Your Weekly Tune Up
Esplanade parkade to go digital with HotSpot service
The Esplanade has introduced the HotSpot Parking service as a new payment method for its underground parkade, alongside the existing cash meter option. Please note, the current cash parking meter system will be phased out after Dec. 31, 2023.
HotSpot offers a user-friendly digital platform, accessible via a mobile app or directly through a mobile device’s camera with a QR code. The HotSpot website also provides desktop access for managing and paying for parking online. Currently, HotSpot is facilitating parking services at Medicine Hat College and Towne Square, enhancing accessibility and flexibility for parking within the community.
The HotSpot Parking service will be operational 24/7, with payment required during events and times as indicated in the parkade. Parking rates will remain at $1 per hour, $5 per day or $770 per year. To assist our customers with the transition, Esplanade staff will be available by phone at (403) 502-8580 for questions or concerns. For further information, visit: medicinehat.ca/esplanade-parking.
New public Electric Vehicle chargers available in Medicine Hat’s downtown
The City of Medicine Hat has recently installed two new Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations at Towne Square in the city’s downtown. Two Level 2 pedestals, each with two charging ports, are located at the northeast corner of the Towne Square parking lot at 603 First Street SE. Each of the four ports can provide 8.3 kilowatts (kW) each. EV drivers can map charger locations, including Towne Square, on the PlugShare website or app. Find out more and visit www.medicinehat.ca/ElectricVehicles.
OHS Online Incident Reporting form changes
A change has been made to the OHS Online Incident Reporting (OIR) form, which is used by prime contractors – or employers, if there is no prime contractor – to report some incidents to Alberta OHS. When selecting the type and cause of the incident, the parts of the body that were injured, and the type of injuries, users no longer have to choose from a long list of options; they now select a main category, followed by a shorter list of subcategory options. This change should enhance the user experience and streamline the process of filing an incident report. For more information on the available options, download the OIR online form reference list. For information about reporting incidents, see Incident reporting and investigation on the OHS Resource Portal.
Advocacy in Action
Positive interest and response to Chamber letters
On September 28, 2023, the Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce wrote letters to nine difference government Ministries, including:
- Minister Nate Horner Treasury Board and Finance
- Minister Dreeshen, Transportation and Economic Corridors
- Minister Williams, Mental Health and Addiction
- Minister Jones, Jobs, Economy and Trade
- Minister Schulz, Environment and Protected Areas
- Minister Nicolaides, Education
- Minister Sigurdson, Agriculture
- Minister Neudorf, Affordability and Utilities
- Minister Nally, Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
We have been pleased to have received positive responses and interest in meeting from six of these Ministers with meetings already held with three of these Ministers so far since that time.
We received permission from Minister Nally to publish his response for our members, as we felt it was of particular interest on their progress and work on some of our priority areas:
Thank you for your email addressing the truck driver shortage through a redesign of Class 1 Driver Training and the Medicine Hat and District Chamber of Commerce’s support for modernization of the Registry Agent Network in Alberta. As the Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction, responsible for registry agents, I appreciate the opportunity to respond on behalf of the Government of Alberta.
I have shared your concerns regarding the truck driver shortage and a redesign of the Mandatory Entry Level Training (MELT) program with my colleague, the Honourable Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors. Minister Dreeshen advised that the department is working closely with industry stakeholders and other government departments in developing plans to address commercial driver shortages, and is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the MELT program, its impact on road safety, barriers to obtaining Class 1 driver’s licences, and options to address driver shortages. Your concerns and recommendations to address the truck driver shortages will be considered as part of the review of MELT.
Regarding the modernization of registry agents, I recognize that the services provided by registry agents are vital to Albertans—from helping new parents register the birth of their children, to granting new drivers their licences, to giving business owners the tools they need to start up and operate successful ventures. I share your desire to ensure registry services, products, and delivery methods are modernized to meet Albertans’ needs.
My department recently collaborated with our registry agent stakeholder partners, the Association of Alberta Registry Agents and the Alberta Motor Association, to provide an in-person option for Albertans wishing to access the Affordability Payments Program. This initiative supported affordability and also gave registry agents a new service to provide on behalf of the Government of Alberta. We are exploring what other services could be provided by registry agents, including in-person verification for Alberta.ca verified accounts.
My department also monitors the demand for new registry agents in the province, particularly in communities that may have limited access or may have lost access to in-person services entirely. Recently, we issued a request for proposal for a replacement registry agent in Smoky Lake to restore in‑person services in that community after the last registry agent chose to discontinue operations.
