Medicine Hat

Welcome

The community of Medicine Hat extends a warm Southern Alberta welcome.

Located in a semi-arid climate with approximately 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, Medicine Hat is Canada’s “sunniest city” with more hours of sunshine than anywhere in Canada. Medicine Hat has one of the longest growing seasons in the province at about 188+ days.

Chinook winter winds, warm, dry winds that descend the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in winter, can raise temperatures by as much as 34 degrees Celsius in one day. Low humidity makes the temperatures in summer and winter a little easier to endure.

Medicine Hat is also referred to as “the oasis on the prairies” for it lush greenery, over 100 city parks and hundreds of trees that line the shore of the South Saskatchewan River Valley that runs through the centre of the city.

View the Welcome to Medicine Hat booklet by clicking here

Hatters enjoy a quality of life that is hard to match with the best people, location and natural resources available. A quality of life indicators survey conducted in 2007 asked residents to respond to several open-ended questions that related to what they liked most about living in Medicine Hat. What respondents liked most (in descending order) was:

1.     The small town / small city feel

2.     The size

3.     The people

4.     The city in general

5.     Accessibility (convenient to get around)

A recent Medicine Hat Police Services survey indicated Hatter’s satisfaction with the safety of the city is very high and satisfaction with their encounters, interaction and relationships with the police service and felt comfortable in their handling of crime.

Medicine Hat’s population of over 60,000 (2008 City Census), has resulted in a tremendous growth in our economy. It’s an exciting time to live in Medicine Hat with new business and retail stores springing up almost overnight and a residential growth that shows little sign of slowing. The addition of Costco to the retail market and the opening of a new Super Walmart scheduled to open in fall 2008 along with a mix of cultural restaurants offer Hatters and the community a little of everything.

Medicine Hat is one of the only cities in the world that owns and manages its own electric and gas utility. Built on a massive natural gas field, Medicine Hat has been providing residents and businesses of the city with natural gas since 1904. In addition, a percentage of the revenue for the utilities is given back to the residents as dividends in the form of some of the lowest utility and property tax rates in the country.

Situated at the crossroads of the Trans Canada Highway 1 and Highway 3 and located 168 kilometres from Lethbridge, 293 kilometres Calgary and 146 kilometres from the United States border, Medicine Hat has easy access to every part of the world.

Medicine Hat is rich in history and unique attractions. Come and experience them for yourself.

Mayor Norm Boucher

Area Overview

Acording to the 2008 City Census, Medicine Hat’s population is more than 60,000 people . With an area of 112 square kilometres Medicine Hat is definitely not a bedroom community. We boast a self-sufficiency that is the envy of many communities.

Medicine Hat has seen tremendous growth in the past few years. Thanks to the large base of natural gas and oilfield activity Medicine Hat continues to prosper.

This has resulted in a growth in the retail sector of the city as well as the housing market. The housing market has continued to increase as many other communities start to see a slow down in the building market and land development.

Situated at the crossroads of the Trans Canada Highway 1 and Highway 3 and located 168 kilometres from Lethbridge, 293 kilometres Calgary and 146 kilometres from the United States border, Medicine Hat has easy access to every part of the world. It is the southeast entrance to Alberta’s industrial corridor.

Medicine Hat is 721 metres above sea level and is about 112 km².

Medicine Hat City Council 2007

Climate

Medicine Hat is Canada's sunniest city. The 2005 Environment Canada study reports that Medicine Hat receives an average of 2,513 hours of sunshine per year, which makes it the sunniest city in all of Canada.

The climate in Medicine Hat is semi-arid and characterized by dry, hot summers and mild winters. Warm chinook winds during the winter add to the pleasant weather conditions. The average temperature during July is 23 Celsius (73.4 Fahrenheit); during January is -12.6 Celsius (9.3 Fahrenheit). Mean rainfall is only 230 mm (8.7 inches) per year.

Community Services

MUNICIPAL

City of Medicine Hat
City Hall, 580 - 1st Street SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 8E6
Tel: 403-529-8373
Fax: 403-502-8061
Toll Free: 1-888-4-The-Hat (1-888-484-3428)
Website: www.medicinehat.ca
email: business@medicinehat.ca

Search the website for:

• Assessment and Taxation
• Building Permits and Inspections
• Business Licence
• Business Support
• Land and Properties
• Licensing
• Transit
• Public Utilities
• Parks and Outdoor Recreation
• Community Development
• Culture and Recreation
• Medicine Hat Public Library

For the Medicine Hat area view the Statistics Information Package

Alberta Government

Advanced Education Alberta Agriculture Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry Child Welfare Crown Prosecutor Court of the Queen's Bench Energy Resources Conservation Board Family and Social Services Fish and Wildlife Medical Examiner-Coroner Mental Health Clinic Provincial Parks Provincial Court Public Lands Transportation and Utilities Vehicle Inspection

Government of Canada

• Environment Canada
• Federal Business Development Bank
• Canada Employment Centre
• National Defence [CFB Suffield]
• Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration
• Revenue Canada
• Transport Canada

Medicine Hat City Hall and South Saskatchewan River

Community Lifestyle

RECREATION

Medicine Hat residents have more recreational facilities per capita than most other cities in Canada. We offer superior recreational facilities, more than 92 kilometres (57 miles) of hiking/biking trails and 250 hectares (618 acres) of parks. There are six first-class golf courses, three indoor and four outdoor pools, six indoor ice arena's, indoor and outdoor waterslides, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, skateboard park and BMX track. If you enjoy ice, water or sun, there's a sport for every season. 

