Medicine Hat council rezones two motels for housing

Medicine Hat city council approved rezoning bylaws for two commercial motels to allow their conversion into multi-unit housing developments at its Oct. 5 meeting, and also approved a development permit for an Amazon logistics facility in the city's southeast, according to a council highlights summary published Thursday by the City of Medicine Hat.

Council passed Bylaw 4891-2026, which redesignates the property at 535 16 St. SW — currently home to the Ranchmen Motel — from Regional Commercial Special Use District to Neighbourhood Residential 2 District. A public hearing preceded the vote.

Council also approved Bylaw 4892-2026, redesignating 855 Gershaw Dr. SW, where the Sundek Motel operates, under the same zoning shift. The city said both decisions align with council's strategic plan goal to advocate for and enable housing, mental health and addiction supports.

Council approved Development Permit 20260649 for a portion of a warehouse at 1222 Allowance Ave. SE, where a logistics contractor for Amazon proposes to operate a local package distribution and trans-shipment facility serving residential and commercial customers within approximately a 30-minute driving radius of Medicine Hat. The permit is subject to conditions including that construction or commencement of the land use must begin within one year of the permit being issued and be completed within two years of the start of construction.

A rezoning application for 22 Sierra Green SW — Bylaw 4890-2026 — was not decided. Council recessed that public hearing and will reconvene Oct. 19 to allow time to gather further information. The proposed bylaw would allow the applicant to consolidate the site with a neighbouring lot for a four-unit row housing development.

Council also approved the induction of Harvey and Loretta Fix, Dr. Deborah Forbes, Luke Lindoe, James Marshall and Mark Sakamoto into the Arts and Culture Legacy Gallery at the Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre. Council approved the transfer of Ronnie Burkett and Terri Clark from the International Wall of Fame to the same gallery. The Arts and Culture Legacy Award was created in 2026. The inductees will be recognized at an event at a later date.

On a motion that waived the standard notice period, council directed administration to monitor and track financial impacts arising from U.S. tariffs and to explore procurement and supply-chain options including Canadian and alternative suppliers where appropriate, and to report back to council with updates and any additional recommendations.

The next council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 19 at 6:30 p.m. in council chambers at city hall.