A lot goes into keeping City of Medicine Hat infrastructure maintained and functioning properly.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
Every community relies on physical assets to deliver essential services. Parks offer spaces for recreation. Water treatment plants and distribution pipes ensure clean water flows when we turn on the tap. Police and fire stations house equipment that enables emergency response and protects public safety.
These assets require ongoing care and, eventually, renewal. Grass in parks must be maintained, water pipes need to function without leaks, and emergency vehicles must remain ready for rapid response.
A common question residents ask is: How does the City of Medicine Hat maintain its infrastructure? The answer lies in asset management: a structured approach to caring for the city’s physical resources.
Some maintenance tasks are mandated by provincial and federal regulations. Building and safety codes dictate how often fire sprinklers are inspected, bridges are checked, and water quality is tested. These requirements influence operating budgets and long-term capital planning.
To manage infrastructure effectively, the city applies asset management principles when setting budgets and planning projects. Physical assets include water, sanitary sewer and stormwater networks, transportation systems, electrical generation and distribution, parks and recreation facilities, cultural landmarks such as the Saamis Tepee, event and theatre equipment, information technology, and municipal buildings.
When assets reach a critical point in their lifecycle, staff assess age, condition, risk, cost, legal obligations and funding availability. This data informs capital project planning and is integrated into long-term forecasts and budget strategies.
Although multiple departments oversee different types of infrastructure, a consistent system guides asset management across the organization. In 2024, city council approved the Corporate Asset Management Policy (No. 0181), which formalizes this approach. The policy aims to:
– Communicate the city’s commitment to asset management.
– Provide clear guidance for long-term strategies, mid-term plans and current activities.
– Ensure a consistent, integrated approach to developing and implementing asset management programs.
– Support strategic goals through evidence-based decision-making and transparent communication.
By applying these principles, the City of Medicine Hat ensures its infrastructure remains reliable, safe and sustainable for generations to come. Asset management is more than maintenance; it’s a commitment to protecting the services residents depend on every day.
Jeff Hoglund is the director of fleet, facilities, asset management for the City of Medicine Hat