For the avid hockey sports fan, Medicine Hat is home to the Medicine Hat Tigers of the Western Canada Junior Hockey League.

Three private campgrounds and one municipally operated campground provide a full range of facilities (224 camping sites). All of the campgrounds offer access to the regional trail system, the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) and Highway #3 providing visitors with safe and easy access to many of the city's major parks, attractions and businesses.

Medicine Hat is 45 minutes from Cypress Hills Provincial Park. Cypress Hills is one of the few areas in the southeast untouched by the glacial period. The Park offers superb recreational amenities including boating, hiking and skiing. The park is a great place to spend a weekend camping!

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS

With over 312 organizations in Medicine Hat, there is a club to interest everyone. For more information, please refer to the Southeast Alberta Regional Directory, which lists contact names, meeting times and fees for every organization in Medicine Hat. Visit the City of Medicine Hat's website and follow the links under City Services/Community Development/Community Organizations, or call the City of Medicine Hat Community Development Department at (403) 529-8311 for a copy.

RELIGIOUS FACILITIES

There are more than 40 places of worship in Medicine Hat, covering most denominations. A complete listing of churches and religious organizations is found in the Telephone Directory Yellow Pages under "church and religious organizations".

SPECIAL ANNUAL EVENTS / ATTRACTIONS

The Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre, a multi-million dollar project, officially opened its doors on October 22, 2005. The Esplanade brings together our museum, archives and art gallery, as well as adds a new performing arts theatre and discovery centre all under one roof. The Esplanade is a place for everyone - a community centre at the centre of the community - where we celebrate and showcase the spirit of Medicine Hat.

The award-winning Medicine Hat Cultural Centre, located on the Medicine Hat College campus, houses the College's Conservatory of Music and Dance for students of all ages. The facility provides teaching and studio space for visual artists and rehearsal and performance space for dance and theatre groups hosted by community cultural organizations. Programs offered by the City in the arts and crafts are available to the entire community.

Downtown Medicine Hat's symbol of progress and efficiency, the award-winning City Hall, embodies a startling architectural style complete with a myriad of windows letting in the Southern Alberta sunshine. City Hall is home to a brick mural by local artist James Marshall which depicts one of the legends of Medicine Hat.

The Police Point Nature Centre is located in a nature reserve and offers interpretive programs which explore the natural and historical aspects of the South Saskatchewan River Basin.

The Medicine Hat Public Library also hosts art exhibits, concerts and public seminars. Other attractions in Medicine Hat include the Connaught Golf Club, Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club, Cottonwood Coulee Golf Course, Downtown Historic Tour, Saamis TePee, Gas City Campground, Wild Rose Campground, Exhibition and Stampede Grounds, and waterslides.

ANNUAL EVENTS:

• The Spectrum Festival - June
• Canada Day Celebration - July 1
• Home & Garden Tradeshow - March
• Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede - July/August
• Medicine Hat Indoor Pro Rodeo
• Medicine Hat College Rattler Run
• YMCA Fun Run
• Christmas Craft Tradeshow - November

ANNUAL CULTURAL EVENTS:

• Jazz Festival - June
• Junior Strings Camp 
• Rotary Music Festival - March
• One Act Play Festival
• Musical Theatre
• Craft Co-Mingle - November
• Artisan's Fair - September
• Medicine Hat Film Festival - March

HOSPITALITY

Nightlife, dining and shopping are other great traditional activities that are widely enjoyed. Medicine Hat also has 3 shopping malls: the Medicine Hat Mall, South View Centre and the Medicine Hat Co-op Mall. The City also has several power centres such as the Real Canadian Superstore, Wal-Mart, London Drugs, Winners, The Bay, Sears, Zellers, Canadian Tire, SportCheck, Home Depot, Totem Building Supplies, Leons Furniture, Rona Home Centres and Staples.

Medicine Hat has a healthy, safe and energetic downtown with over 200 businesses and services including jewellers, clothing stores, legal and accounting professionals, drugstores, movie theatres and many fine restaurants and hotels. Downtown Medicine Hat has maintained its historic charm with antique gas lamps and brick sidewalks. The beautiful downtown district is attractive to customers whose patronage keeps the downtown shops thriving.

ACCOMMODATION

Medicine Hat has a wide range of local and regional hotels, with in excess of 1500 rooms available in the city. A complete listing of accomodations is listed in the Telephone Directory under Yellow Pages "Hotels and Motels" or visit the Medicine Hat Tourism website at www.tourismmedicinehat.com

RESTAURANTS

There are a variety of dining experiences, including many ethnic specialty restaurants, available in Medicine Hat. A complete listing of restaurants is listed in the Telephone Directory under Yellow Pages "Restaurants" or visit the Medicine Hat Tourism website at www.tourismmedicinehat.com

Economic Base

Oil and Gas

Southeast Alberta and Southwest Saskatchewan continue to enjoy record oil and gas activity levels. Shallow gas development in particular looks like it will be very busy, not only in the short term but also well into the future. Medicine Hat sits very much in the centre of this activity and because of our population and work force; all the major players in the oil and gas sevice sector have operations here. About 250 companies in the region supply goods and services to the oilfield industry.

Construction Aggregates

Construction, road building, roofing and winter traction needs are produced with the sand and gravel supplies that surround Medicine Hat.

Clay

The ceramic industry has thrived in Medicine Hat for over 100 years. Two natural resources, the clay deposits and the supply of natural gas, have resulted in some of the most beautiful and long-lasting stoneware and dinnerware ever created. Almost every household or lodging in Canada and around the world has had a Medalta or Hycroft crock or bowl in their collection.

