Council candidate unabashed in plans to tackle issues like ‘unhousable’

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on September 19, 2025.

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asmith@medicinehatnews.com

Council candidate Stephen Campbell simply wants to do his part to keep Medicine Hat a beautiful place to live, both for himself and for generations to come.

Municipal politics has always been something Campbell wanted to pursue, though he wouldn’t consider himself a traditional politician. This is his second time running for council, which remains his ultimate goal. It is his hope he can spend the next term doing his part to create a city where his grandchildren will be able to stay and enjoy living in.

“I did fairly well for my first time around, but I wasn’t as prepared as I was this time,” said Campbell. “I’ve learned a lot more since the last time, so I have now the experience in my pocket that I’m confident I’ll be able to do a really good job moving forward.”

Campbell supports a tax freeze for residents, as well as exploring options on how the city might be able to actually lower taxes and utilities.

“I’m a supporter of keeping our utilities in Medicine Hat and not under the control of a municipal controlled corporation,” said Campbell. “I believe that there’s some optimism that our utilities could be very profitable if we do things right and at the same time reduce the cost for the citizens and make us prosperous again.”

He believes council ultimately answers to the people of Medicine Hat and as such should be doing everything in its power to keep said people happy. One of the biggest areas where council can improve in this respect, he says, is reducing red tape that he says can make development or conducting business difficult for small or medium-sized entrepreneurs in the area.

“A big part of my focus will be reducing the red tape, and ensuring that entrepreneurs get the respect they deserve. Inspections and answers should come within a 24-hour period, not waiting weeks or months or even sometimes years,” said Campbell.

Campbell also wants to have a more city-driven effort to revitalize downtown, instead of the current approach, which he says focuses more on enabling the businesses and organizations there to do the legwork.

One part of that, says Campbell, is taking a firmer approach to addressing homelessness and petty crime within Medicine Hat.

“I think that a lot to do with the homelessness and petty crime are hand in hand. I think we need to take, and I’m going to be probably the more vocal one when it comes to this, a tough approach and start enforcing more when it comes to petty crimes in Medicine Hat,” said Campbell.

He says this approach should primarily focus on those he referred to as “unhousable,” those who refuse assistance, as he feels this is likely a main source of a petty crime issue.

“I think that can help in a lot of ways. I plan on taking a tough approach on that. I’m even willing to, if necessary, call a state of emergency in this city, if that’s what we have to do to get people off the street,” said Campbell.

If elected, residents can expect Campbell to represent Medicine Hat with full transparency, something he says is lacking in the current council. With a background in both business and oil and gas, he feels he has the background to accurately represent many of the people who call the city home.

“You’re not going to see feel-good ideas. You’re going to see good common-sense ideas,” said Campbell.

He also supports the notion of referendums and other ways that might allow more of a direct voice for citizenship into municipal politics, assuring residents he would advocate for that.

Those interested in Campbell’s platform or getting in touch are encouraged to visit votestephencampbell2025.ca.