The City of Medicine Hat is working to encourage vibrancy in the downtown core and other business districts by streamlining processes such as the installation of outdoor patios and cafes. This is driven in part by a growing patio culture that’s reshaping how residents and visitors experience the city. From cozy coffee shop terraces to lively boardwalk-style patios at local eateries, the downtown area has become a hub of outdoor social activity, thanks to a combination of community enthusiasm and municipal support.

A Patio Movement Takes Root

Over the past few years, businesses in Medicine Hat have invested in creating inviting outdoor spaces. Establishments downtown like LOCAL Public Eatery and Hometown Culinary have used their patios to host events, and live entertainment, and businesses outside the downtown core have also utilized the patio experience to maximize our enjoyment of the great weather Medicine Hat has to offer. Establishments, such as Moxies, MT Nest, R Kitchen, Blowers and Grafton, the Silver Buckle, Earl’s, Rossco’s, Browns Socialhouse, the Keg, Medicine Hat Brew Co and Ralph’s have all recognized the need to expand on their indoor offering and extending their spaces to the great outdoors, contributing to a dynamic street-level atmosphere and inviting spaces to enjoy the outside, enhancing the customer experience and supporting business growth. This collective effort has led to a noticeable shift in the energy for customers in particular, with more people walking, dining, and socializing outdoors.

New Patio Process: Streamlined and Supportive

To support this growth, the City of Medicine Hat introduced a new, simplified process for establishing outdoor patios and sidewalk cafés in 2025. The updated process was designed to be more accessible for both new and returning applicants with improvements through:

1. Simplified Application and Renewal: Returning applicants benefit from a streamlined renewal process, one point of contact and reduced administrative burden.
   • New Applicants are encouraged to contact the Municipal Works department early to understand requirements and gather necessary documentation: https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/business-and-development/outdoor-patios-and-sidewalk-cafes.aspx#
   • Returning Applicants can skip initial steps and proceed directly to the application phase: https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/business-and-development/resources/Documents/CMH_COMMERCIAL_OUTDOOR_PATIO_APPLICATION-_2025.pdf
   • The online application form is available 24-7 and can be submitted digitally or via email.
2. No Fees: In a move to further encourage patio development, the City announced that there will be no cost for patio applications, saving businesses over $600/year. The removal of associated fees has made patios and sidewalk cafes more affordable for businesses to implement.
3. Enhanced Support: The City continues to offer guidance and incentives to help businesses create and maintain outdoor spaces that contribute to downtown vibrancy.

This process aims to balance public safety and accessibility with the desire to foster a lively and welcoming downtown environment.

Looking Ahead

Medicine Hat’s patio initiative demonstrates an example of responsiveness to community needs, the implementation of simple steps that encourage economic development, and streamlined efforts that help modernize our urban environment. By removing financial barriers and simplifying procedures such as these, the City has shown its willingness to work with local businesses to create memorable outdoor experiences that attract residents and tourists alike. We are pleased to hear that the City will continue the no cost and simplified application process for 2026, along with reviewing the renewal process for next the next summer season to have an even more simplified process for renewals in 2026.

As our community evolves, patios will remain a cornerstone to our identity—bringing people together, supporting local enterprise, and making Medicine Hat a more vibrant place to live and visit. 

We appreciate and acknowledge the City for working with us to not only understand the concerns, but to make changes necessary to support business.