City services program for Ukrainians could be extended to all refugees
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on September 2, 2023.
https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews A year-old program to provide Ukrainians fleeing conflict in their country with certain city services free of charge for three months could be extended and offered to all refugees when they initially settle in Medicine Hat. The city’s public services committee heard this week that the program launched in May 2022 provided up to three monthly passes for city transit or recreation facilities per individual through Saamis Immigration services. Through one year, a total of 465 monthly transit passes were distributed along with 156 monthly memberships to the Big Marble Go Centre. Officials state that in total, a little more than $28,000 in revenue was waived under the program. “The program comes at no added cost to the city, as capacity exists within the (transit and rec systems),” said Leah Prestayko, director of the city’s community development department. “The program is designed to promote Medicine Hat as a welcoming community and support growth, specifically offering additional supports to those forced to seek refuge outside their home countries while they get settled and acquainted with our community.” The specific number of people helped is not immediately clear as some may have acquired one, two or a maximum of three passes. A total of 239 adult bus passes were provided along with 70 youth/child passes. Adult rec passes provided to adults numbered 106, to youths 32 and to children 18. Those breakdowns form the cost analysis. Due to the nominal cost and relatively low number of applications, administrators are evaluating whether to provide the program on an ongoing basis to individuals with federal refugee status. 9-8