 Agriculture

Agriculture has been a primary contributor to the economy of Medicine Hat. Although mainly wheat crops and cattle have been grown in the past, new policies are aggressively supporting the diversification opportunities for field and specialty crops and the expansion of the food processing industry.

Field Crops – Wheat is the main field crop in the area. Other common grains include canola, flax, barley and oats. About 90 per cent of the fields are dry-land and about 40 per cent are irrigated crops.

Specialty Crops – Among the species of specialty crops grown in the area are corn, carrots, safflower, sunflowers and beans. Recent studies indicate Medicine Hat has the potential for growing a variety of herbs, essential oils and spice crops.

Irrigation – Irrigation is provided by the St. Mary’s River Irrigation District, the largest in Canada. Irrigation allows producers to diversify their crops. Although dry-land farming is still pre-dominant in the area, there are currently about 2060 kilometres (1280 miles) of canals and pipelines feeding 150,500 hectares (372,000 acres) of irrigated land surrounding Medicine Hat.

Livestock – Lakeside Packers in Brooks (100 kilometres / 66 miles northwest of Medicine Hat) has resulted in approximately 1600 full time permanent positions on staff and a target of more than 4700 head of cattle slaughtered daily. Over 1.1 million cattle were slaughtered in the plant in 2005. 55 per cent of all slaughter sales were exported to the United States, Latin America and Asia.

Exotic Animals – Several breeds of animals raised in Medicine Hat including elk and buffalo, are raised primarily for meat processing and sales to markets throughout Canada, United States, Europe and Asia. Ostrich are used primarily for breeding and sale of eggs. Llamas are raised for wool and breeding stock and pheasants raised near Cypress Hills for processing are exported to Japan.

Greenhouses – the Medicine Hat / Redcliff region is known as the “greenhouse capital of the prairies” as the area with the highest concentration of greenhouses in the Prairie Provinces. In 2007, about 42.8 hectares (107 acres) are under glass or poly. Produce includes flowers, cucumbers (18 million a year), peppers, tomatoes and tree seedlings. The competitive price of natural gas in our area and plentiful sunshine, have allowed the greenhouse industry to blossom.  The Red-Hat Cooperative Ltd. grades, packages and markets vegetables throughout most of Canada.

Manufacturing

Medicine Hat is a highly diverse city that partners with many other organizations to support business and industry to attract new services and activities. The city’s main strength is the abundant, municipally-owned source of affordable energy. Medicine Hat is gaining recognition as an economic force due to the high volume of trade along its strategic transportation routes including the Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 3, Highway 41 to the Montana border and the CP Rail mainline.

The manufacturing sector in Medicine Hat is strong, employing more than 1600 workers. Local industries export goods nationally and internationally.

Cancarb Limited produces thermal carbon black, a critical component in rubber, plastic goods and high carbon steel. Cancarb supplies customers including NASA with thermal carbon black, which is used to produce the heat shield tiles for the space shuttle.

Criterion Catalyst and Technologies Canada Inc. produces hydro-treating, hydro-cracking and regenerating catalysts for the petrochemical industries in Japan, Canada, United States and Europe.  The plant in Medicine Hat is the only one of its kind in Canada and supplies most of the country's oil refineries.

The industries thriving using the huge natural clay deposits include I-XL industries which produces a variety of construction and special-use bricks to markets throughout North America. Plainsman Clay supplies high quality pottery clays to markets in central and western Canada as well as the western United States. No other place in Canada is the clay so abundant and easily adapted to stoneware and structural products.

Goodyear Canada which came to Medicine Hat in 1960 is one of the largest employers in the manufacturing industry in the city. Mini-spares and ATV tires are manufactured for customers in North America and the Pacific Rim.

Some of the largest employers in the manufacturing sector among others include:

·        Canada Fertilizers Ltd. which produces liquid anhydrous ammonia and granulated urea

·        ADM Milling Company process a variety of locally grown grains into flour, cereal and seeds

·        WeddingStar a provider of wedding supplies for shipment around the world

·        Moduline, a builder of manufactured homes

·        Meggitt Defence Systems, provides unmanned vehicles, manufacturing and services to the military

·        S.F. Scott Manufacturing produces playground equipment, Christmas decorations and chain link fencing

·        Auto Star Compusystems Inc. producer of computer software

Retail and Service Sector

The primary trading area of Medicine Hat which extends into southwestern Saskatchewan includes major Alberta areas, and consists of about 175,000 people who regularly shop and use services in our community.  The secondary trading area includes Moose Jaw, SK to the east, Crowsnest Pass to the west and south into Montana.

The strength of the combination of manufacturing, service, agriculture and the economic benefits associated with this supports a strong and expanding retail sector in Medicine Hat. Canadian Forces Base Suffield contributes about $126 million annually to the region's economy through payrolls in military and civilian personnel and the purchases of goods and services.

Some of the largest retail and service sector employees includes supermarkets, department stores, food services, banks and credit unions, and places offering accommodations and lodging, municipal, provincial and federal government agencies, hospitals and school divisions.

Tourism

Tourism is one of the fastest growing sectors in Canada and Medicine Hat is poised to take advantage of its natural and strategic location in the Canadian Badlands as the “gateway to the west”. Located on the Trans-Canada Highway it is estimated that over $30 million in revenue is generated from tourism-related expenditures.

Our rich historic past, numerous natural and man-made attractions are used to promote tourism in our area. The community is warm with an energetic attitude and vitality and is shown by heartily welcoming tourists to our city.

