SE Alberta Chamber partners on survey looking to restore Medicine Hat’s commercial air service

A short online survey has been launched to gather firsthand accounts from the region’s business community.

The survey takes about three minutes and asks businesses how the loss of air service has affected their organization, and whether they would be willing to help support efforts to bring commercial flights back to Medicine Hat.

“The most powerful evidence we can put in front of decision-makers is the real experience of Southeast Alberta’s business community,” the groups said in information about the survey.

The groups say the impact could include increased travel costs, more time spent driving, difficulty meeting clients and suppliers, challenges recruiting and retaining employees, delayed projects and missed business opportunities.

The survey also asks businesses what reliable and convenient air service would mean for their organizations, including whether it could reduce travel time, improve productivity, support employee recruitment and retention, and provide greater access to national and international markets.

Any responses collected will be kept confidential by New West Public Affairs.

Businesses can also choose to be connected to their comments.

That information would only be used with explicit permission, which is requested at the end of the survey.

The initiative is also tied to a funding timeline.

The groups say federal infrastructure funding eligibility is connected to having scheduled passenger air service.

If service is not restored by mid-2027, Medicine Hat could lose eligibility for that funding, potentially shifting capital funding costs to Medicine Hat residents and businesses through taxes.

by Jesse Gill

SE Alberta Chamber partners on survey looking to restore Medicine Hat’s commercial air service

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