Members of the City of Medicine Hat's gas distribution team works on an underground repair.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
In Medicine Hat, much of the work that keeps our homes warm and businesses running happens underground – literally. The City’s Gas Distribution team plays a vital role in maintaining and upgrading the infrastructure that delivers natural gas safely and reliably across the community.
While their work may not always be visible, its impact is far-reaching. The gas engineering team works to upgrade infrastructure before problems happen and plans projects with other city departments to make sure everything runs smoothly. They follow smart planning principles to guide their work.
One notable project completed this year was a pipeline renewal in the 500 block of Seventh Street SE. Our team replaced old steel pipes that were wearing out and near the end of their service life.
In their place, we upgraded to modern polyethylene piping. The team installed new service lines, upgraded meters, and retired aging assets in alignment with long-term reliability goals, which supports system integrity. This renewal reflects the city’s commitment to proactive and sustainable infrastructure planning.
A standout example of strategic co-ordination was the Seventh Street SW and Gershaw Drive project. Originally initiated as a deep utility replacement led by Environmental Utilities, the construction created an ideal opportunity to include gas infrastructure upgrades.
The Gas Distribution team replaced 265 metres of steel gas main from 1961, aligning their work with the broader utility scope. By integrating gas into the existing construction schedule, the team helped minimize disruption to residents, businesses and traffic. This approach reduced the need for future excavations, preserved road integrity, and demonstrated the value of collaborative planning.
In a more rural setting, the team addressed a critical infrastructure integrity issue as a main replacement project. Erosion had exposed a section of pipeline, compromising its long-term viability. The team implemented a permanent solution by rerouting the pipeline using horizontal directional drilling.
This complex project involved environmental screening, landowner coordination and the installation of 400 metres of new polyethylene pipe. The original line was safely retired, and the surrounding land was restored, ensuring continued service to nearby facilities and livestock operations.
These projects highlight the breadth of work handled by the Gas Distribution engineering team, from urban renewals to rural reroutes, from design to execution. Whether co-ordinating with contractors, managing environmental risks, or communicating with residents, their work is detailed, technical and essential.
As Medicine Hat continues to grow and evolve, Gas Distribution remains a cornerstone of the city’s infrastructure. The work of the team may be underground, but it powers life above ground every single day.
Christy Garland is manager of engineering operations, utility distribution systems department, for the City of Medicine Hat