Medicine Hat continues to attract visitors to our area by following past and forecasted trends in the tourism industry. Safety, security and flexibility continue to be tantamount to vacation destinations and Medicine Hat offers those features in abundance while at the same time offering a unique travel experience.

Top attraction destinations include the 18-story high Saamis Tepee and its archaeological site, Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District, Cypress Hills Provincial Park, Canadian Badlands, Police Point Natural Park and Interpretative Centre, and our many city parks, beautiful campgrounds, natural areas and habitats.

Canadian Forces Base Suffield

A huge boon to the economic base of Medicine Hat is our proximity to Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Suffield.

Located about 30 miles (50 km) northwest of Medicine Hat, CFB is one of the largest military training areas in the western world consisting of 2,690 square kilometres (1681 square miles) it is roughly 2/3 the size of Prince Edward Island.  The base incorporates military training, defence research, agricultural use, and vast oilfield reserves.

The Crown Village of Ralston is a community which offers a full range of domestic and recreational services to the mainly military families that inhabit it.

Defence Research and Development Canada – Suffield (DRDC-Suffield) conducts research trials for defence projects and for private industry. In addition to being the birthplace of Canadian Unmanned Vehicles System Industries (CCUVS), DRDC - Suffield also houses the world renowned Counter Terrorism and Technology Centre.

British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) conducts battle group training employing live fire and laser simulation. Under the current lease, over 7200 British troops are rotated annually through the base.

As a result of an agreement with the Governments of Canada and Alberta, Encana was given permission to develop the natural gas deposits lying under the base fields. The Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administrations (PFRA) through a series of rotating pastures, graze about 5500 head of cattle on the areas of the base that are otherwise not used. In addition, the base is designated a wildlife sanctuary and no hunting is permited within its boundaries.

Economic Facts

In addition to the major manufacturing businesses summarized below, there are dozens of smaller firms which are important contributors to the economy. Products manufactured by these firms include vertical blinds, modular housing, marble and onyx products, playground equipment, compressors, storage tanks, pipeline equipment, mining equipment and drills, pressure vessels, metal fabricated products, potting soil and concrete.

MAJOR BUSINESSES - PRODUCTS/SERVICES

• Goodyear Canada, Inc. - Automotive & Farm Tires
• Canadian Fertilizers Ltd. - Liquid Anhydrous Ammonia & Granulated Urea
• I-XL Industries Ltd. - Clay Bricks
• Moduline Industries - Manufactured Homes
• Cancarb Limited - Thermal Carbon Black
• ADM Milling Company - Flour, Cereal and Feeds
• Criterian Catalyst and Technologies - Hydrotreating & Hydrocracking Catalysts, Catalyst Regeneration
• Allwest Compressor Services Ltd - Machine Components [compressor parts]
• S.F. Scott Manufacturing Co Ltd - Playground Equipment, Chain-link Fencing
• Landmark Feeds - Livestock Feeds
• Blinds By Vertican - Vertical, Venetians & Pleated Blinds

                   BUSINESS LICENSES  2001 - 2007

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

• ATB Financial
• BMO
• CIBC
• Community Savings
• HSBC
• RBC
• Scotia Bank
• TD Canada Trust

                                   BUILDING PERMITS 2001 - 2007

	Commerical	Industrial	Institutional	Residential	Total
2001	$22,893,000	$998,000	$5,324,000	$50,416,000	$79,631,000
2002	$23,425,000	$463,000	$25,321,000	$54,584,000	$103,793,000
2003	$16,202,000	$1,577,000	$39,085,000	$57,609,100	$114,473,100
2004	$34,932,000	$2,788,000	$16,179,500	$87,554,892	$141,454,392
2005	$18,140,051	$9,202,000	$2,885,000	$85,374,818	$115,601,869
2006	$20,107,500	$4,528,000	$3,224,000	$72,974,000	$113,543,500
2007	$41,675,000	$5,334,000	$11,810,000	$87,347,000	$146,166,000

Education

The Medicine Hat School District #76 has 13 elementary schools and 3 secondary schools (Grades 7-12). School Disctrict #76 offers a variety of programs for students, including French Immersion (elementary and high school levels) virtual learning programs, learning assistance programs and outreach programs for junior and senior high school students. District #76 provides programs for students with special needs and also offers training programs for physically and mentally challenged persons. For more information please call (403)528-6700 or visit their web site at Medicine Hat School District #76

The Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education offers a complete academic program (Kindergarten - Grade 12), including Fine Arts and Business course options. A comprehensive religious education program is offered for all students. The Separate School Division includes six Catholic elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school. For more information please call (403)527-2292 or visit their web site at Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education

There are 2 private schools in Medicine Hat, the Cornerstone Christian School, and the Montessori Elementary Institute of Southeastern Alberta. The Centre for Academic and Personal Excellence school is a chartered school. Ecole les Cypress is a public francophone school included in the Greater Southern Public Franophone Education Region #4. For information on these schools, please refer to the yellow pages in the telephone book. Medicine Hat believes that education is the key to the future. Great care is taken to ensure the educational facilities provide the best possible instruction for the city's young people.

