Shona Dickie, community supports manager, speaks Monday to members of the public services committee about the progress of Community Well-Being Plan.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER
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A year-long exercise to define and measure “community well-being” in Medicine Hat is complete, and a plan of action to improve conditions is due early in the new year, a city committee heard Monday.
However, there may not be any money in the next city budget to get things rolling until 2026, depending on a suggested list of deferred spending items called for by council.
Monday’s meeting of the public services committee heard that surveys, stakeholder sessions and focus groups are complete and a final report meant to gauge well-being is in the final stage of revision.
The $100,000 study outlines seven areas of focus, as well as areas that require support, to encourage participation and economic well-being of residents.
That effort was earmarked to receive about $250,000 per year to augment city programs and partner with community agencies, starting with $150,000 in 2025.
Main aspirational goals are to reduce poverty, promote public safety, support mental health and addiction strategies, among others.
Coun. Ramona Robins asked after a presentation about comparisons to other cities and was told problems are familiar to most municipalities, but Medicine Hat is starting with a strong relationship with community agencies.
As for funding, Robins was told initial money could be pushed off by one year.
“That plan is not determined yet,” she said, stating council is debating the overall budget due by year end.
In July, council directed budget planners during a committee of the whole meeting to outline capital and major new operating expenses to further prioritize projects, with the aim of reducing spending and cutting into a proposed tax increase.
That came back last week with administrators, stating they outlined $8 million in “growth” related capital, though no specifics were given.
The final “well-being” report is due in first few months of 2025, though initial results from voluntary surveys show about half (51 per cent) of Hatters agree they are offered opportunities to “connect with the community through events, programs and volunteer opportunities,” while a quarter didn’t.
Similar proportions were recorded in sense of belonging or finding stable employment.
Two thirds felt they had access to stable, affordable housing and opportunities to recreation programs.
Coun. Robert Dumanowski said the responses “don’t terribly surprise me.”
“It’s a strong report, and I look forward to seeing the actions planned and some key performance indications,” he told committee. “Sometimes recognition can go a long ways to addressing the problems.”
The smallest number felt they had adequate access to health services (31 per cent), compared to 48 per cent who disagreed.
Administrators said though the results may show a majority of survey respondents are generally pleased, others are struggling and that was revealed in more focused sessions.
“Certainly not everyone has access to housing and there are definitely barriers,” said Shona Dickie, of the city’s community development department, with affordability, availability and suitability the main hurdles cited.
Information was gathered from 1,000 individuals through a survey, open houses and 16 focus groups, as well as the city’s Municipal Mingle.
Key statements of well-being were a sense of belonging, economic stability, health and recreation, safety, natural environment and transportation.
“We see themes here, and that’s what people want to see in the future,” said Dickie.
The final report will be discussed with social agencies and other city departments to determine partnerships, align work and determine overlap before the action plan is developed, she said.
