Medicine Hat

The Corporate Services Committee meeting update covered several administrative and budgetary matters. Key topics included the forthcoming mailing of assessment notices, with associated deadlines for review and appeal. The committee was informed that property tax rates would be presented for council approval in April, with tax notices mailed in May. A discussion occurred regarding the conclusion of the IPSO survey process, noting that Ipsos will compile data for a subsequent report and presentation to council. Furthermore, the commencement of the 2027-2028 budget process was noted, which involves initial review of salary and wage templates pending council strategic priorities. An annual report on supply chain operations for 2025 was presented, detailing procurement methods (standard, non-standard, emergency), procurement policy governance, trade agreement thresholds, and a breakdown of spending categories, which consistently hovers around $160 million annually, with competitive processes accounting for the majority.

The City of Medicine Hat's Employee Culture Playbook serves as a comprehensive guide to define and activate the organization's desired culture among all employees. It outlines the foundational elements, including the city's vision, mission, and core values of accountability, care, and teamwork, which are summarized by the mantra 'We ACT.' The playbook details the essential role of each employee in embodying these values daily through specific actions, practical tools, and continuous reflection, with the overarching goal of fostering a positive, collaborative, and high-performing work environment and enhancing excellent public service delivery.

The meeting included service area updates from various departments. Environmental Utilities reported on capital projects, specifically the Kipling Street transmission main twinning project utilizing new technology and the optimization of an abandoned line. The group is also actively replacing aging water meters. Municipal Works noted the pause on the transportation master plan until Q4 2026 to focus on the Third Street North project and public engagement. Progress was reported on the Division Avenue South multi-use trail connecting Kin Culie Park and ongoing design for storm water and transportation rehabilitation projects in Industrial Southwest Park, which involves a second phase of public engagement. Discussions also covered the city's disappointment regarding WestJet ending service and efforts to find a replacement carrier. The committee received an update on the Desert Bloom and Heron Crossing multi-use trail, where staff recommended rescinding a previous council motion to reprioritize active transportation projects, although council members expressed caution about rescinding a directive due to public engagement on the specific project.

The meeting commenced with confirmation of the circulated agenda, focusing primarily on the Community Vibrancy Advisory Board (CVAB) funding framework. Discussions centered on recommendations to improve the framework following council concerns, specifically maintaining CVAB as an advisory body, updating scoring rubrics to separate festivals/events from projects/activities, and prioritizing long-standing festivals over innovation points. There was an extended discussion regarding grant application processes, funding amounts, and the role of Community Resource Workers, who are primarily social workers focused on community well-being and referral services. Separately, an update was provided on a pilot project involving a 'sled library' at Celebration Park to gauge moderate use and impact on the area.

The Public Services Committee meeting included a presentation by the Pallex Foundation regarding their Alberta Family Wellness Initiative, which focuses on developmental neuroscience and risk/vulnerability for disease. The presentation detailed the 'brain story' framework, using concepts like 'brain architecture,' 'serve and return dynamic,' and the 'resilience scale' to translate complex science into actionable policy. Key discussion points covered the synthesis of scientific research with public belief systems, the development of a free 'brain story certification course' in partnership with the University of Oxford, and system-level changes being implemented in Alberta across health, education, and child services, including policy changes reflecting the resilience scale model. The presentation also touched upon research into creating a biomarker for toxic stress in young children and an update on reimagining family justice through non-adversarial legal processes.