MPC to Consider New Mustard Seed Location
Medicine Hat, AB The City of Medicine Hat’s Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) is set to deliberate on a significant land-use proposal during its meeting today at 1:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
The commission will review a tandem application for a property at 2055 Saamis Drive NW, involving both a Request for Decision on a rezoning bylaw and a concurrent development permit application to establish a combined Community Shelter, Community Social Service, and Community Food Service.
The key item on the agenda is Bylaw 4860, which seeks to rezone the property from its current Highway Commercial (C-H) designation to a Direct Control District (DC). This change is requested to accommodate the specific nature of the proposed development, which includes providing temporary shelter for an estimated 30 to 50 individuals, alongside food services and wellness support programs.
A Direct Control District provides City Council with greater authority to establish unique parameters for a development, a step deemed necessary due to the project's "high impact" potential and the lack of clear pre-existing policy for such a use in the area.
"The intent is to consolidate these essential services into one location," the application states, aiming to offer "daytime and overnight accommodation" and support for vulnerable community members.
The second item for consideration is Development Permit PLDP20250595, which is contingent on the rezoning's approval. This permit would authorize the change of use for the existing building on the site to the three proposed services.
The MPC analysis notes that the location, on the edge of the North Employment Sector near the Trans-Canada Highway, is identified in the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) as an area suitable for "Special Use" typologies. The report suggests the proposal aligns with MDP policies that encourage social services while acknowledging the need to mitigate impacts on adjacent industrial and commercial properties, such as Phil’s Towing, Sun City Ford, and the Flying J travel centre.
To address potential concerns, the development permit includes recommended conditions focused on security and screening. These conditions mandate the construction of a minimum 6-foot privacy fence around the perimeter of the site and the implementation of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, including adequate lighting and ongoing site maintenance.
All development costs, including any necessary utility upgrades, will be borne by the applicant.
If the MPC recommends approval, the rezoning bylaw will proceed to First Reading at the October 6 City Council meeting, where a statutory public hearing will be held. The final decision on the development permit rests with Council acting as the Development Authority for the Direct Control District.
Today’s MPC meeting is open to the public. The commission’s recommendation will then be forwarded to City Council for a final decision.
