News profile1. What are your thoughts on city ownership of Saamis Solar, and what direction would you want to see council take with ownership of renewables?
Owning utility-scale renewables could create long-term benefits for Medicine Hat: stable revenue, local control, and opportunities to grow a clean energy economy. But these projects are capital-heavy and subject to volatile markets.
Right now, it’s difficult to make a true business-based assessment without proper documentation and analytical review. Council and the public need access to independent business cases, lifecycle studies, and risk modeling.
If elected, I will insist on:
• A public, independent business case before major commitments.
• A stage-gated approach where only limited steps are taken until documentation proves financial soundness.
• Transparent risk-sharing so taxpayers are not left exposed.
• Direct community benefits, local jobs, training, and reinvestment tied to the project.
Until that documentation is reviewed and made public, caution and transparency must guide every decision on Saamis Solar.
2. What are your thoughts on the future of the energy division, specifically the concept of turning it into a municipally controlled corporation?
Medicine Hat’s energy division is one of our city’s defining assets. Turning it into a Municipally Controlled Corporation could provide flexibility and expertise, but it raises concerns around accountability, governance, and risk.
My approach:
• Pause and demand clarity; no structural change without transparent documentation proving value.
• Pilot cautiously if benefits are demonstrated, starting small and measuring results publicly.
• Guarantee safeguards: majority city ownership, open board appointments, strong ratepayer protections, and mandatory community dividends.
• Keep core services like water, sewer, and waste in city hands unless overwhelming evidence proves otherwise.
Until full documentation is available and reviewed, it would be irresponsible to push for sweeping structural change.
3. How would you look to balance taxation with the operation costs of running a city, as well as the services provided to residents?
Running a city means balancing costs with fairness. Decisions must be based on financial documentation, service-level analysis, and long-term planning.
If elected, I will:
• Protect core services using multi-year budgets backed by analytical reviews.
• Use reserves prudently with clear replenishment rules.
• Drive efficiency by reviewing program outcomes and reallocating from low-impact areas.
• Diversify revenue carefully without relying on unstable energy income for core operations.
• Communicate openly so residents understand how evidence guides tax and spending decisions.
4. How would you approach economic development and any need to incentivize business to come to Medicine Hat?
Medicine Hat must compete for investment, but strategies only succeed when evidence-driven.
If elected, I will:
• Target industries based on data: clean energy supply chains, logistics, agri-value, and advanced manufacturing.
• Make land and approvals investment-ready through documented planning and pre-zoning work.
• Offer time-limited, performance-based incentives tied to measurable outcomes like jobs, wages, and local procurement.
• Build workforce pipelines backed by labour market data and training partnerships.
• Support small businesses with need-based microgrants, storefront programs, and a one-stop business office.
• Use city procurement strategically, ensuring local firms benefit, with reporting on results.
5.With the proposed north-side location for a permanent homeless shelter off the table, what do you think are the essential priorities a shelter location must provide?
I believe a permanent homeless shelter must prioritize accessibility, safety, and integration with community services. It should be easily reachable by public transportation, close to healthcare and support services, and situated to maintain the safety and well-being of both residents and the surrounding neighbourhood. A thoughtful location provides dignity and stability for those experiencing homelessness while minimizing community concerns.
Pros: Improves access to essential services, supports long-term stability for residents, and promotes community safety.
Cons: Finding a site that balances accessibility and community acceptance can be challenging, may face local pushback, and could involve higher costs depending on location.
6. A lot of focus during this election has been on property taxes, but many residents don’t own property. How can the city ease cost-of-living pressures for renters?
While property taxes often make headlines, many residents are renters facing their own financial pressures. If elected, I will advocate for initiatives that support affordability for all, including encouraging diverse and affordable housing development, exploring partnerships to reduce utility costs, and supporting programs that directly ease financial stress. The goal is to make Medicine Hat a city where everyone, not just property owners, can thrive.
Pros: Supports a large portion of residents, promotes fairness, and relieves financial stress.
Cons: Implementation may require coordination with provincial or federal programs, which can slow progress, and costs need careful management. Balancing renter support with property-owner interests can also present challenges.
7.What are your thoughts on proposed recreational facilities like the Southside Outdoor Aquatics Centre and Brier Run Sports Field?
Recreational facilities are a cornerstone of healthy, engaged communities. If elected, I would support these projects while ensuring long-term sustainability and accessibility. This includes not just building new facilities, but also restructuring and improving existing ones to better serve the community. Evening and flexible course times are important, as many parents of young children share concerns about the lack of evening programs, such as swimming, that fit outside standard work hours. Recreation isn’t just about amenities, it’s about creating inclusive spaces that bring people together, promote active lifestyles, and strengthen community connections.
Pros: Provides safe, engaging spaces, encourages active lifestyles, and increases accessibility for parents and families.
Cons: Construction and maintenance costs can be significant, scheduling extended hours may be complex, and overbuilding without community demand risks underuse.