Elementary School

Emergency Services

FIRE PROTECTION

The Medicine Hat Fire Department operates from three stations. The significant accomplishment of the completion of Gershaw Drive Fire Station #3, brought along approximately 20 new firefighters to the force. The new fire station saves more than $8,600 annually in energy costs because of the environmental design efficiencies, such as energy efficient 'Low E' glass windows, solar panels for supplementary hot water heating, motion detecting sensors for lighting and low volume water use toilets. [Tel: (403)529-8282 or call 911 for emergencies]

POLICE SERVICES

The Medicine Hat Police Service has 95 officers. After completing a feasibility study, the Police Service purchased Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for police vehicles and in 2007 the AED's were purchased for all City of Medicine Hat facilities. Statistics show that AEDs increase the survival rate from cardiac arrest. [Tel: (403) 529-8400 or call 911 for emergencies].

AMBULANCE SERVICES

Ambulance service is provided through the Palliser Health Region. For further information please contact (403) 529-8000 or call 911 for emergencies.

Fire Station #1 Maple Avenue

Health Care

The Medicine Hat region is served by the Palliser Health Region, which provide acute care, continuing care and community health services. Medicine Hat has excellent health facilities, including the 325 bed Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.

Approximately 31 family physicians and 47 specialists are practising in Medicine Hat. Specialists and facilities in Calgary and Edmonton are also readily accessible by the Palliser Health Region

A number of private and public nursing homes for the elderly and dependent are operational in the community.

Social services in Medicine Hat are provided through the Family and Social Services Department of the Provincial Government, the Social Work Department at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital and a number of voluntary agencies.

If you wish to obtain more information please call (403)528-5663.

Key Contacts for Business Development

MUNICIPAL

City of Medicine Hat
City Hall 580 - 1st Street SE
Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 8E6
Tel: 403-529-8373
Fax: 403-502-8055
website: www.medicinehat.ca

Norm Boucher, Mayor
Tel: (403) 529-8181
Fax: (403) 529-8182
email: mayor@medicinehat.ca.
website: www.medicinehat.ca

City of Medicine Hat Business Support Office
Keith Crush, Business Development Officer
Toll free 1-888-4THEHAT
Direct: (403) 529-8373
Fax: (403) 502-8055
email: business@medicinehat.ca.
website: www.medicinehat.ca

REGIONAL

Economic Development Alliance, Southeast Alberta
Harold Wilson, Executive Director
Tel: (403) 488-7015
Fax: (403) 488-7017
email: info@edalliance.ca.
website: www.edalliance.ca

Palliser Economic Partnership
Elvira Smid, Administrative Manager
Tel: 403-529-3630
Fax: 403-529-3140
email: business@palliseralberta.com.
website: www.palliseralberta.com

Entre-Corp Business Development Centre Ltd.
Community Futures Development Corporation
Sean Blewitt, General Manager
Tel: (403) 528-2824
Fax: (403) 527-3596
email: bizinfo@entre-corp.com.
website: www.entre-corp.com

Medicine Hat and District Chamber of Commerce
Mary-Lou Hansen, President
Tel: (403) 527-5214
Fax: (403) 527-5182
email: marylou@medicinehatchamber.com
website: www.medicinehatchamber.com

Tourism Medicine Hat
Toll Free:1-800-481-2822
Direct: (403) 527-6422
Fax: (403) 528-2682
email: marylou@medhatchamber.com
website: www.tourismmedicinehat.com

PROVINCIAL

Alberta Employment, Immigration and Industry
Elvira Smid, Regional Manager
elvira.smid@gov.ab.ca
109 Provincial Building
346 - 3 Street S.E. Medicine Hat, Alberta
T1A 0G7
Tel: 403-529-3630
Fax: 403-529-3140
Gloria Filgas, Information Officer
gloria.filgas@gov.ab.ca

Honourable Rob Renner
Minister of Environment
Member of the Legislative Assembly [MLA]
Medicine Hat Constituency
#425 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton AB
T5K 2B6
Tel: 780-427-2391
Fax: 780-422-6259

Constituency Office:
620 - 3rd Street SE
Medicine Hat, AB
T1A 0H5
Tel: 403-527-5622
Fax: 403-527-5112
medicine.hat@assembly.ab.ca

Leonard Mitzel
Member of the Legislative Assembly [MLA]
Cypress-Medicine Hat Constituency
620 Legislature Annex
9718 107 Street
Edmonton AB
T5K 1E4
Tel: 780-415-9590
Fax: 780-415-0951

Constituency Office:
Trans Canada Place
3, 1299 Trans Canada Way
Medicine Hat, AB
T1B 1H9
Tel: 1-866-339-2191
Tel: 403-528-2191
Fax: 403-528-2278
cypress.medicinehat@assembly.ab.ca

FEDERAL  

LaVar Payne
Member of Parliament [MP]
Medicine Hat Constituency
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Telephone: 613-992-4516
Fax: 613-992-6181
Payne.L@parl.gc.ca

Constituency Office:

419 3rd Street SE, Room 24

Medicine Hat, Alberta

T1A 0G9

Telephone: (403) 528-4698

Fax: (403) 528-4365

Location

The City of Medicine Hat is the major urban centre in southern Alberta, and is the southeast entrance to Alberta's industrial corridor.

Medicine Hat is located on the Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 3, near Highway 41 north and south and the Canadian Pacific Railway mainline. It is approximately 50 kilometres east of Canadian Forces Base Suffield.

Distance from other communities:

Vancouver, British Columbia………… 1,347 km (837 miles)

Regina, Saskatchewan………………..... 467 km (290 miles)

Cypress Hills………………………………..66 km (41 miles)

Lethbridge………………………………….168 km (182 miles)

Swift Current, SK………………………….217 km (135 miles)

Calgary…………………………………….293 km (182 miles)

Wildhorse, MT…………………………….146 km (91 miles)

Havre, MT………………………………….218 km (135 miles)

Coutts, MT (24 hour border crossing)..…192 km (119 miles

Seattle. WA………………………………1,289 km (801 miles)

Click on the following link to Find Medicine Hat

Post Secondary Education

Medicine Hat College

The Medicine Hat College (MHC)  is a comprehensive, community oriented college whose primary mission is to provide quality education, training and services to its students and local community has been serving students in southeastern Alberta and beyond since 1965.

