Local News
New CBSA data shows asylum seekers down in Alberta; Travellers down, tax revenues up nationwide
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on December 17th, 2025
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com The Canadian Border Services Agency released its data for Jan. 1 to 0ct. 31 2025, painting a picture of this year’s changing trends in border security. More than 4.1 million travellers were welcomed to Alberta in the first three quarters of 2025. Notably, by Nov. 30, CBSA processed 471 applications for asylum. By the ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Respiratory outbreak declared at CHHS by Primary Care Alberta
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on December 17th, 2025
asmith@medicinehatnews.com A respiratory illness outbreak has been declared at Crescent Heights High School. A letter sent out Tuesday by Primary Care Alberta states that based on a cluster of students being ill with respiratory symptoms, parents have been notified and asked to keep their sick children home. Students should be kept home until symptoms improve ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Province to start highway speed trials
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on December 17th, 2025
asmith@medicinehatnews.com Following feedback from Albertans, the province plans to move forward with increased highway speed trials in the new year. With roughly 59,400 responses, results showed that 68 per cent of respondents were in favor of higher speed limits on rural divided highways, according to a statement from Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Christmas bird counts take flight tomorrow
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on December 17th, 2025
asmith@medicinehatnews.com Starting tomorrow, bird enthusiasts have the chance to take part in one of the largest citizen science initiatives in the country. This year marks the 126th year of the Christmas Bird Count, organized by the National Audubon Society in partnership with Birds Canada. Participants will register to head out to sites across the country ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!The Carter Morris Legacy Project wants to start a conversation about youth mental health in sports, and keep it going
By ZOE MASON on December 17th, 2025
zmason@medicinehatnews.com After her 14-year-old son passed away in April, Terri Morris launched the Carter Morris Legacy Project in his memory, seeking to raise awareness for youth mental health in the community. Carter, an avid athlete, played both football and basketball. In her initiatives with the Carter Morris Legacy Project, Morris wants to combine his passion ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Two Hatters face several charges after police seize loaded shotgun
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on December 17th, 2025
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com The Medicine Hat Police Service has charged two Hatters after responding to a disturbance Sunday involving weapons. A 35-year-old Nickolas Petke and 49-year-old Ghulam Faqeri are facing several weapons related charges after police arrested the duo and conducted a search at a home which led to the seizure of a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, a ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!MHIP hosting second birdseed fundraiser
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on December 17th, 2025
asmith@medicinehatnews.com The Medicine Hat Interpretive Centre is launching their final birdseed fundraiser of the year. “Whether you participate in project FeederWatch, the Christmas Bird Count from your backyard feeder, or simply enjoy watching the birds – we have something for everyone to enjoy,” said park interpreter Rhys Mah Poy. With several options to choose from, ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Medicine Hat Public School Division shares Fall budget updates
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on December 17th, 2025
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com The Medicine Hat Public School Division has prepared its 2025-26 Fall budget update, which has been presented to trustees and reports a balanced approach as student enrollment levels continue to decline. The school division reported a decrease of 123 students from the last school year to a total student population of 6,914 and student ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Health groups across Canada sign open letter to Carney, Health Minister demanding action on Alberta’s Bill 11
By ZOE MASON on December 17th, 2025
zmason@medicinehatnews.com An open letter signed by ten Canadian health coalitions is calling on the federal government to respond to Alberta’s law enabling dual practice in the province. The coalitions, together representing more than three million Canadians, argue that Alberta’s Bill 11, which was passed last week, represents a violation of the Canada Health Act. Alberta’s ... Read More »
1 responseCouncil approved police wage increase in new collective agreement
By BRENDAN MILLER on December 17th, 2025
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com City councillors unanimously approved a wage increase to members of the Medicine Hat Police Association Monday during its regular meeting that will be pulled from the city operating budget. With the approval of the motion, police officers will see a pay increase of 3.75 per cent ratified to the beginning of 2025, as well ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Utility service bump made official; average residential customer to see $3.06 per month added
By BRENDAN MILLER on December 16th, 2025
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com Following two public presentations Monday night, city councillors voted unanimously to adopt changes to the electric and gas utility bylaws that will see a small increase to bills in 2026. Changes to the 2026 budget will affect customers differently by class, however the average residential monthly electric bill will experience a year-over-year increase of ... Read More »
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