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?
Increasingly companies looking to expand to our community have a requirement from either their shareholders or their funders for green energy usage. Without renewables in the City’s energy portfolio it will become increasingly difficult to attract new industry or expand existing industry. This is one of many areas of consideration that will be part of a detailed analysis and due diligence that will be brought to council for a decision at the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026. City staff have worked hard to maintain a position with Saamis Solar that allows for optionality in the future, and detailed analysis should provide the information needed for council to determine future direction.
2. What are your thoughts on the future of the energy division, specifically the concept of turning it into a municipally controlled corporation?
Although I voted against an MCC, I believe that the City needs a Rate Review Committee to enhance rate setting methodology. City staff brought 6 options for council consideration – I am leaning towards option number 5, which would delegate authority to a skills-based committee for the rate-making process, allow for greater stakeholder engagement, and minimize political influence to increase fairness for both the business and ratepayers. Costing and a variety of scenarios for each option will be brought to council for consideration and decision.
3. How would you look to balance taxation with the operation costs of running a city, as well as the services provided to residents?
Before decisions around service levels can be altered, they need to be known, and that information has not yet been finalized and provided to Council. Once service levels have been fully aggregated and established, comparisons can be made to determine if the City can adjust them for cost savings while still meeting the needs of residents. Additionally, every new development or expansion has operational costs included in the proposals and council will have to carefully consider the long-term impact of those on taxpayers while in the budget process. Regular community surveys and feedback will help form the understanding of service level expectations and can guide decision making in the future.
4. How would you approach economic development and any need to incentivize business to come to Medicine Hat?
The City’s Economic Development department has been working with regional partners to determine local advantages and targeted industry attraction. They have also been refining incentive programs based on demand and usage, with budget amendments as needed to support the business and development community. There are currently assorted grants, interest-free loans, tax exemptions and tax incentives available through the City. I am confident and speak from experience when I say that staff would bring additional incentive suggestions to Council should they think them necessary to attract or retain businesses in Medicine Hat.
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?
Communities have a responsibility to respond to the needs of all residents, including those who are unhoused. A permanent 24-hour shelter that offers both overnight accommodations and wrap-around services must be thoughtfully located, ensuring it effectively supports those accessing services while minimizing disruption to nearby businesses and residences. Meaningful community consultation and a practical assessment of potential sites is essential in identifying a location that balances these needs and leads to a lasting solution. Recognizing the ongoing challenges and sensitivity around shelter placement, I brought forward a resolution to the Inter-City Forum on Social Policy, a provincial committee on which I serve, requesting support for research into best practices for shelter locations in urban settings. This resolution was approved on September 11, 2025, and funding has been committed to support the research. While the findings may not arrive in time to inform the immediate decision in Medicine Hat, they will be valuable to municipalities and service providers across the province in making informed, evidence-based decisions on shelter placement in the future.
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 property taxes are often in the spotlight, they’re just one piece of the broader affordability puzzle. Over the past few years, we’ve seen significant increases in the cost of housing, insurance, food, and transportation as well. The City can help ease the burden on residents, both renters and homeowners, by maintaining affordability in municipal services and expanding access to supports like the Fair Entry Program. In terms of housing, the City has a role to play in encouraging the development of diverse housing options, particularly infill projects. This approach helps increase supply without placing added strain on municipal infrastructure and long-term operating budgets, in turn saving the taxpayer. Medicine Hat is on track to see hundreds of new multi-family units become available by next spring, which should help relieve pressure on the rental market. It’s also worth noting that Alberta has some of the weakest renter protections in the country, and municipalities have limited authority when it comes to rental regulations. However, there are still a few local tools worth exploring such as a landlord registry, or a residential property tax subclass targeting vacant rental properties, both of which could help support renters and promote fairer housing practices.
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?
The south side is the fastest-growing area of our city, yet it remains significantly underserved when it comes to recreational facilities, particularly pools. Many of our existing facilities are aging and no longer meet the needs of our current population or the demographics we’re aiming to attract. For years, residents have been calling for an outdoor pool on the south side. I fully support this proposal, not only because it addresses a clear community need, but also because it has the potential to attract tourism and boost our local economy. That said, the details are critical. We must carefully assess costs, especially in terms of tax implications and potential debt. Decisions around design, location, and long-term flexibility must be made thoughtfully to ensure the investment serves both current and future needs. The same considerations apply to the proposed Brier Run Sports Fields.