MHC provides a broadly based educational curriculum, including selected pre-employment trades training, apprenticeship and upgrading programs. The College works closely with local companies to ensure training is appropriate to their requirements and will provide custom-designed training programs to meet the needs of local industries.

MHC main campus services almost 2,500 students each year with another 200 attending Brooks Campus, located 100 km (60 miles) west of Medicine Hat.

Currently, more than 30 diplomas and certificates are offered along with 25 university transfer programs. There are also several opportunities for degree completion at MHC including nursing, applied arts, and social work. A partnership with the University of Calgary makes it possible for nursing students to complete a full bachelor’s degree at Medicine Hat College while graduates from diploma programs such as Police and Security may also complete degrees.

Medicine Hat College is proud to offer other unique diploma programs such as Addictions Counselor, Technical Illustrator, Paramedic, and Deaf and Blind Support Specialist. New applied degrees are also offered in Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership and Visual Communications.

For more information please call 403. 529.3811 or visit their web site at Medicine Hat College

CENetwork

The Corporate Education Network (CENetwork) is a comprehensive website that promotes a "one-stop-shop" of training services available to individuals and businesses in southeast Alberta.

Users of the CENetwork can research, compare and register for training courses, events and facilities all in one centralized online location. The sole business focus of CE Network is to deliver the best in approved online continuing education for licensed professionals. By providing a total e-learning solution, our continuing education courses allow real estate agents and brokers to:

· Gain practical, useful knowledge and obtain tools to enhance their productivity and career success.

· Participate in stimulating and interactive learning experiences that can be applied on the job.

· Strengthen business practices, thereby promoting trust and respect with customers.

This initiative was made possible through a partnership with Community Futures Business Development Centre, Medicine Hat College, Palliser Economic Partnership and the Office of Learning Technologies - Human Resources and Social Development. Visit the CENetwork website at CENetwork

Academy of Learning

Medicine Hat also offers the Academy of Learning. Founded in 1987, as an international organization specializing in computer and business skills training for adult learners, the Academy of Learning fulfills the needs of learners by developing customized programs for each student, while meeting the requirement for convenient and effective training at an affordable cost. Students can choose programs at the certificate or diploma level.

Currently, Academy of Learning offers over 30 diploma programs.

Medicine Hat College

Taxation

MILL RATES [2008]

Residential: 7.0693 Non-Residential: 18.3416.

Includes school and municipal tax rates.

Mill rates are set by bylaws.

 If you wish to obtain more information please phone 403.529.8114 or visit the City of Medicine Hat website at www.medicinehat.ca and click on Residents / Taxation.

Transportation

AIR SERVICE

Medicine Hat's Municipal Airport is operated and maintained by the City of Medicine Hat, located west of the city within ten minutes from the downtown core and also serves Canadian Forces Base Suffield.

The Medicine Hat Municipal Airport is equipped with a 5000 foot runway and up to date aviation/navigational equipment. It has the facilities to accommodate small private aircraft right up to medium haul jet airliners.

Commercial air services are provided by Air Canada. Air Canada offers direct flights daily to Calgary International Airport for links with all international and domestic flights.

The airport provides a public passenger terminal, aircraft maintenance facilities, aircraft refueling facilities for aviation gasoline and jet fuel and they also provide air charter services for passenger and cargo.

RAIL SERVICE

Canadian Pacific Railways serves Medicine Hat from its main line. Medicine Hat is a divisional point for CP Rail which splits south to the Crowsnest Pass and north to the Kicking Horse Pass, both links to the Pacific coast.

Northern Alberta markets are served through inter-switching with CN Rail and access to the United States can be accomplished at various border points through inter-switching with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway and SOO Line Railway.

CP Rail utilizes inter-modal transportation systems which combine the benefits of rail and truck.

Medicine Hat is the divisional point for CP Rail’s main line that splits southwest to the Crowsnest Pass and northwest to the Kicking Horse Pass. Both routes are directly linked with ocean terminals on Canada’s Pacific coast and the United States. Northern Alberta markets are serviced by inter-switching with Canadian National Railways. Inter-switching to the SOO Line and Burlington North Santa Fe Railway provides access to the United States markets.

HIGHWAYS

Trans-Canada Highway #1 runs directly through Medicine Hat. Crowsnest Highway #3 provides Medicine Hat with a southern link to the Rocky Mountains and onto Vancouver and to Highway #4 at Lethbridge, Alberta [24-Hour Border Crossing - Coutts]. Highway #41 connects Medicine Hat to northern Alberta and south to the U.S. [Border Crossing - Wildhorse] through the Cypress Hills to Havre, Montana.

TRUCKING FIRMS

Medicine Hat has a network of trucking firms offering local, provincial, national and international inter-modal freight services. The services provided include special bodies and containers for household goods, grain, bulk fertilizer, heavy equipment, oilfield equipment, refrigerated or frozen goods and a broad range of manufactured products.

These trucking firms provide services to the Calgary International Airport and to Pacific ports in Vancouver, Seattle and Tacoma, as well as inter-connections across Canada and the United States.

BUS SERVICES

Greyhound Bus Lines (www.greyhound.com) operates regular daily scheduled service to all Canadian cities.