The department will continue to consult with our registry agent partners on important topics that affect the future of registry services, including reducing red tape, the modernization of registry service delivery, and the review of registry agent fees.
Thank you again for taking the time to write. I hope this information is helpful.
Sincerely,
Honourable Dale Nally
Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction
Highway 3 twinning moves ahead
Alberta’s government has awarded the first contract to begin twinning Highway 3, improving safety, creating jobs and spurring economic investment in the region. Highway 3 is a vital economic corridor and east-west link, and the first section of the highway being twinned sees approximately 3,900 vehicles per day. Through $179.7 million in provincial funding, this first phase will twin Highway 3 between the town of Taber and the hamlet of Burdett. The contract for the 46-kilometre project was awarded to Ledcor Highways Ltd. Read more here.
Check out the Chamber's Benefits of Twinning Highway 3 policy.
Next Level Events
Town of Redcliff Moonlight Madness
On November 24th, Redcliff is the place to be! Experience Redcliff's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting at , shop downtown during Moonlight Madness & peruse the Parkside Christmas Market!
Free hotdogs & hot chocolate, Christmas Carolers and Christmas Karaoke and Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on site to greet the kids! Tree lighting is at 7 PM. From 4-9 pm there will be Christmas Market in Parkside School until 9 pm, Redcliff stores are staying open late for Moonlight Madness.
Thank you to everyone involved with Midnight Madness! We'll see you next year!
Midnight Madness was last Friday evening and what a success! Thank you to everyone who sponsored, shopped, set-up, supported, participated, opened shop and entertained making that night a festive one! Medicine Hat has an amazing downtown and we hope you were able to explore every bit of it while doing your holiday shopping locally! We couldn't ask for a better community.
If you are interested in seeing some of the photos captured that evening the Chamber has an album on Facebook. If you have any to add feel free to send them our way and we can put them in!
Registration closes THIS THURSDAY! 2023 AGM & President's Reception
We don't want you to miss out! See what we've been up to, drink, eat, and connect with others at this annual event.
Our Annual General Meeting, President’s Reception and Member Appreciation is an opportunity to meet and network with Chamber of Commerce members, current/past Directors and Presidents of the Board, and the Chamber operations team.
Our AGM's theme this year is "Taking the Time to Reflect"; look back through the past year and learn how the Chamber of Commerce has played a pivotal role in our business community through our advocacy efforts, business engagement and member benefits programs. Register to save your spot here!
Intercultural Christmas Gala
Tickets are Available Here. Early Bird Ticket Pricing Ends November 24th!
The Gala is an evening of fun, food, entertainment and intercultural experiences. We also have lots of door prizes. For 17 years, this event has been anticipated by both international and local people in Medicine Hat. Come dressed in semi-formal attire to enjoy an evening full of laughter, good food, games, reconnecting with friends and live music entertainment.
Watch some of the captured memories from previous years at the Intercultural Christmas Gala.
Addictions Don't Discriminate
In partnership with the City of Medicine Hat, Medicine Hat Community Housing Society, and Medicine Hat Health Foundation, the Medicine Hat Drug Coalition is hosting Addictions Don’t Discriminate, a powerful, interactive exhibit which will coincide with National Addictions Awareness week (November 20-26).
This exhibit features the real-life stories of Albertans whose lives have been impacted by addiction and is designed to inspire understanding, empathy, and action. Accompanying the exhibit will be information booths, resource navigation, overdose/poisoning prevention (Naloxone training), refreshments, and opportunities to debrief, reflect and take action to support our community.
Medicine Hat Construction Association: Low Carbon Training Program for Construction Professionals
To protect our environment and reduce the impacts of climate change, the Government of Canada has committed to reducing Canada’s total GHG emissions. As the buildings sector is Canada’s third-largest source of emissions, prioritizing decarbonization is critical to meeting this net zero target, and addressing climate change requires awareness, collaboration, knowledge sharing, and skill-building.
This complimentary training will be offered virtually, in three half-day sessions. The training will provide construction professionals with the fundamentals of low-carbon building retrofits or new builds, an essential step in advancing our industry’s contribution to greening our country. More information and registration here.
Enriching Your Business
There's a reason Chambers Plan is Canada's #1 plan.
Contact JoAnne Letkeman,
Exclusive Chamber Group Advisor,
403-504-2166 ext 1.
