News profile
1. What are your thoughts on city ownership of Saamis Solar, and what direction would you want to see council take with ownership of renewables?
I believe projects like Saamis Solar must be guided by a clear business case. If it strengthens our utilities and delivers reliable returns, then it could be worth pursuing. But if the economics aren’t there, I don’t support moving forward just for the sake of appearances.
The City has said the project is being considered in stages, with a final investment decision still ahead. They’ve also suggested there could be long-term savings tied to carbon pricing. While that may be true, these projections depend on assumptions about future regulations, markets, and policies. In today’s rapidly changing economic and political climate, those assumptions may not hold.
What’s still missing is a full financial picture: capital costs, operating costs, return on investment, and clarity on how solar would integrate with or impact our existing power plant. Without that transparency, council and taxpayers cannot know if this project would truly be an asset or if it would become a liability.
Renewables may have a role in Medicine Hat’s future, especially if they could help attract investment or industry, but the priority must first be ensuring economic sustainability. Until we see clear evidence of financial benefit, I would not support city ownership of 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?
The idea of a municipally controlled corporation (MCC) for our energy division needs to be reevaluated. When it was first proposed, Medicine Hat and the world were in a very different economic and political climate. The assumptions made in that earlier report may no longer apply, and council should review the concept with fresh eyes.
Medicine Hat has generated its own power since 1910, and that has long been one of our community’s biggest advantages. If it continues to be viable and beneficial to citizens, I believe we should maintain that ownership. But if it is costing taxpayers, we must be willing to take a hard, honest look at what makes the most sense for the future.
I don’t believe there is urgency to rush into creating an MCC or selling off our utilities. Our utilities are a source of pride and stability, especially in today’s uncertain provincial, federal, and global political climate. Instead of rushing, leadership should focus on finding efficiencies, identifying unsustainable areas, and presenting a clear business case to show how the energy division can remain an asset.
As someone who has spent a lifetime in Medicine Hat, I want decisions about our utilities to be deliberate and transparent. We’ve owned them for over a century, and we have time to make the best, most informed choice for the future of our community.
3. How would you look to balance taxation with the operation costs of running a city, as well as the services provided to residents?
Balancing taxation with the costs of running a city starts with a clear understanding of our finances. We need to take a hard look at the books, evaluate our spending, and set a transparent priority list based on the community’s needs. Council must be clear on what has already been committed and ensure that future decisions are made with sustainability in mind.
Citizens deserve to know where we truly stand financially. That means honest communication about revenues, expenses, and long-term obligations. At the same time, we should be actively searching for efficiencies within City operations, identifying areas where we can reduce costs without compromising essential services.
Taxes should never be the first solution to budget pressures. Before asking residents to pay more, council must demonstrate that it has explored every avenue for cost savings and better management of resources. In a time when many households are feeling the strain of higher costs of living, the City has a responsibility to manage its finances with the same care that families manage their own.
Ultimately, the goal should be to provide the services residents depend on while keeping taxation fair and sustainable. That requires discipline, transparency, and a willingness to make tough choices when necessary.
4. How would you approach economic development and any need to incentivize business to come to Medicine Hat?
Economic development is about creating opportunities and positioning Medicine Hat for growth. Our goal should be to attract investment, expand industry, and create more jobs for residents, while strengthening our long-term tax base.
I support tools like tax-free construction periods or targeted incentives when they make sense. Once a building or facility is established, it contributes to the tax base for decades. Short-term relief can encourage businesses to choose Medicine Hat, bringing employees, property taxes, and long-term economic benefits to our community.
Incentives should be considered on a case-by-case basis. We need to ensure that any support provided delivers real value to taxpayers while fostering sustainable growth. Other cities have successfully used these approaches, and Medicine Hat should be ready to do the same when opportunities arise.
Council should focus on solutions, not barriers. Instead of defaulting to “no,” we should ask: how can we make this work in a way that benefits the business and our city? By welcoming investment, supporting industry, and creating job opportunities, we can grow Medicine Hat’s economy, population, and community strength for years to come.
