Medicine Hat council advances rezonings, backs parks alcohol pilot and urges pause on AISH changes

Administration said the change is the next step in redeveloping the site following the school’s demolition in late 2025.

Two speakers voiced support during the hearing, citing the need for additional housing, with no speakers in opposition.

The second hearing had council approving Bylaw 4875-2026 to rezone 800 Gershaw Dr. SW from mixed-use to highway commercial.

The change restores the site’s ability to accommodate motor vehicle sales and service uses, which previously operated there before the property became vacant in 2023.

Planning staff said the rezoning aligns with surrounding highway-oriented commercial uses and does not affect residential development potential.

No written or verbal opposition was recorded, with one speaker expressing support.

A third hearing focused on two lots at 2 and 6 Sierra Green SW in Saamis Heights, as the council approved Bylaw 4876-2026 to rezone the parcels from medium to low-density residential, allowing for single detached homes.

The lots had been rezoned to medium density in 2024, but the current application returns them to their original designation.

One written submission was received, and a speaker at the hearing raised concerns about reduced housing density.

Administration said the change would have minimal impact on overall neighbourhood density, which remains in line with planning targets.

In the final hearing, council approved Bylaw 4877-2026 to rezone 2 and 4 Ranchero Pl. NE from low to medium-density residential to allow for attached housing with secondary suites, as the site, located in Ranchlands, is currently vacant.

Two written submissions raised concerns about parking and the lack of a rear lane, and one speaker offered cautious support, noting the need for improved transit access in the area.

Planning staff said parking and site design details will be addressed at a later development stage.

All four public hearings concluded without major changes, and the council voted in favour of each bylaw, completing the public hearing portion of the meeting.

Council also approved a pilot project allowing alcohol consumption in city-owned and occupied park areas from July 2 to Sept. 30, 2026, with administration to report back on safety, enforcement and public feedback.

The project will apply to select parks and include rules around designated areas, signage and responsible use.

Councillor Cheryl Phaff said the city is following suit with other communities that have already taken advantage of similar projects and have had great success.

“I just thought it was time, the province made it available to municipalities to be able to do [so] a few years ago,” Phaff said.

“It’s just another avenue for citizens to be able to enjoy the parks,” she added.

“We’ll do the pilot project this summer and see how everything goes.”

An updated whistleblower policy was also endorsed during the meeting, introducing third-party reporting, stronger anti-retaliation protections and a $100,000 budget amendment to support implementation.

The policy also expands who can report concerns, including external parties, and consolidates previous fraud and whistleblower policies.

Councillors also passed amendments to the city’s procedure bylaw, including the creation of a budget committee and changes to agenda-setting authority and meeting processes.

The updates also formalize current practices, such as recording committee meetings and clarify roles within council governance.

The committee will be chaired by Councillor Phaff, with Councillor Stuart Young serving as vice-chair and Councillor Yusuf Mohammed also appointed, and is intended to take a closer look at city spending as the council prepares for a two-year budget cycle.

Phaff said she is looking forward to getting started with the budget committee.

A $222,000 marketing initiative titled Opportunities is Calling in Medicine Hat was approved, aimed at attracting workers and entrepreneurs through partnerships and targeted promotion.

Most of the funding comes from a third-party grant and previously unspent dollars, with no new tax impact.

Council agreed to contribute up to $7,500 toward a regional workshop with Cypress County and the Town of Redcliff to strengthen intermunicipal collaboration.

The two-day session will focus on identifying shared priorities and opportunities across the region.

A new privacy management policy was adopted to align with updated provincial legislation and formalize how the city handles data and personal information.

The policy establishes a framework for accountability as more services shift to digital systems and data-sharing.

The first reading was given to a refreshed land use bylaw intended to modernize zoning rules and better reflect current planning policies, with further readings and a detailed review expected at a later meeting.

Council also approved naming the city’s arts recognition program the Arts and Culture Legacy Award, with honourees to be featured in a new Legacy Gallery at the Esplanade.

Up to five individuals may be recognized annually for their contributions to the local arts community.

Councillor Brian Varga compared the Arts and Culture Hall to the Sports Wall of Fame in The Big Marble Go Centre, saying there are individuals in Medicine Hat deserving of recognition.

Finally, councillors backed a motion urging the province to pause upcoming changes to AISH and the Alberta Disability Assistance Program, calling for further consultation and impact analysis.

The motion relates to changes to AISH, a provincial income support program for people with permanent disabilities, and the transition to a new Alberta Disability Assistance Program, which has raised concerns about eligibility and impacts on recipients.

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat council advances rezonings, backs parks alcohol pilot and urges pause on AISH changes

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