Medicine Hat council adopts airport strategy and hears Special Olympics update at its meeting Monday

Officials stated that more than 700 survey responses were collected during the public engagement, with 84 per cent of respondents identifying scheduled air service as a key measure of success for the airport.

Councillor Yusuf Mohammed acknowledged concerns about the loss of WestJet service but stated that efforts to attract a replacement carrier are ongoing.

“I know we’ve been, the administration has contacted airlines, about 20 airlines, and just trying to see if we can sustain that air service,” Mohammed said.

Mohammed said the city has also been working with other levels of government.

“We’ve been meeting with different levels of government as well, and right now there’s a strong interest by the provincial government to make sure that we sustain that air service,” Mohammed said.

Mohammed said the province recognizes the importance of maintaining air service to support economic development in southeastern Alberta.

The strategic plan will guide the remaining phases of the airport master plan project, including an infrastructure assessment and the development of future growth and service scenarios.

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READ: WestJet to cancel flight service with Calgary for Medicine Hat and Lethbridge (Feb 24, 2026)

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Earlier in the meeting, organizers of the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games provided council with an update on preparations for the national event, which will bring approximately 1,700 athletes and support staff to Medicine Hat in August.

Games chair Natalie Sauer and games manager Kara Brake told the council the event is expected to attract more than 5,000 visitors, including family members and supporters, and generate an estimated $12 million in economic activity throughout the region.

Athletes from 10 provinces and two territories will compete in 10 sports across multiple venues throughout the city, including the Big Marble Go Centre, Medicine Hat College, Medicine Hat High School, Medicine Hat Golf and County Club, Panorama Lanes and Rotary Track and Field.

Organizers said all athlete accommodations have been secured through local hotels and Medicine Hat College residences, while more than 37,000 meals are expected to be served during the week-long event.

The games are operating with a budget of about $3.8 million, up from an initial estimate of $2.5 million because of inflation and logistical costs.

Organizers said they still require hundreds of volunteers before the games begin and encouraged residents to register through the Special Olympics website.

Council also approved a one-time operating budget amendment of $25,000 to support a premium-level sponsorship package for the Grand Slam of Curling Masters, which will be held at Co-op Place from Nov. 3 to 8.

The city will contribute a total of $50,000 toward the sponsorship, with the remaining $25,000 coming from existing operating budgets.

Administration said the sponsorship will provide national exposure through Sportsnet broadcasts and other promotional opportunities intended to support economic development and tourism efforts.

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READ: Grand Slam of Curling coming to Medicine Hat’s Co-op Place in November (March 10, 2026)

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A budget amendment of $245,000 was also approved for the city’s Water Management and Adaptation Strategy.

The funding includes $105,000 from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Green Municipal Fund and $140,000 from Results Driven Agricultural Research.

Administration said the strategy will examine long-term water security challenges, including drought, flooding, aging infrastructure, future water demand and alternative water sources, with a final plan expected in early 2027.

Council also gave first reading to Bylaw 4888-2026, which would remove the municipal reserve designation from a portion of one parcel and transfer it to another parcel in the same area.

During a discussion, councillors said the redesignation is required as part of plans to sell land associated with the Medicine Hat armouries, which have been leased by the Department of National Defence since 1977.

The bylaw will return to council for further readings.

During the council’s announcements to start the meeting, the council welcomed Amanda Peterson as the city’s new clerk.

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READ: Amanda Peterson is the new city clerk for the City of Medicine Hat (Jun 11, 2026)

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat council adopts airport strategy and hears Special Olympics update at its meeting Monday

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