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?
IMO, negotiated climate change targets are going to force the creation of new strategies whether we like it or not. I have listened to the concerns of the “experts” who feel the Saamis Solar project was not handled correctly at all. That we have paid over 7 million dollars into it already seems mind boggling. On the other side, DPEnergy of Ireland, seems to be quite proud of the work they did to create the plan and in February, 2025 the Alberta Utilities Commission approved the ownership of it to the city. Yes, I think we need to retain ownership of all renewables. It may be a good time to commit to some of these carbon neutral initiatives as I believe there are many federal grants available re carbon capture at this time.
2. What are your thoughts on the future of the energy division, specifically the concept of turning it into a municipally controlled corporation?
If almost everyone I’ve spoken to, are against the MCC I must represent them first and I will. It is definitely one of the conversations our ratepayers are concerned about. A great majority are against it.
I have also said it is a concern to me that our energy dept have spent so much time working to offload it?
3. How would you look to balance taxation with the operation costs of running a city, as well as the services provided to residents?
Obviously we need to prioritize spending! Are we able to reduce or even eliminate non-essential services? Do we have property and assets we can sell? People have said they are very unhappy with the service fees being applied to their utility bills already, so I feel we can’t continue to add these to our income generating streams. Quite frankly, I feel our upper management salaries and benefits are a concern to me as these same ppl keep asking for consultants to advise them?
4. How would you approach economic development and any need to incentivize business to come to Medicine Hat?
I want to be on a “promotions and marketing” task force taking our CITY to the world! Whether we’re taking drone manufacturing or affordable housing solutions, we need to attract more investment and economic development from afar BUT before we do that we need to streamline the development permit and licensing process. Off-Site levies reductions are one way we could encourage growth.
5. With the proposed north-side location for a permanent homeless shelter off the table following public concerns, what do you think are the essential priorities that a shelter location must provide?
As many ppl have learned I came to the Hat in 1994 after my marriage was destroyed by substance abuse, domestic violence and mental health issues as my then husband had a psychotic break. Some of my campaign ideas include housing solutions where people like myself open their home to one, two even three or four individuals in need of shelter, safety, detox, therapy, life skills, healthy living and wellness training, etc. etc. etc.. I did it in Saskatoon; I had no government support. It’s doable. We also managed supervised visits with our tenants and their estranged children. I happen to believe if we all step up individuals that want to get off the street will be given the opportunity to do so. They might only need to be at my house for a week or two as we wait for a place at detox. Or for a month or two while we wait for a place after detox and before recovery And most importantly after months or a year in recovery, they could come back here until they get into transitional housing.
6. A lot of focus during this election campaign has been on property taxes in Medicine Hat, though a majority of residents do not own property. What can or should the city be doing to ease cost-of-living issues for those who do not own property, such as renters?
While door knocking, etc. I’ve been really sad to discover that tenants have lost so much hope! Whether young ppl or seniors… no one should have to chose rent over food?! Sadly, I’ve also not heard of one landlord who passed their “utility rebate” onto their tenants?! I’d like to hear from landlords who think that is ok? I’d like to ask —> What did community housing hear about that?! Could they have offered a rebate directly to the client not the landlord?!!
As good stewards of the city’s money – I think we can do much to build better financial security and to help those hard working individuals who make this city work!
7. What are your thoughts on proposed recreational facilities such as the Southside Outdoor Aquatics Centre and Brier Run Sports Field? How much focus would you want the city to put toward adding recreational facilities?
I think we need to do a major reset right now. IMO, our city finances are a disaster in many ways! Like my friend Christine Ellis has been saying, “those ideas might be niceties?”
Again, IMO, We need to prioritize ‘needs not wants’ at this time. Any new recreational areas are not on my top 5 or 10 list at the moment. BUT I would like to see new community associations created and vibrancy or micro grants increased to bring neighbourhoods together!!
