Medicine Hat surveys on parks alcohol pilot and transit route, now open to the public

Aug 3, 2026 | 8:00 AM

The City of Medicine Hat is asking residents to weigh in on two initiatives this summer, including its pilot program allowing alcohol consumption in select parks and proposed changes to a transit route aimed at improving service reliability.

The city’s Alcohol in Parks pilot, which began July 2 and runs through Sept. 30, allows adults aged 18 and older to consume alcohol at designated picnic tables in Kin Coulee, Echo Dale Regional Park and Strathcona Island Park.

The program permits alcohol consumption only between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., with food present at the table.

Open alcohol must remain designated picnic tables, and responsible use is required under provincial legislation and city bylaws, with about five to seven picnic tables designated in each park.

The tables, selected away from playgrounds and other areas commonly used by children, are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are identified with signage.

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The city is collecting public feedback throughout the pilot to help determine whether the program should continue, be modified or end when it concludes.

A report summarizing public input, safety impacts and any enforcement issues will be presented to city council after the pilot ends.

The survey can be found on the City of Medicine Hat’s Shape Your City website.

Residents are also being asked to provide feedback on proposed changes to Medicine Hat Transit’s Route 10 N.E. Crescent Heights.

The city says Route 10 has consistently struggled to maintain its schedule, particularly during periods of high ridership, resulting in missed connections that can affect other routes across the transit system.

The proposed pilot changes aim to improve on-time performance while maintaining access to all existing bus stops.

Some riders may need to board from the opposite side of the street or follow a different routing.

Feedback on the Route 10 proposal will be accepted until Aug. 15.

A link to the survey is also available through the City of Medicine Hat.

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat surveys on parks alcohol pilot and transit route, now open to the public

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