Submitted Photo

By Jett Schwaier

ELXN25

Medicine Hat councillor candidate Hitchen prioritizes growth in the election

Sep 27, 2025 | 8:00 AM

Councillor candidate Jay Hitchen is focused on Medicine Hat’s growth and many other priorities if elected to council.

Hitchen said the city has been stagnant and the growth has been less than the provincial norm for years.

“I would sure like to change that. And I think part of that truly is about telling everyone what a special little jewel we have here and being welcoming [with] new people coming to town,” Hitchen said.

“We look at our neighbors like Lethbridge. They’ve got more opportunities seemingly for growth than we do.”

Renewable resources is another topic Hitchen is focusing on.

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

“We have dwindling oil and gas reserves. All of this is called non-renewable resources for a reason. So we do have to have an open mind as far as renewable resources,” Hitchen said.

Hitchen said dealing with homelessness is a key priority for him.

“I firmly believe, it’s part of the ever-increasing burden of individuals living today,” Hitchen said.

“And the homeless feel it just the same. And we’ve got a real problem, mental health, addiction. Those things have to be dealt with compassion.”

Crime in Medicine Hat is something he said needs to be dealt with appropriately.

“Are we properly staffed in all areas to deal with the solutions [to crimes] properly,” Hitchen questioned.

“We’ve got terrific staff at the city that have been working tirelessly for a long time. But as the problem escalates, do they have all the tools to do the job properly?”

Civic duty and responsiblity are a process Hitchen wants to be a part of. He said if you want to have an opinion about something, you should be part of the process.

Hitchen does not have experience running for council but has worked in the broadcasting industry where he said he learned skills that translate to council.

“We learned how to listen to the public and respond to them. That was the only way to be successful in broadcasting. So I believe that same thing is true for city council,” Hitchen said.

Hitchen moved to Medicine Hat in 1990 from Saskatchewan with his wife and two kids, a city he said is the kind of place he could raise a family.

Involved in biking, Hitchen also spoke highly of the trail system in the city.

Visit our dedicated municipal election page for more information on the 2025 municipal election and other local candidate profiles published to date.