Local News
Province to pull funding from climate action centre that provided city with $700K
By ZOE MASON on March 20th, 2026
zmason@medicinehatnews.com A funding stream for municipal climate action is drying up, according to provincial budget documents. The Municipal Climate Change Action Centre has offered up to $500,000 in funding on a matching basis to 175 municipalities since 2009. Budget 2026 suggests the province will stop funding it after this cycle. “The city has been really ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Clarification: Article correctly states council will set utility rates, incorrectly state review committee approved
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 20th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com The News would like to issue clarification to an article published March 18, “Council to keep setting all utility rates.” The wording of the article states “council approved a motion to establish a rate review committee,” however council voted against the establishment of a rate review committee and voted in favour of setting future ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Downtown vibrancy grant program opens April 1
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 20th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Local businesses and property owners downtown planning to enhance visual appeal of their commercial space will be able to apply for a City Centre Vibrancy Program grant starting in April. The program includes two funding options up to a maximum of $30,000 per applicant to fund improvements such as fence upgrades, signage, lighting, accessibility ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Around the Veiner: Dementia support workshop to run in April
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 20th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Next month the Unison at Veiner Centre is hosting a workshop in collaboration with the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories for individuals living with dementia, as well as their support system. The workshop is aimed to help participants learn more about how dementia impacts the brain and how to make informed choices ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!RCMP officer quick to arrest intoxicated theft suspect
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 20th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Lawrence Bearshirt, 47, is facing three charges after he allegedly stole items from the Esso in Bassano and threatened to shoot staff late Tuesday night. RCMP responded to the robbery at 11:15 p.m. on March 17 after Bearshirt placed an unknown quantity of items into his bag and refused to pay. Police say when ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Chamber of commerce to discuss Saamis Solar at Tuesday info session
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on March 20th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com The Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce is holding an information session for members of the business community to learn about the forthcoming Saamis Solar project. The chamber is hoping to provide members with accurate, consistent information as Medicine Hat evaluates its path in the evolving energy landscape. ‘Understanding the Energy Transition in Medicine Hat’ ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Full Circle Moments: Hometown performers return as adjudicators to Rotary Music Festival where it all began
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on March 20th, 2026
asmith@medicinehatnews.com As the 2026 Medicine Hat Rotary Music Festival comes to a close, three Hatters reflect on their return to the city to adjudicate a festival they had once performed in. Brendan Catalano, Hunter Semrau and Soren Lorentzen, who were this year’s adjudicators for Woodwinds and Brass, Musical Theatre and Strings, respectively, all got their ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Rotary Music Festival’s top performers return for tonight’s Rose Bowl
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on March 20th, 2026
asmith@medicinehatnews.com The best of the best for this year’s Medicine Hat Rotary Music Festival hit the stage this evening for the 2026 Rose Bowl. Over the course of the past two weeks, adjudicators from across the province and beyond have heard countless young performers across various categories, carefully selecting those to set their sights on ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Inclusion Alberta welcomes proposed changes to MAiD
By ZOE MASON on March 20th, 2026
zmason@medicinehatnews.com Inclusion Alberta is applauding a bill tabled this week that would implement new restrictions on the provision of medical assistance in dying. Mental health and disability advocacy groups have largely protested the expansion 2021 expansion of Canada’s MAiD policy to include individuals whose sole underlying condition is mental illness or for individuals with disabilities ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Police cadet graduation to cap intensive 24 weeks
By BRENDAN MILLER on March 20th, 2026
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com At the end of the month police cadets enrolled in the Medicine Hat Police Services 24-week intensive recruit training program will earn their badge at a graduation ceremony at Patterson Armoury. Members of the Medicine Hat Police Commission heard that four MHPS cadets and another representing the Blood Tribe Police Service will officially become ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!MHIP’s latest nature walk tailored to photography lovers
By medicinehatnews on March 19th, 2026
Aspiring nature photographers can join the Medicine Hat Interpretive Program on a tour of some of the park’s most scenic spots on its latest nature walk. This guided nature walk will take attendees throughout Police Point Park to capture its beauty as they learn more about taking photos outdoors. Photographers of all ages and skill ... Read More »
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