Hatters enjoy the South Saskatchewan on a summer afternoon river float. The city has developed a 10-year strategy with several objectives meant to enhance community wellbeing.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
City committee members were provided a presentation on a community wellbeing plan, which is being designed as a 10-year strategy with nine specific goals in mind.
The 10-year strategy titled “Momentum” provides a detailed look into factors that influence wellbeing in the community, such as poverty, safety, health and wellness and economic enhancement.
Data within the report, presented at a public services committee meeting Monday, show results of more than 1,000 residents who participated in community engagement surveys between March 1 and April 30, open houses and focus groups in 2024 – identifying key challenges the community faces.
The report details foundational aspects of a person’s overall quality of life and outlines key areas for improvement, strategic objectives and a clear action plan to create a healthier, more inclusive city. It is meant to help guide policy direction.
Seven pillars of wellbeing have been identified in the report, basic needs such as food, housing and transportation, safety, education, employment, health, equality and connection between city hall and residents.
Nine strategic goals have been put in place for the city and council to work toward over then next 10 years:
1. Reduce poverty in Medicine Hat;
2. Enhance community safety;
3. Promote health and wellness;
4. Support lifelong learning of all residents;
5. Create and enhance economic opportunities in Medicine Hat;
6. Embrace and celebrate the diversity of Medicine Hat;
7. Take meaningful action toward reconciliation;
8. Empower residents to be engaged participants in the community;
9. Enhance organizational efforts to support wellbeing.
To achieve these goals the report includes a total of 52 potential actions that can be done in Medicine Hat to increase community wellbeing.
The first objective is to reduce poverty, and the report includes 12 strategies to make the city more affordable, including modernizing current housing policies to promote affordable options, promoting fair rental practices and enhancing and expanding access to public services.
Shona Dickie, manager of community supports, says the city understands it will not be able to completely end poverty in 10 years, but the hope is the objectives set out in the report will have a positive impact.
Dickie says the city’s new residential tax exemption bylaw has already worked in favour of renters in multi-use residential spaces.
“It has a huge impact on rental costs, and we’re hoping we see that impact as these new buildings come about. And it frees up other spots for people to rent at hopefully a lower cost,” said Dickie.
The second objective is to enhance community safety through education and promotion of inclusion, and finding alternative models to traditional police response for mental health concerns.
The report cites work by members of the Medicine Hat Resilient and Inclusive Community Taskforce, and suggests actions to foster inclusion and combat misinformation, racism and incidents of hate.
The third objective looks to promote health and wellness and provides seven actions, such as improving active transportation networks, advocating for more senior support programs and enhancing mental health supports with additional programs and resources.
To support other goals, the report suggests development and support for local business and industry, attracting new investments, designing more inclusive city spaces and enhancing ongoing truth and reconciliation efforts while building relations with Indigenous Peoples.
Council first approved development of the community wellbeing plan through the Community Development Business Plan of 2023-24.
Implementation of strategies outlined will now be used to provide staff and council a clear and structured roadmap for the future.
New updates on implementation strategy will be provided on the city’s website throughout 2026.
Council previously approved $150,000 in the 2026 Community Development budget to support implementation of strategies outlined in the report, however staff say more funding is needed to meet all objectives.
