North-side homeless shelter location scrapped after pushback

By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on September 27, 2025.

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A proposed location for a permanent homeless shelter, pictured here at 2055 Saamis Drive NW, has been scrapped after concerns were raised by the community.--NEWS PHOTO BRENDAN MILLER

asmith@medicinehatnews.com

A public hearing in regards to rezoning for a potential emergency shelter has been cancelled.

After “numerous inquiries and concerns related to the appropriateness of this site,” says a City of Medicine Hat statement, the Mustard Seed has withdrawn the application to rezone 2055 Saamis Drive NW for use as a shelter.

Parties involved, including the Province of Alberta, will continue exploring other options for a permanent shelter location, a task which the city noted was challenging when balancing the needs of all involved.

Community members with a suggestion for a suitable site can visit the city’s shelter services information page at medicinehat.ca/community-support-culture-safety/community-support/community-shelters.

“While the need to find a location remains a priority, it’s important to take the time to hear from the community to ensure the best possible solution,” the statement reads. “The city appreciates the Mustard Seed’s decision to withdraw the application to allow time to review and respond to concerns and to continue working together to determine a suitable location.”

With winter approaching, the city resolved to work closely with the Mustard Seed and Medicine Hat Community Housing Society for interim plans.