City looking to continue relief rebate program for vulnerable residents

By Brendan Miller on November 10, 2023.

Members of the corporate services committee heard details surrounding the 2024 Fair Entry Program during its meeting Thursday.

Councillors are expected to vote on adopting the 2024 Fair Entry Program for a second year next month during council.

The rebate program is designed to provide assistance to vulnerable residents struggling with the rising cost of living. The city adopted the Fair Entry Rebate program last year with a budget of $1.8 million.

The purposed 2024 Fair Entry Program would be funded by an unused portion of last year’s budget, which remains at $1.2 million.

Qualifying residents received a $1,200 relief credit to their utility bills per household as well as a 75 per cent discount for recreation programs at Big Marble Go Centre, Crestwood Recreation Centre and outdoor pools. They also received a 75 per cent discount on education programs at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre as well as 75 per cent discount on monthly transit passes.

So far nearly 900 residents have received the rebate.

If the Fair Entry Program is adopted in 2024 by council, city officials hope to reach more people who could benefit from the rebate program.

“This would be a fantastic addition to be able to provide this program into the future as we do know there is extreme need in our community especially for our residents,” says Denise Schmaltz, manager of customer care and development.

“Our collections team works very closely with community partners on a daily basis in regards to customers having difficulties paying their utility bills or that have a disconnect warning notice or have been disconnected,” adds Schmaltz.

To qualify for the 2023 program you must be a resident of Medicine Hat and make less than $46,700 annual in a household of four or less than $23,000 annual for a single resident.

Applications to the Fair Entry Program can be found on the City of Medicine Hat’s website.

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