Smarter Growth, Stronger Communities
Let’s build a Medicine Hat where every neighborhood thrives—by listening first, investing wisely, and planning with people, not just for them.
Fair Growth, Real Results: Listening and Investing Across Medicine Hat
Every neighbourhood in Medicine Hat—from Southview to Crescent Heights to Ranchlands—has its own energy, needs, and ideas for the future. But while some areas are booming, others feel left behind. The truth is: fair growth doesn’t mean equal spending everywhere—it means smart, transparent investment that reflects what each community actually needs.
In 2024, the City identified 259 under-utilized parcels of land, and yet, barriers to infill still slow development. Residents continue to raise concerns about street safety, playground access, lighting, and rezoning decisions with minimal input. Meanwhile, downtown’s aging infrastructure and the Flats’ redevelopment needs remain under-addressed.
So the question is: How do we grow in a way that makes sense for everyone—not just a few?
The Answer: Plan Smart. Invest Fair. Put People First.
Community Voices = Better Results
Growth should start from the ground up. That means neighbourhood design sessions before the backhoes arrive—not after. We need localized budgets, regular feedback loops, and timely updates people can actually understand.
What I’ll Push for at Council:
- Real Community-Led Planning
- Town halls and co-design sessions before major projects.
- Clear timelines, maps, and updates shared online and at libraries/community centers.
- More Housing Choice—With Character
- Expand the Infill and Redevelopment Incentive Program.
- Promote laneway homes, secondary suites, and gentle density—without sacrificing neighborhood feel.
- Safe Streets, Walkable Blocks
- Upgrade lighting and crosswalks near schools and parks.
- Introduce traffic calming zones where needed most.
- Spaces That Bring Us Together
- Invest in dog parks, community gardens, and inclusive playgrounds.
- Co-manage public spaces with neighborhood associations.
- Deliver on the myMH Master Plan
- Stick to what the community already helped build, while improving how we communicate progress.
Why This Matters
- Better Planning Saves Money: Mistakes and rework cost more than collaboration.
- Transparency Builds Trust: Residents deserve to know where their tax dollars go.
- Connected Neighbourhoods Build a Strong City: A vibrant downtown, a growing Ranchlands, and a safe Southview aren’t isolated achievements. They are chapters of the same success story.
Working Smarter with All Levels of Government
- Municipal: Commit to community-led investment, not one-size-fits-all planning.
- Provincial: Advocate for infrastructure funding that supports localized design.
- Federal: Tap into grants like the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative to fund parks, transit, and street improvements.
Let’s Shape the Future—Together
Tell me: What’s your neighbourhood’s top priority? What would make your street safer, or your local park more inviting?
Let’s build a Medicine Hat where every neighbourhood thrives—by listening first, investing wisely, and planning with people, not just for them.
Reference :
Canada Healthy Communities Initiative: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/chci-iccs/index-eng.html
Infill & Redevelopment Incentive Program: https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/Microsite_MH-Ec-Dev/Documents/Incentives/Housing-Infill-Redevelopment-Incentive.pdf
myMH Municipal Development Plan: https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/government-and-city-hall/my-mh.aspx
Chamber on Land Development: https://chamber.medicinehatchamber.com/policywins/Details/accountability-in-the-city-of-medicine-hat-land-development-business-122352
Downtown rezoning: https://chatnewstoday.ca/2024/11/08/medicine-hat-city-councillors-back-rezoning-they-say-matches-strategic-plan/
Alberta Active Transportation Strategy: https://www.transportation.alberta.ca/content/docType5513/Production/Facilitator’s%20Handbook.pdf
No responses yet