlie Fox, an elder for the Sacred Horn Society of the Kainai Nation said it is gratifying to accomplish something like this.

“It shows the efforts of a lot of people, to come together and to be able to see something like this become a reality,” said Fox.

Fox said the sacrifices and efforts made can now be celebrated with this accomplishment.

“We need to give our young people all the opportunities in life to create a good quality life for themselves, right from the time they come into the world, and even as adults, where they come to us as elders, to seek help in any way. So, today [the grand opening] is a beautiful day to celebrate that,” said Fox.

Tracie Mutschler, the executive director of McMan South said it has been a labor of love to be able to help with the grand opening of Kickstand.

“[Kickstand and McMan have been] community partners, since 2018. So to see it come together today is really exciting,” said Mutschler.

Kickstand throughout Alberta is part of a larger youth system network across the country, with each province having it’s own integrated network.

Following the grand opening, there were activities including outdoor games, crafts, a photo booth and a BBQ provided by Mike’s Meats and Southcountry Co-op, who sponsor the Co-op Coffee Corner inside the centre.