Parks around the community of South Ridge and on the city's south side will receive the majority of new tree saplings the city has received through an environmental grant.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com
According to city staff the community of South Ridge is set for a spruce-up after city councillors heard a majority of new trees that will be planted over the next three years will be in the south-side area.
Scott Richter, manager of recreation, told council the city plans to plant a majority of 2,400 new trees in South Ridge after securing a $1.7-million grant through the Growing Canada’s Community Canopies initiative.
Richter says the city used a map representing tree density and discovered the largest population of residents with the lowest number of trees near their homes is the South Ridge neighbourhood.
“So many of the trees will be planted in the south. We will have a website … with those maps and where those plantings will occur over the next couple years,” said Richter.
Due to limited space available along roadways and boulevards in South Ridge, Richter explained the majority of the trees will be planted in nearby parks.
Additionally, the funding allows approximately 3,500 trees over the next three years to be given to local students for planting on private property throughout Medicine Hat.
“So schools will have an opportunity to get them to the youth and do education through their curriculum on tree planting, and utilizing maps and such to understand where they might want to plant their tree, on their property or grandparents or friends property,” explained Richter.
However, if local schools do not disperse all the trees they were given within a three-year period, members of the public will be able to apply for a free tree to be planted on their property.
In 2025 the city planted hundreds of new trees, including species such as Siberian Larch, Ponderosa Pine, Silver Maple, Brandon Elm, Bur Oak, Honey Locust Golden Willow and Dropmore Linden.
These were selected due to their tolerance to growing conditions in southeast Alberta, and will help ensure more diversity within the city’s urban forest.
E-scooters a month away from return
The city’s E-Scooter program return in April following a successful year in 2025.
A report of the city’s parks and recreation cites approximately 23,000 total rides completed on e-scooter rentals around Medicine Hat last year, by more than 3,100 users.
Bird Scooters, which operates the service throughout the city, reported users travelling more than 57,000 kilometres in 2025, saving more than 5,000 kilograms of carbon emissions released compared to driving.
This year the service will be expanded to include community events and increased ridership through data-driven communication strategies.
