Local News
Elections Alberta calls for more civility from all regarding ongoing petitions
By medicinehatnews on March 12th, 2026
Elections Alberta released a statement addressing observed misinformation on the recall and citizen initiative petition processes. It says significant misinformation has been observed in the period since the first citizen initiative petition was approved on June 30, 2025. “Over the same period, Elections Alberta has received canvasser harassment reports from nearly every recall and citizen ... Read More »
1 responseGreen Energy: Local greenhouse to sell power to city
By BRENDAN MILLER on March 12th, 2026
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com The City of Medicine Hat will now purchase extra electricity generated by Big Marble Farms’ eight on-site cogeneration generators following a lengthy process to allow the greenhouse to export excess power. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday afternoon to officially mark the new connection to the city’s power grid following years of discussions and ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Province spending $275 million on various parks upgrades
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 12th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Alberta’s government is investing in provincial parks in Budget 2026, which includes $275 million to upgrade trails, expand trailheads and increase campsites and campground amenities. In 2026-27, $87 million will be invested toward more than 70 campground, day-use area and trial enhancement projects. Next year will see an additional $102 million spent on parks ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Speech adjudicator impressed with local skill as she makes first visit to Medicine Hat
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on March 12th, 2026
asmith@medicinehatnews.com As the speech portion of the 2026 Medicine Hat Rotary Music Festival comes to a close, attendees can look forward to various disciplines in the days to come. This year’s group of speech performers has been absolutely wonderful to witness, said speech adjudicator Cheryl Abma. Amba has been a speech instructor for more than ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Gopher control underway in Brooks
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 12th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Crews with the City of Brooks parks department will be conducting gopher control throughout the community until Mar. 27. Unlike Bill Murray’s character ‘Carl Spackler’ in the 1980 comedy film “Caddyshack,” crews won’t be attempting to drown gophers with large water hoses, but instead placing oat and pellet poison into gopher holes in select ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!CFSEA’s Philanthropy & Professional Advisors Tradeshow draws lots of praise
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on March 12th, 2026
asmith@medicinehatnews.com The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta hosted its inaugural Philanthropy & Professional Advisors Tradeshow on Wednesday, featured networking opportunities for various community organizations and advisers within Medicine Hat. The day was headlined by keynote speaker Joel Bray, who said the event was unlike any other he’s attended or spoken at. “I’ve never been to ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Outdated city policies and bylaws getting overview
By BRENDAN MILLER on March 12th, 2026
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com A city committee has asked staffers to review and revisit 34 bylaws and policies, some dating back to 1984, and prioritize required updates. These bylaws and policies – under control of the Administrative and Legislative Review and Government Relations Committee – include items like the ‘Official Legend of the City’s Name,’ updated in 1985, ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Social services shadow minister says UCP has wanted to make changes to AISH for years
By ZOE MASON on March 12th, 2026
zmason@medicinehatnews.com The controversial changes to the province’s disability income assistance framework have been a long time coming. At least, that’s what NDP MLA and Shadow Minister for Community and Social Services Marie Renaud believes. And the actions of the UCP government appear to back her up. In 2019, the UCP government under then-premier Jason Kenney ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Province says changes to Water Amendment Act reduce red tape, improve transparency
By medicinehatnews on March 12th, 2026
The Water Amendment Act came into effect Wednesday, altering how Albertans can access and share the precious resource. Passed in the fall session of the legislature, the act aims to modernize rules and processes associated with the Water Act, reduce red tape and improve transparency without sacrificing the strong environmental protections that Albertans expect, says ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Measles cases on the rise in Alberta again, especially South
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 12th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Measles cases are beginning to climb again in Alberta after a quiet winter. According to the province’s measles dashboard, 162 cases have been reported so far in 2026, including 36 new cases reported over the weekend. The South zone, which includes Medicine Hat, is posting the highest measles numbers early in 2026 after having ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Medicine Hat College appoints new member to board
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 12th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Medicine Hat College has appointed Terence Kowalchuk as a public member to its board of governors. Kowalchuk, a chartered professional accountant, has held roles with the provincial and federal governments and is currently the chief finance officer of Weddingstar. Additionally, Kowalchuk has worked with the Medicine Hat Skateboard Association, Medicine Hat Soccer Association and ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!
