Municipal Matters: Neighbourhood Associations building a stronger Medicine Hat

By Shantel Ottenbreit on August 15, 2025.

Imagine stepping outside your front door and being greeted not just by familiar faces, but by friends. Picture a neighbourhood where people lend a hand, share stories, and celebrate together. In Medicine Hat, this vision is becoming a reality thanks to the growing network of Neighbourhood Associations-grassroots groups that are transforming streets into communities.

Neighbourhood Associations are more than just event organizers-they’re the heartbeat of a connected city. These resident-led groups bring people together to plan local activities, advocate for improvements, and build lasting relationships. With seven active associations and four more in development, Medicine Hat is embracing the power of neighbourliness like never before.

Having an established Neighbourhood Association offers a wide range of benefits that help strengthen the social fabric of a community. Residents gain priority access to shared resources like trailers and equipment, templates for posters and invitations, and hands-on support for planning and hosting events. More importantly, these associations amplify the voices of residents, making it easier to advocate for changes and improvements in their area.

But the real magic lies in the connections formed. Neighbourhood Associations foster camaraderie, promote safety, and create spaces where neighbours become friends. When people feel connected to those around them, the entire neighbourhood thrives.

Getting to know your neighbours isn’t just nice-it’s transformative. It builds a genuine sense of belonging and creates a support network where people can lean on each other. Whether it’s borrowing a ladder, sharing gardening tips, or exchanging cultural traditions, these everyday interactions enrich lives and strengthen communities.

Strong neighbourhood ties also lead to resource sharing and collaboration, increased awareness of local events and opportunities, greater appreciation of diverse perspectives, and a safer, more inclusive environment.

The impact of Neighbourhood Associations is best seen in the stories shared by residents. One organizer recalled a new neighbour hugging them in gratitude after a community event. Another described a heartwarming moment where a four-year-old and a senior-who had just met-chatted over hot dogs like old friends.

Other heartwarming stories of note include:

– Neighbours who had lived side-by-side for years finally connecting;

– Intergenerational storytelling sparked by a block party;

– Young families forming lasting friendships through playdates;

– Residents joining walking clubs and naturalist groups they discovered at events;

– Driveway conversations and spontaneous greetings becoming the norm.

These moments show that when people come together, they create something truly special.

Starting or joining a Neighbourhood Association is easy. Visit our Shape Your City page (shapeyourcity.medicinehat.ca) and scroll to the ‘Register a Neighbourhood Association’ tab. You’ll find a helpful toolkit with step-by-step guidance, templates for invitations and posters, and ideas for activities. The City also offers microgrants of up to $500 to help kickstart your first event.

Whether you’re just curious or ready to dive in, support is available every step of the way. The Neighbourhood Associations of Medicine Hat and Area act as a backbone agency, helping with grant applications, event planning, and reducing barriers to connection.

The collective goal is simple yet powerful: to see a Neighbourhood Association in every area of Medicine Hat. With structure, support, and a shared passion for community, residents can make a meaningful impact right where they live.

In the end, it’s about more than events or resources-it’s about heart. It’s about caring for one another, celebrating together, and building a city where everyone feels at home. When we invest in our neighbourhoods, we invest in each other. And that’s a legacy worth creating.

Shantel Ottenbreit is a community resource worker for the City of Medicine Hat

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