Fueling the Business Community
• NEW MEMBERS •
We would like to welcome Bounce of Fun and Elements Land Consulting to the Chamber Family!
We continually look forward to helping our members during their business journey and wish each the best in all future endeavors. We are extremely happy to have such amazing members, and are very glad that we can serve a part in that journey! Keep your eye out for more new member posts moving forward!
Elavon Black Friday Promotion!
Black Friday Deal: Open a new payment processing account between November 15 and 30, 2023, and activate by December 15, 2023 to receive a $200 statement credit!* Fill out the form to the right to get started today.
For more than 25 years, Elavon has helped businesses of every size provide fast, secure payments that help accelerate revenue growth. Let us do the same for you.
Meet Brad Tajiri, our Events Manager!
Brad joined the Chamber team in October 2023 after re-locating back home to Medicine Hat. Born and raised in Southern Alberta he enjoys all that the region has to offer both recreationally and professionally. Brad brings a varied background and vast knowledge gained from his years spent in the retail, management, food & beverage and sales industries. He is passionate about the community of Medicine Hat, proud to be a ‘Hatter’ and loves to showcase all that our city has to offer during The Chamber hosted events.
Brad's Fun Fact: He has had a moustache for over a decade and was featured in the 2020-2022 Movember International Ad Campaign! (Movember is now! You growing a stache?)
Meet Morgan Johnson, our Communications Coordinator!
Morgan moved to Medicine Hat in 2020 from BC to attend school here, and loved the community so much she decided to stay. She joined the Chamber team in May 2023 as a summer intern, and everyone was so happy she never left! With a Bachelor's in Art & Design, the local artists, galleries and murals are what brings her joy. She’s passionate about the community, finds communication important, thinks design is fascinating and loves to support local! She's dedicated to finding creative solutions for any problems that arise and is ready to help you solve yours!
Morgan's Fun Fact: The biggest painting she's done currently is 4'x4' for her grad project at MHC, but she's hoping to go bigger with future projects!
Fill Up On Funding
Hire students with the Technation Career Ready Program
As part of the Government of Canada’s Student Work Placement Program (SWPP), TECHNATION’s wage subsidy program, Career Ready supports businesses by financing their decision to hire a student for a work-term placement. The Winter 2024 program covers hours worked between January 1st 2024 - March 31st 2024 (Please note: The Career Ready Program currently only subsidizes work placements until March 31, aligned with the federal fiscal year. If the SWPP gets renewed, all approved applications will have their subsidies extended to include April 2024). Apply now
Hire students through the Canadian Agriculture Human Resource Council
Winter 2024 placements will be available for application starting on December 1, 2023. This is an excellent opportunity to prepare for the upcoming term, which runs from January 1 to April 30, 2024.
To apply for either the Fall 2023 or Winter 2024 terms, simply visit SWPP Application Page and complete the online application form. If you'd like to learn more about SWPP, including eligibility criteria and detailed program information, please visit the website. For any questions or additional information, our dedicated SWPP coordinator, Megan Lockhart, is here to help. You can reach out to Megan at mlockhart@cahrc-ccrha.ca.
Work Integrated Learning Resources
The Chamber has been a long standing supporter and promoter of work integrated learning opportunities and regularly hire students through both co-op programs and summer internships. Find out why: https://www.medicinehatchamber.com/work-integrated-learning/ and see the list of funding and supports available.
Crossword Puzzle
Crossword Puzzle Answers
Did you figure it out? Here are the answers for the November 14th crossword puzzle.
Remember that if you subscribe to our weekly email, you get access to the crossword puzzle! Anyone who sends us their answers will get their name put into our quarterly draw. The prize? Receive 5 promotional credits with us (for members) or credit towards a membership (for non-members)! Oh and bragging rights that you're a crossword master!
Other Resources
Alberta Economy - Indicators at a Glance
Labour Market Notes – Labour market pulls back
Alberta Regional Dashboard - information about living, working, and doing business in Alberta’s diverse regions.
Bullying in the workplace: What it looks like and the role you play in stopping it
Other Events
November 21 | Employment standards in Alberta – General overview | Register
November 28 | The Importance of Paid Advertising in a Digital Space | Register
November 30 | Presidents' Reception & Member Appreciation | Register
November 30 | Temporary Foreign Workers and employer rights and responsibilities | Register
December 5 | Employment Standards in AB – Vacation pay and general holiday pay | Register
Useful Links
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