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?
City ownership of Saamis Solar Park should carefully balance environmental progress with fiscal responsibility. Major investments must be thoroughly vetted to protect taxpayers and utility rates. Council should prioritize risk assessment, phased investments, reliable energy, and community consultation to ensure sustainability and Medicine Hat’s best interests.
2. What are your thoughts on the future of the energy division, specifically the concept of turning it into a municipally controlled corporation?
Turning the energy division into a municipally controlled corporation (MCC) has both potential benefits and risks. While it could offer more flexibility and independence, it may reduce council (public) oversight and accountability. An MCC can work if it adds clear value and ensures strong safeguards, such as resident input, audits, and transparency. Without clear benefits, I prefer public control (council oversight).
3. How would you look to balance taxation with the operation costs of running a city, as well as the services provided to residents?
Medicine Hat has solid foundations in infrastructure and fiscal management but can benefit from a comprehensive economic development strategy (there is some great work on the rise), a stronger focus on growing and diversifying its tax base, improved business support services, and expanded public engagement on taxation priorities. These steps could better balance taxation, costs, and service levels to support long-term city growth and sustainability.
4. How would you approach economic development and any need to incentivize business to come to Medicine Hat?
My approach rests on three pillars:
Make Medicine Hat Investment-Ready Clean up industrial lots, ensure utility access, and speed approvals. Promote our utility, affordable land, and location.
Support Local Scale-Up and Entrepreneurship Reduce red tape, simplify permits, and support local firms with microgrants or navigation help. Foster regional supply chain growth.
Attract Targeted Business Sectors Focus on sustainable energy to attract/retain industry, agri-processing, tech, and value-added manufacturing. Use targeted incentives to create clear public benefits.
These steps will help grow a broad-based local economy.
