Medicine Hat City Council expected to set 2026 property tax rate on Monday

The $32.5 million education tax is set to increase property taxes by about $82 per year for a single-family residence with a median value of $359,500.

The Cypress View Foundation Levy to be collected by the City is just under $1.27 million. This money funds accommodations and operations for seniors at the Cypress View Foundation.

Annual contributions to the foundation also come from the Town of Redcliff and Cypress County.

Bylaw 4878-2026 – The 2026 Property Tax & Supplementary Property Tax Rate

Council gave first reading to several tax bylaws on April 7, including the 2026 property tax rate bylaw. At the time, they directed the administration to limit the municipal tax increase to 4.9 per cent.

City administration is recommending municipal cost savings of $1.1 million through a budget amendment, with any shortfall covered by operating reserves.

There are eight tax rate scenarios listed in the agenda packet, with scenario eight being recommended with the 4.9 per cent municipal tax increase.

The education tax and Cypress View Foundation Levy will increase the overall percentage to 6.1 per cent.

An increase of $198 per year for a single-family residence with a median value of $359,500.

Multi-family residences would see an annual increase of $571 for a building assessed at a $1.052 million value, an overall increase of 5.4 per cent.

Non-Residential rates would increase annually by $538 for a business with a median assessment of $515,000, a 5.3 per cent overall increase.

Bylaw 4879-2026 – Tax Penalties Bylaw

Increasing the penalty for unpaid property taxes will also be up for discussion. Administration recommends the 2026 penalty of 15 per cent increase to 15.5 per cent in 2027 and 16 per cent in 2028.

Bylaw 4880-2026 – Tax Certificate and Information Fees Bylaw

Small annual fee increases are also being recommended for an e-service tax certificate, written assessment information relating to property assessments, and the mortgage administration fee per tax account.

Bylaw 4881-2026 – Unpaid General Accounts Bylaw

An amendment to the Unpaid General Accounts Bylaw 1981, which would impose penalties if invoices remain unpaid after the due date shown on the invoice, instead of thirty days from the date of the mailing of the invoice.

Community Survey Report 2026

The 2026 Community Survey Report, prepared by Ipsos, will be presented for information.

The survey has been conducted every two years since 2022 to support informed strategic planning and decision-making by surveying community residents aged 18 and older. It was conducted from February 2-16, 2026.

A randomized telephone survey included 95 per cent cellphones and 5 per cent landlines with an overall sample size of 400.

Administration will adjust the timing of the two-year survey cycle. The next survey will occur in 2027, then repeat in 2029.

This is stated by the administration to better support the council in strategic planning and budgeting decisions, with the report results available in advance of each budget planning year.

The results of the 2026 report showed a 90 per cent total satisfaction with City services, which is on par with the 2024 numbers.

Services receiving the overall highest satisfaction ratings are garbage and recycling services at 98 per cent, followed by parks, trails, and other green spaces at 94 per cent.

The lowest scoring service is traffic management and improving the flow of traffic at 67 per cent, a seven per cent decrease from 2024.

Satisfaction with most services is statistically similar to past surveys.

A notable increase was reported in the satisfaction with communication with residents at 76 per cent, up 12 percentage points.

2025 City of Medicine Hat Financial Statements

The City of Medicine Hat 2025 Financial Report will be presented during the meeting. A 74-page document that breaks down the city’s revenue and expenditures. A 27-page Chief Financial Officer report is also included.

Bylaw 4883-2026 – Rezoning 21 Ranchlands Boulevard NE

Rezoning of a property in the city’s northeast will be considered for a first reading. It is being recommended to rezone 21 Ranchlands Boulevard NE from a Neighbourhood Commercial District to a Medium Density Residential District.

Reappointment of MNP as External Auditors

Council is expected to approve the reappointment of MNP LLP for the City’s annual audit engagement for the 2026 financial statements.

Alcohol in Public City Parks Pilot Project

A notice of motion sponsored by Coun. Cheryl Phaff is the final agenda item.

It is looking to develop and implement a pilot program to permit alcohol consumption in designated City park areas from July 1, 2026, to Sept. 30, 2026.

The project would need to be in accordance with applicable legislation, City bylaws and policies with clear rules and limitations.

Public communication and signage would outline permitted use and expectations for responsible behaviour.

Engagement with the community before, during and after the pilot project will gauge impact and public opinion.

At the conclusion of the pilot, the findings would be reported back to the council.

These would include data on enforcement issues, safety impacts and community feedback, as well as recommendations on whether to expand, modify, or discontinue the program.

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Medicine Hat City Council YouTube Stream – April 20, 2026

by Jesse Gill

Medicine Hat City Council expected to set 2026 property tax rate on Monday

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