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Well-Being Isn’t Extra—It’s Essential

Medicine Hat is strongest when everyone belongs. From youth mental health to safer streets and inclusive recreation, our city’s well-being depends on smart investment, strong partnerships, and a shared commitment to equity. With bold ideas like a Downtown Wellness Coalition, Thriving Communities Fund, and a Citizen Well-Being Council, we can turn momentum into lasting impact—building a city where every resident feels safe, supported, and proud to call Medicine Hat home.

From Crescent Heights to Southlands, families across Medicine Hat are calling for something simple yet powerful: a city that supports mental health, public safety, and a sense of belonging. And they’re right. A thriving community isn’t measured by buildings—it’s measured by how people feel in their neighborhoods.

According to the 2025 Momentum Community Well-Being Plan, residents ranked social connection, access to services, and public safety as top priorities. The message is clear: well-being isn’t just a feel-good goal—it’s an economic and social necessity.

Real Investments, Real Momentum

1. $47M for Youth Mental Health
   Alberta’s 2025 Budget will introduce a new CASA Mental Health facility in Medicine Hat, offering both live-in and day programs for youth. This quadruples CASA House capacity province-wide, with a planned opening in 2029.
2. $250K Annual Investment in Community Safety & Support
   The City is ramping up funding to address poverty, addiction, and safety through local partnerships. That’s a $100,000 increase from 2024.
3. Downtown Safety: Top of Mind
   Nearly 30% of residents feel uncomfortable downtown—up from 19% in 2017. The Medicine Hat Police Service is working with community partners, but we need more eyes, allies, and action.

What I’m Hearing on the Ground

• “We need year-round safe spaces for youth and families.”
• “The new CASA facility is a game-changer—but we can’t wait until 2029.”
• “Let’s invest in things that make life joyful—gardens, rec centers, arts, and connection.”

What I’ll Push for at Council:

1. A Downtown Wellness Coalition
   Bringing together law enforcement, nonprofits, business owners, and residents to co-lead community safety.
2. Faster Youth Mental Health Access
   Collaborate with Alberta Health Services to expand temporary supports while the CASA is being constructed.
3. A ‘Thriving Communities Fund’
   Flexible microgrants for neighborhood-led wellness projects—murals, pop-up parks, local art, and play.
4. Year-Round Access to Recreation
   Upgrade winter programming and support transportation to low-cost recreation.
5. Citizen Well-Being Council
   Establish a community advisory council to assess services, monitor outcomes, and inform the development of new initiatives.

Working Together—All Levels of Government

• Municipal: Increase budget for wellness programs and ensure equitable distribution.
• Provincial: Accelerate mental health services and youth-focused outreach.
• Federal: Fund recreation infrastructure and cross-sector health-promotion programs.

A City Where Everyone Belongs
In business and in life, healthy communities consistently outperform those that are divided. Let’s build a Medicine Hat where well-being is built in—through smart investments, bold collaboration, and trust in each other.

Do you feel a sense of belonging in Medicine Hat? What would help your community thrive even more?

References:

1. Momentum: Medicine Hat’s Community Well-Being Plan (2025)
   City of Medicine Hat. (2025). Momentum: Community Well-Being Plan Summary.
   https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/government-and-city-hall/resources/Documents/Plans-Reports-and-Studies/2025-05-07_MH-Momentum-Plan-Summary_FINAL.pdf
2. CASA Mental Health Facility Announcement
   Medicine Hat News. (2025, May 8). Medicine Hat getting added mental health support through funding for CASA Mental Health.
   https://www.medicinehatnews.com/news/local-news/2025/05/08/medicine-hat-getting-added-mental-health-support-through-funding-for-casa-mental-health/
3. City of Medicine Hat Budget & Social Investment Priorities
   City of Medicine Hat. (2024). 2024–2025 Municipal Budget Highlights.
   https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/government-and-city-hall/budget.aspx
4. Downtown Safety Concerns & Public Perception
   Chat News Today. (2025). Downtown Safety Survey Results.
   https://chatnewstoday.ca (use specific article or survey link if available)
5. Statistics Canada: Community Well-Being and Belonging Indicators
   Statistics Canada. (2023). Sense of Belonging to Local Community, Alberta.
   https://www150.statcan.gc.ca
6. Public Health Agency of Canada – Mental Health & Community Connection
   Government of Canada. (2024). Promoting Positive Mental Health: A Focus on Communities.
   https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/mental-health-community.html