Update September 26, 2025 

The City of Medicine Hat and The Mustard Seed have received numerous inquiries and concerns related to the appropriateness of this site, both for users and for surrounding properties and businesses. To allow both groups time to further review and respond to concerns, The Mustard Seed has withdrawn the application to rezone the property. As such, the public hearing scheduled for the September 29, 2025, City Council meeting was cancelled. Read the full press release.

While this review occurs, there is also an opportunity to continue exploring other options for a permanent shelter location, but finding a shelter location that balances the needs and desires of all stakeholders is challenging. The City of Medicine Hat and The Mustard Seed are open to suggestions from community members on where to locate this important community service. If you have a suggestion for a suitable site, please visit the shelter services information page at https://www.medicinehat.ca/community-support-culture-safety/community-support/community-shelters/  and use the form to submit your thoughts.

September 22, 2025: The Chamber of Commerce issued a letter to the City on September 22 to express our position regarding the proposed rezoning of 2055 Saamis Drive NW from Highway Commercial (C-H) to Direct Control (DC).

We recognize the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in our community and commend efforts to provide wraparound services. However, we urge the City to approach this decision with a comprehensive, sustainable plan that balances social responsibility with economic viability, safety, and long-term urban planning.

Key Considerations:

1. Proximity to Industrial Operations: The proposed site lies approximately 100 meters from Cancarb’s industrial property, as well as within proximity to other business properties. It is concerning that this was not acknowledged in the background analysis, nor was industry correspondence included in the MPC committee documentation. This omission is notable, especially given that historical correspondence from the 2013 ASP amendment under Bylaw 4164 was included in the bylaw at that time.
   
   
2. Area Structure Plan (ASP) Relevance: The background analysis states that “there is no Area Structure Plan in place for this area.” However, the Box Springs ASP (Bylaw 4164) adopted in 2013 clearly outlines development restrictions within proximity to industrial sites. Specifically, page 19 of the Box Springs ASP stipulates that:

“Development within one and one half (1.5) kilometers of the plant should be limited to purely heavy industrial development consisting of manufacturing, warehousing and open storage uses, such as lay down areas.”

Furthermore, Section 4.1 of the City’s Municipal Development Plan (MDP) supports this buffer by stating:

“Lands beyond the risk area can readily be developed for a wider range of uses. These can include industrial uses and supportive commercial uses, ranging from hotels and restaurants, to larger recreational developments.”

These policies were designed to protect both industrial operations and non-industrial developments from incompatible land use conflicts.

3. Economic and Community Impact: Our members and local businesses have voiced concerns about the potential unintended consequences of rezoning without adequate consultation. These include impacts on adjacent commercial and industrial operations, safety concerns, and the long-term viability of the area as a business corridor, as well as potential partners and investors for industrial development opportunities that are aligned with our current industrial facilities.

We support our members and businesses in calling on the City to work collaboratively toward a safe, accessible, and sustainable solution that truly serves all stakeholders. We urge Council to:

• Reassess the proposed rezoning in light of existing ASP and MDP policies.
• Ensure industrial proximity and business feedback are fully considered.
• Engage in broader consultation with affected businesses and community groups prior to decisions being finalized.
• Explore alternative locations that align with long-term planning and minimize conflict with industrial zones and better serve the intended needs for a long term viable solution.

We appreciate the City’s commitment to finding a comprehensive solution that doesn’t have long-term, unintended consequences and look forward to continued dialogue on this matter.