HAT Smart launches 2021 Residential Incentive Program

Returning for 2021 are incentives for Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, EnerGuide Rating for New Homes, ENERGY STAR® Air Conditioners, and Scratch & Win. Scratch & Win allows residents to recover up to $200 of the cost of small ticket energy conservation items. For a full list of eligible products please visit the HAT Smart website. The program also includes two new incentives: ENERGY STAR® Natural Gas Furnaces and EnerGuide Home Evaluations. Read more.

New pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirements come into effect for all air travellers flying into Canada

The Government of Canada issued an Interim Order formalizing new COVID-19 testing requirements for all air travellers coming to Canada and providing additional guidance to airline operators and the travelling public regarding the new pre-departure testing requirement that was announced on December 31.

Travellers from U.K. and South Africa should get a COVID-19 test

All travellers who have arrived from the United Kingdom and South Africa since Dec. 7 should immediately get a COVID-19 test, whether they have symptoms or not. Also, travellers from the United Kingdom or South Africa who are participating in the border pilot must immediately quarantine, whether they've had a negative test or not. All returning travellers currently in quarantine must remain in quarantine for the full 14 days.

K-12 students return to in-person learning

All students will return to in-person learning, as planned, on Jan. 11. Mandatory health measures will remain in effect across the province until at least Jan. 21. The decision to return to in-class learning is based on the latest evidence which shows that before the winter break, new case rates in schools plateaued and then dropped in December, once restrictions on social gatherings and group activities were in place.

Medicine Hat Mayor, Councillor and School Board Trustee Candidate Nomination Packages Now Available

Candidates for the 2021 election to be held in October are invited to learn more about running for office, and download their nomination packages, available now on the City's website.  Nominations can be filed at the City Clerk Department, 3rd Floor at City Hall and nominations will close Monday, September 20, 2021. Find out more.

City Receives Approval of Municipal Stimulus Program Funding

With MSP funding confirmed, the City of Medicine Hat will proceed with five projects (to be completed in 2021.)

• Gas City Campground Construction
• Multi-Use Trail Development and Extension
• Multi-Court Pickleball Facility
• Town Square - Redevelopment of 603 1st Street SE and Riverside Veterans' Memorial Park
• BMX Track Upgrades

Read the full press release.

MHTnow Expanding Service to Include Hospital Area

Medicine Hat Transit's on-demand bus service, MHTnow, has expanded service to include the Hospital area, route 21, and will operate weekday evenings from 6:45 pm to 10:45 pm. The City of Medicine Hat is also asking the public for feedback regarding Transit services, including MHTnow. An online survey can be found on Shape Your City. Read more.

Vaccine Roll Out

Vaccines are being administered across the province, with 56.9 per cent of vaccines received to date already given to Albertans: read more with additional details regarding the Moderna Vaccine and Vaccine usage here.

Recruiting Immunizers

AHS is actively recruiting additional staff to join their team of immunizers. In addition to public health immunizers, they are also actively recruiting other groups such as healthcare providers, healthcare retirees, undergraduate nurses and community pharmacists to provide immunizations across the province. Those interested in nursing positions can apply here and indicate their interest in supporting immunization or other COVID-19 related roles during screening.

New substance use data will support addiction recovery

Up-to-date substance use data is now accessible via the new Alberta Substance Use Surveillance System, which will replace quarterly reports. Albertans struggling with addiction can contact the Addiction Helpline at 1-866-332-2322 for support, information and referral to services. The toll-free, confidential helpline operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Read the press release.

Launch of the Federal Action Plan for Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

The federal action plan marks an exciting step forward in our collective exploration of this new small-scale nuclear technology, which has the potential to produce clean electricity to help meet Canada's and Alberta's future energy needs. Read the Government of Alberta's response.

Partnerships for 170 parks and public recreation area sites across the province

Alberta's government has secured or maintained partnerships for 170 parks and public recreation area sites across the province so that no sites included under the Budget 2020 optimization plan will be delisted. All will remain open and accessible to Albertans. All will retain their current designations and associated protections. Read more.