TRANSIT

Starting October 6, 2008 the public transit system in Medicine Hat is undergoing a transformation. More routes will be available to the public and Sunday and Holiday Service will be provided.  Download a copy of the new Transit Ride Guide by clicking here: Special transit services are available to those passengers that have mobility issues.

COURIERS AND TAXIS

Medicine Hat is served by several local and regional courier companies. Local taxi service is provided by Care Cabs Ltd. Deluxe Central Taxi and Redcliff Taxi.

Utilities

The City of Medicine Hat is literally built on energy. Medicine Hat is located atop a virtual ocean of natural gas first discovered in 1883. The gas has fueled the city’s growth. The City’s ownership, management and development of this vast resource has resulted in some of the lowest utility rates and property taxes in the country.

The Canadian Pacific Railway fist hit a well of natural gas in 1883. While drilling for water this “swamp gas” was considered nothing more than a nuisance and they dug again in 1901 for coal and again found the gas. Finally, in 1904 the natural gases potential was realized and the City hired a driller. Many backyard well water drilling attempts turned to disaster and the City was forced to claim the rights to the 730 billion cubic feet of natural gas sitting directly under the city.

By 1913 wells supplied Medicine Hat’s needs. It was so cheap to use the gas that it cost less to keep street lamps burning all through the day, rather than hire someone to extinguish and re-light them each day.

The gas produced by the City of Medicine Hat is a sweet natural gas. Unlike the sour gas it has no hydrogen sulfide making it clean and easy to produce.

ELECTRICAL POWER

The City of Medicine Hat Electric Utility has been supplying the electrical power needs of the city since 1904. The Medicine Hat power plant, electrical transmission and distribution systems are owned and operated by the City.

Rates for electrical energy are set by City bylaws. In addition to supplying the requirements of Medicine Hat, the Utility's service area includes Redcliff, Dunmore and some of the surrounding rural areas.

The City's Power Plant was the first municipal utility in Canada to incorporate gas turbine combined cycle technology which enables the plant to produce electricity using one third less gas.

The successful completion of the General Electric LM6000 gas-fired turbine replacement undertaken in 2003 is a testament to the City's mission to exceed expectations with our services. The main goals in deciding to undertake the $53 million project were to meet the demands of our Electric Utility customers, improve power plant efficiencies to reduce fuel costs and reduce environmental emissions. In 2004, the City saved $3.7 million in operating costs compared to the older turbine the LM6000 replaced. In 2009, the City is moving forward with the purchase of another LM6000 in its efforts to be HatSmart.

There are 3 classes of rates for business, commercial, industrial and institutional consumers based on the level of usage: General Service Rate [Class E.3.1]; General Service Rate [Class E.3.3]; and Primary Metered Rate [Class E.4.1].

Contact the Medicine Hat Electric Utility at 403.529.8262 or visit our website at www.medicinehat.ca and click on Residents / Utilities for more information on rates and classifications.

GAS UTILITY

The City of Medicine Hat Gas Utility has been supplying the community with natural gas since 1901. The City operates a fully integrated production and distribution system and operates gas wells in fields within Southeastern Alberta and in Southwestern Saskatchewan.

From 1906 to 1915 the city experienced an economic boom and discovered the need for long-term planning and development. The city decided to feed the boom by offering free land and free gas as an incentive to draw milling and manufacturing companies to the area. During this time the process of using the natural gas for electricity was also established. In 1940 the City began to focus on maintaining moderate growth objectives to ensure the long-term supply of gas to the residents and businesses of Medicine Hat.

Between 1940 and 1975, the City entered into an agreement with the province and private sector companies to purchase additional reserves. Operational complexities and increasing demands for natural gas led the City to hire a Gas Utility Manager in 1982 and establish a Utilities Finance Department responsible for managerial support for the gas utility. Today Medicine Hat’s Gas Utility is one of the Top 50 largest gas producing companies in Canada.

Rates for gas supply to industries are set by bylaw or special contract. In addition to supplying the requirements of Medicine Hat, the Utility's service also includes the Town of Redcliff and some surrounding rural areas.

Contact the Medicine Hat Gas Utility at 403.529.8190 or visit our website at www.medicinehat.ca and click on Residents / Utilities for more information on rates and classifications.

WATER SUPPLY

Industrial processing water is supplied by the South Saskatchewan River and an underground aquifer. The water treatment plant [for South Saskatchewan River] has a plant capacity of 205 million litres per day.

Water and sewer user charges are set by bylaws. If you wish to obtain more information please phone 403.529.8176 or visit our website at www.medicinehat.ca and click on Residents / Utilities.

WASTE MANAGEMENT

Medicine Hat's secondary sewage treatment plant has a capacity of 45,000 cubic metres/day. The city's effluent is well below the province's standards.

Solid waste management and a recycling program are managed by the City and the rates are set by City bylaw. If you wish to obtain more information please phone 403.529.8176 or visit our website at www.medicinehat.ca and click on Residents / Utilities.

HAT SMART

City Council wants its municipal government to be a steward and a leader of responsible environmental and sustainable energy decisions and actions

HAT Smart is a City of Medicine Hat program to educate and assist residents and utility customers in learning about initiatives that can help improve the environment and stretch their energy dollars.

HAT Smart promotes a wide variety of services and programs, which help residents save on resources like water, gas and electric, as well as recycling efforts to reduce solid waste (garbage).

