Medicine Hat council advances recreation, housing and water initiatives

Council had a lengthy discussion about the project, with several potential amendments defeated before the original motion passed.

A budget of $3.9 million was approved by the previous council. The current council seeks to reduce that spending by $1 million, while undertaking the steps outlined in the initiative. Several councillors highlighted the need to move forward to get consideration for provincial funding for the projects.

More information on this topic will be published.

A resolution sponsored by Coun. Chris Hellman on the Protection of Water, Source Water, and Water Quality gained unanimous support from Council.

The resolution directs administration to continue its work on the City’s Water Management and Adaptation Strategy, including consideration of drought and flood resilience, stormwater quality, water quality risks and infrastructure reliability.

It also asks the Mayor to send a letter to provincial and federal officials calling for transparent, evidence-based assessments and consultation with downstream municipalities when decisions involving upstream activities could affect water resources.

An item added to the agenda before adoption is the appointment of the City Manager. Joe Hutter, who has held the role in an interim capacity since January, will fill the role permanently starting Sept. 15.

Council voted unanimously to support his appointment.

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READ: City of Medicine Hat makes Hutter’s Interim City Manager role permanent (Sept. 9, 2026)

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Council approved updates to the Cybersecurity Policy and the Information Technology Acceptable Use Policy. Council also approved updates to the Health and Safety Policy, which rescinds the Health, Safety and Environment Policy.

The Council passed all three readings of a bylaw designating the Baker-Spalding Block at 515A North Railway Street S.E. as a municipal historic resource.

A separate recommendation to begin the process to designate the Cypress Club at 218 6 Avenue S.E. as a municipal historic resource has started. A bylaw can now be brought forward after 60 days to continue the process. The building is already a provincial historic resource.

Three separate rezoning applications had first reading approved by Council.

The first application involves two lots at 22 Sierra Green SW, in a neighbourhood that is already primarily zoned R2, or neighbourhood residential.

The property is among the remaining undeveloped lots in the area, and the applicant is proposing to build row housing.

Councillors were told the change would have only a limited impact on the density originally planned for the neighbourhood.

Another was to rezone 535 16th Street S.W., the site of the Ranchmen Hotel, from a regional commercial special-use district to an R2 neighbourhood residential district.

The owner is looking to convert the hotel into apartments and retain the existing Ranchmen Hotel sign.

Coun. Ted Clugston said the owner is pursuing the rezoning to qualify for available government housing funding.

The property is currently being used for longer-term stays, although it is still zoned for hotel use.

A third application involves 855 Gershaw Drive S.W., the site of the Sun Dek Motel.

The owner is also looking to convert the property into long-term, low-income housing.

The applicant also requires the zoning change to qualify for additional levels of government funding.

The applications will proceed through the remainder of the municipal approval process before any final zoning changes.

Council postponed the second and third readings of a bylaw set to replace the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board to their next meeting on Sept. 21.

Information was presented on the Riverside Corridor Enhancement Project – What We Heard Report.

Road width was a key concern from those surveyed for the Third Street North project. The City completed extensive consultation to gather information.

New redesign options are expected at the next council meeting on Sept. 21.

Coun. Bill Cocks said that he has learned during his time as a lawyer that your reputation is everything, and once you lose it, it’s hard to get back.

Adding that the mistakes made with the Division Avenue Project have led to the lack of trust.

Early in the meeting, as part of Councillor announcements, Coun. Dan Reynish spoke about the Prostate Cancer Awareness Group, which attended the meeting wearing special shirts in honour of the cause. They are also a support group.

Mayor Clark had officially proclaimed September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month last Thursday.

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The Prostate Cancer Awareness Group attended the City Council Meeting on Sept. 8. 2026. (Image Credit: Jesse Gill/CHAT News)

Reynish also highlighted the Terry Fox Run coming up on Sept. 20.

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READ: Annual Terry Fox Run returns to Medicine Hat College Sept. 20 (Aug. 24, 2026)

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Coun. Cocks used his announcement time to talk about the tariff war between the United States and Canada and its impact.

Coun. Yusuf Mohammed talked about the physician retention group he is part of and how they have welcomed several doctors to the community recently.

Coun. Stuart Young attended the Sepak Tekraw National Tournament hosted in Medicine Hat over the past weekend. He congratulated the Medicine Hat team for winning the event.

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READ: Medicine Hat Team B captures national Sepak Takraw championship on home court (Sept. 8. 2026)

by Jesse Gill

Medicine Hat council advances recreation, housing and water initiatives

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