Tax bylaws, Urban hens and $65K in grants discussed in Medicine Hat city council’s Tuesday meeting

The grants are aimed at supporting local initiatives that enhance community engagement and quality of life across the city.

Work is moving ahead on a potential urban hens bylaw, with council directing administration to prepare draft regulations and a report outlining anticipated costs and staffing requirements, both expected to return for consideration in the third quarter of 2026.

Council also gave first reading to several tax bylaws, including the 2026 property tax rate bylaw, while also directing administration to limit next year’s increase to 4.9 percent.

Any resulting shortfall is to be covered through cost savings and reserves, with a further debate scheduled for April 20.

Changes to the city’s electric utility rate structure were also endorsed, with the council approving a model that maintains the current design while adding enhancements aimed at improving customer understanding.

The updates include clearer usage information for businesses and a formal grace period to help avoid unexpected charges.

Council also approved a new public participation policy and received a progress report on engagement efforts, with the updated framework intended to strengthen how residents provide input on municipal decisions and replace the city’s previous policy.

In other business, the council voted to continue preliminary design work on the Desert Blume and Heron Crossing multi-use trail, approving a $14,000 budget increase funded from reserves, with a decision on whether to proceed with construction expected later this year.

Highlights of the meeting can be viewed on the City of Medicine Hat website.

by Jett Schwaier

Tax bylaws, Urban hens and $65K in grants discussed in Medicine Hat city council’s Tuesday meeting

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