In 2007, the City of Medicine Hat Electric Utility entered into an agreement with Canada's largest generator of wind energy - Vision Quest - to annually produce and deliver 13,050 megawatt hours of wind power to Alberta's energy grid. Like other consumers of electricity, Medicine Hat has access to this environmentally friendly energy source through its electric energy imports from the grid.

In January 2008, the Environment department released a Community Environmental Roadmap complete with performance measures and targets.  To assist the community in reaching these targets, a number of incentive programs offering rebates on energy efficient applications and renewable energy installations are available to residents.

The City of Medicine Hat recently approved the funding of $1,200,000 toward helping the community reach targets set out in the Community Environmental Roadmap. 

Smart Growth

Smart Growth refers to land use, development practices and the efficient use of tax dollars to enhance the quality of life, preservation of the natural environment, saving money over time by limiting costly urban sprawl, and creating more livable, vibrant neighbourhoods.

The objective of the City’s of Medicine Hat’s Smart Growth Strategy is to build communities:

• that use less energy,
• reduce the use of automobiles,
• consume less land and other natural resources,
• create a “walkable” environment, and
• provide a more vibrant place to live and work.

The strategy, which was adopted by City Council July 9, 2007, concentrates current planning efforts on three broad Smart Growth principles:

• Encourage the design of compact, well-designed mixed-use neighbourhoods - Residents can choose to live, work, shop and play in close proximity. People can easily access daily activities, walkability is encouraged, transit is viable, and local businesses are supported.
• Support growth in existing residential communities while fostering unique neighbourhood identities - Investments in infrastructure (such as roads and schools) are used more efficiently, and in-fill developments within these areas do not consume new land.
• Foster alternative transportation options and infrastructure systems that are sustainable - Green buildings, pedestrian and cyclist routes, as well as other ecologically-sensitive systems can save both money and the environment in the long run.

To encourage the wise use of energy, the City of Medicine Hat introduced an Energy Conservation Charge on customer utility bills.  Electric customers who use over 950 kWh’s in a billing period incur a conservation premium for kWh’s over 950.  Natural gas customers incur additional charges for consumption over 22 gigajoules in a billing period.

Built Green Residential Lots

The City of Medicine Hat recently approved the sale of up to 75 residential lots requiring a commitment to Built Green building standards and mandatory installation of renewable energy technology.

Participants must commit to building a home certified to the Built Green Bronze standard or higher, install a solar water heating system, and a microgeneration system (solar or small wind) to supplement household electricity needs.

Land and Properties is offering up to $10,000 in incentives for each home constructed under this program:

¨     $1,000 for Built Green Bronze certification

¨     50% of the installed cost of a solar water heating system to a maximum of $3,000

¨     50% of the cost associated with a microgeneration installation to a maximum of $6,000

Eligible homes need to be Built Green certified which requires the home builder to:

¨     Pass the required third party Built Green home inspections;

¨     Be a member of the Canadian Home Builder Association; and

¨     Become Built Green certified through the required training seminar

Implementing sustainable building requirements such as built green building standards and renewable energy installations, is the first step in moving towards the development of a fully integrated, planning through construction, sustainable subdivision.

Kinsmen Home Lotto Goes Green

The Kinsmen Club of Medicine Hat has teamed up with the City of Medicine Hat’s HAT Smart Environmental Initiative to help lighten the carbon footprint of this year’s Lotto Home with the installation of several energy conservation appliances throughout the house.

Inside the home you will find a number of environmentally friendly features such as:

Tankless hot water heater

High efficiency furnace

Energy efficient lighting

Ultra-low flow showerheads

Dual flush toilets

Home Energy Self Audit Tool Kit

Interested in finding out how much electric energy is consumed in your home. Home Energy Self Audit Tool Kits are available through a check out system at the Medicine Hat Public Library located at 414 – 1 Street S.E., during regular Library hours. Your Adult Library Card will enable you to sign out the Home Energy Self Audit Tool Kit.

Each kit contains:

• Power Cost Monitor:
  • meter monitor tracks electric energy consumed in your home
  • attaches to your electric meter
  • signal is transmitted back to the in-home display showing real time electric consumption and the approximate cost
• Infrared Thermometer:
  • a digital thermometer used to give temperature readings
  • use to diagnose heating, ventilation and equipment problems
  • use to find air infiltration, insulation, window and weather stripping problems
• Power Meter:
  • measure electricity use of plug in appliances
  • measures in watts, kilowatt hours and costs

The Home Energy Self Audit Tool Kit is designed to help the homeowner see where they can improve efficiencies in their own home.

Renewable Energy

An Alternative Energy Review was undertaken by the City's Environment department to determine what options the City of Medicine Hat has when it comes to diversifying its energy portfolio.

Currently the City of Medicine relies heavily on natural gas for the production of both thermal (furnace, hot water heating) and electric energy (lighting, cooling and home/business applications).

Three main types of energy alternatives were reviewed:

1. Renewable Energy
2. Non-renewable Energy
3. Energy Efficiency and Conservation

The Renewable Energy technologies the City is currently exploring: 

Geothermal (Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage - ATES)

Wind

Solar

Population

Total Population 1991-2001

Medicine Hat Population by Age Group (2001)

Education Statistics

Medicine Hat Highest Level of Schooling 2001

Labour Force

Medicine Hat Labour Force By Industry - 2001

Income

Family Expenditure

Medicine Hat Family Expenditures (1996)

Building Permits

Total Housing Starts

Value of Building Permits

Dwellings

Projects

Summary of Projects in Medicine Hat as of April 2009

Value of Projects by Sector (as of April 2009)

Largest Projects in Medicine Hat as of April 2009