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CITY HALL

Public hearings, urban hens, whistleblower policy on Monday’s Medicine Hat city council agenda

Mar 14, 2026 | 8:01 AM

Medicine Hat city council will tackle a full agenda at its meeting on Monday, including two public hearings, a proposed whistleblower policy and discussion around allowing urban hens in the city.

Council will hold public hearings for two proposed land-use bylaws, as one would rezone the property at 1850 South Boundary Rd. S.W. from Future Urban Development to a Direct Control district.

If approved, the council could give second and third readings following the hearing.

A second hearing will focus on a bylaw that would adjust the boundaries of city-owned municipal reserve and environmental reserve parcels to create public utility lots supporting flood mitigation berm infrastructure and ongoing maintenance.

The council will also consider a new whistleblower policy aimed at providing a formal process for reporting concerns within the organization.

The proposal includes a $100,000 budget amendment funded from the operating reserve and would replace existing fraud and whistleblower policies if approved.

Another item on the agenda would direct administration to prepare a comprehensive bylaw regulating urban hens in Medicine Hat.

Council is being asked to have administration draft the bylaw based on best practices and community feedback, along with a report outlining anticipated costs and staff resources needed for implementation.

The proposed bylaw and report are expected to return to council for consideration in the second quarter of 2026.

Councillors will make a decision on whether to rescind a previous motion to establish a rate review committee.

The council will consider a recommendation to reaffirm its authority to set and regulate electric and gas utility rates through public hearings and existing bylaws.

The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. on Monday at City Hall.

Medicine Hat City Council Meeting YouTube – March 16, 2026