City warns residents to watch out for fake paving companies

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on April 4, 2026.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

According to a media release Thursday, fraudulent asphalt companies have once again been reported by residents in Medicine Hat.

The city says these transient companies may offer paving service at a discounted price, however the work fails to meet minimum industry standards.

“Be aware of the risks of hiring such contractors, as they are not licensed to operate in Medicine Hat.” reads the release.

The provincial government has issued a Consumer Protection Alert on fraudulent asphalt paving companies and says they often approach consumers stating they have leftover material from a recent paving project in the area and will offer to pave a driveway or parking lot at a discounted price.

Consumers who accept the offer are then instructed to stay off the freshly paved surface for a period of days or weeks to allow the surface to harden.

However, once the consumer begins to use the surface it begins to crack, crumble and disintegrate and the paving company has often moved on from the area and cannot be located.

“Victims of this scam are then left with the expense of removing the material and redoing the paving work,” reads the Consumer Protection Alert.

The province encourages all Albertans to do their research prior to hiring a paving contractor, especially unsolicited offers.

The city has shared an online link to all active contractors who are licensed in Medicine Hat that can be found in the “Neat to Know” selection on its webpage.

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