Local News
Another record year for tourism dollars in Alberta
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 24th, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com The Alberta economy recorded the highest level of visitor spending in the province’s history in 2025, marking the second straight year of record-setting growth. Visitors spent a total of $15.2 billion in the province last year, an increase of six per cent year-over-year, almost double the national average for growth. Tourism in Alberta supports ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Rapid response: Local firefighters best their time targets in 2025
By BRENDAN MILLER on February 24th, 2026
bmiller@medicinehatnews.com Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services averaged six minutes and 18 seconds to respond to more than 1,300 red alarm incidents in 2025, several minutes below the provincial average and below the approved time set by council. On Monday, fire chief Chad Eakins presented the Fire and Emergency Services’ 2025 year-in-review report to members ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Tax penalty deadline approaching for Brooks residents
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 21st, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com The City of Brooks has released a reminder of upcoming penalties that will be applied to residents with outstanding taxes. A 4 per cent penalty will be applied to all outstanding tax accounts after Feb. 28, and city staff have provided several ways to make payments before the deadline. Payments can be made in ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Veiner Centre and Family Services to host wellbeing workshop
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 21st, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com Next week the Unison at Veiner Centre is partnering with Medicine Hat Family Services to host a workshop aimed at helping participants find peace of mind. “Letting Go: Feeling Stuck in your Thoughts?” will explore practical ways to help find more calm during day-to-day routine and techniques to help feel more grounded. “If your ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Province announces $61M drug preparation centre in Calgary
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 21st, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com The province announced this week a multi-million dollar investment into a new drug preparation centre it says will improve medication access in southern Alberta. The government of Alberta is spending $61 million over three years to construct the new centre in Calgary, which will centralize preparation and distribution of pharmaceuticals in the region. The ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Medicine Hat group joining Edmonton, Calgary in pro-Canadian federation events on Saturday
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on February 21st, 2026
asmith@medicinehatnews.com Albertans will gather today in Calgary, Edmonton and Medicine Hat to celebrate the province’s vital and inseparable role within the Canadian federation, according to organizers of an anti-separatist event. Local organizer Brittany Doctor says while the event was initially conceived by partners in Edmonton and Calgary, she’s pleased to be including the Gas City ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Critics blast Smith’s immigration, Constitutional plans following TV address
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 21st, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com A variety of public advocacy groups, unions and opponents have responded to Premier Danielle Smith’s Thursday night address to the province. In Thursday’s speech, Smith addressed low oil prices, immigration and Alberta’s relationship to the Canadian federation. She also announced a nine-question referendum coming Oct. 19. Alberta Union for Provincial Employees president Sandra Azocar ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Separation question to be added if petition succeeds, Smith says; Premier unsure what province will save by restricting services for immigrants
By ZOE MASON on February 21st, 2026
zmason@medicinehatnews.com Premier Danielle Smith provided more details at a media availability Friday about the referendum coming in October. Smith announced the referendum during her address to the province Thursday night. The referendum poses nine questions to Albertans, including several non-constitutional questions about the future of Alberta’s immigration policy and a number of constitutional questions seeking ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Three decades in the making, long sought after teepee coming to fruition
By ANNA SMITH Local Journalism Initiative on February 21st, 2026
asmith@medicinehatnews.com The White Horse Rider Co. teepee project is just about ready to kick off, and residents are invited to come learn about the plans to create a space to open dialogue and learn anything Indigenous. The story behind these teepees started more than 30 years ago, says organizer Brenda Mercer, during a visit to ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!City acquired more than $5 million in real estate sale revenue last year
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 21st, 2026
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com The City of Medicine Hat in 2025 sold 42 single -family lots and nine duplex lots in developed subdivisions, for total sales of $5.1 million. Figures were presented to members of the energy, land and environment committee Thursday during a presentation on the 2025 report on land and real estate sales and acquisitions. According ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Province, city, Rotary combine to provide $250,000 to Monarch 1911 Society
By ZOE MASON on February 21st, 2026
zmason@medicinehatnews.com The historic Monarch Theatre received a significant investment Friday from a combination of government and community partners. Monarch 1911 Society treasurer Brian Robinson says the society purchased the theatre in 2023 with the goal of becoming the stewards of Canada’s oldest purpose-built movie theatre. The theatre has been operating for 115 years. “Once ownership ... Read More »
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