Local News
Speech adjudicator impressed with local skill as she makes first visit to Medicine Hat
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on March 12th, 2026
asmith@medicinehatnews.com As the speech portion of the 2026 Medicine Hat Rotary Music Festival comes to a close, attendees can look forward to various disciplines in the days to come. This year’s group of speech performers has been absolutely wonderful to witness, said speech adjudicator Cheryl Abma. Amba has been a speech instructor for more than ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Outdated city policies and bylaws getting overview
By BRENDAN MILLER on March 12th, 2026
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com A city committee has asked staffers to review and revisit 34 bylaws and policies, some dating back to 1984, and prioritize required updates. These bylaws and policies – under control of the Administrative and Legislative Review and Government Relations Committee – include items like the ‘Official Legend of the City’s Name,’ updated in 1985, ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Social services shadow minister says UCP has wanted to make changes to AISH for years
By ZOE MASON on March 12th, 2026
zmason@medicinehatnews.com The controversial changes to the province’s disability income assistance framework have been a long time coming. At least, that’s what NDP MLA and Shadow Minister for Community and Social Services Marie Renaud believes. And the actions of the UCP government appear to back her up. In 2019, the UCP government under then-premier Jason Kenney ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!CFSEA’s Philanthropy & Professional Advisors Tradeshow draws lots of praise
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on March 12th, 2026
asmith@medicinehatnews.com The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta hosted its inaugural Philanthropy & Professional Advisors Tradeshow on Wednesday, featured networking opportunities for various community organizations and advisers within Medicine Hat. The day was headlined by keynote speaker Joel Bray, who said the event was unlike any other he’s attended or spoken at. “I’ve never been to ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Measles cases on the rise in Alberta again, especially South
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 12th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Measles cases are beginning to climb again in Alberta after a quiet winter. According to the province’s measles dashboard, 162 cases have been reported so far in 2026, including 36 new cases reported over the weekend. The South zone, which includes Medicine Hat, is posting the highest measles numbers early in 2026 after having ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Province says changes to Water Amendment Act reduce red tape, improve transparency
By medicinehatnews on March 12th, 2026
The Water Amendment Act came into effect Wednesday, altering how Albertans can access and share the precious resource. Passed in the fall session of the legislature, the act aims to modernize rules and processes associated with the Water Act, reduce red tape and improve transparency without sacrificing the strong environmental protections that Albertans expect, says ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Medicine Hat College appoints new member to board
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 12th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Medicine Hat College has appointed Terence Kowalchuk as a public member to its board of governors. Kowalchuk, a chartered professional accountant, has held roles with the provincial and federal governments and is currently the chief finance officer of Weddingstar. Additionally, Kowalchuk has worked with the Medicine Hat Skateboard Association, Medicine Hat Soccer Association and ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Pembina urges governments to remove renewable restrictions
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 11th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com A new report from the Pembina Institute is calling for the Alberta and federal governments to remove obstacles the province has placed on renewable energy generation over the course of ongoing talks about emissions policy. The November memorandum of understanding being Alberta and Ottawa suspended clean energy regulations pending a negotiated agreement on carbon ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Fraud Prevention Month: focus on investment-style scams
By Medicine Hat News on March 11th, 2026
From pyramid and Ponzi schemes to cryptocurrency-related fraud, the Medicine Hat Police Service is reminding Hatters to be vigilant when investing money during the second week of Fraud Prevention Month. On Tuesday the MHPS released its second Public Service Announcement this month highlighting investment scams that can happen in person, over the phone, online or ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Omnibus bill consolidates caregiver supports, adds tourism fee
By ZOE MASON on March 11th, 2026
zmason@medicinehatnews.com An omnibus bill was tabled Tuesday to update several laws related to Alberta Budget 2026, including consolidating caregiver supports and levying a new fee for the tourism sector. Budget 2026 proposes a deficit of $9.4 billion for the coming fiscal year, more than double the current deficit. “These uncertain economic times require cautious and ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Brooks council eyes $15-million loan for new public works facility
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 11th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com The City of Brooks is seeking to borrow $14.49 million to pay for construction or purchase of a new public works and utilities facility. The debenture bylaw was given first reading by city councillors on Feb. 23. If approved, the Centennial City would seek a 35-year loan from the province or authorized financial institution ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!
