What is a Neighbourhood Association?

Empowering residents in decision making is crucial to fostering inclusive and effective local governance.

When decisions are made from the bottom up, communities are better able to voice their unique needs, priorities, and aspirations, ensuring that policies and action reflect the lived realities of those they impact. Neighbourhood Associations serve as important platforms for collaboration, giving residents the connections, relationships, and tools to work together in advocacy and action. Knowing more than six of your neighbors can also boost your mental and physical well-being. Did you know that Medicine Hat has 30+ neighbourhoods?

Neighbourhood Associations are often volunteer based, grass-roots groups who meet up to plan and promote community-based activities that enhance the quality of life and cohesiveness within a specific area by fostering a sense of belonging among residents.

Register your Neighbourhood Association

If you are living in Ross Glen, Harlow, Riverside, or Kensington and want to join a Neighbourhood Association, email Shantel at shaott@medicinehat.ca to be connected to things starting in your area.

Nominate a neighbour for Good Neighbour day! (Saturday October 4, 2025)

What supports are available for organizing this?

1. Resources, planning and ideas

Not sure where to begin? The Neighbourhood Associations Planning Toolkit may support you in the process. Check out 50 Ways to Connect with your Neighbour for some connection ideas.

2. Lending library, tables, chairs, and games

Neighbourhood Associations has a lending library of helpful items for hosting events in your area. Complete the Lending Library Borrowing Agreement to borrow these events for your next neighbourhood event!

• Giant Jenga
• Giant Connect 4
• Plastic Axe Throwing
• Ring Toss
• Corn Hole
• Giant Yahtzee
• Ladderball
• 6’ tables (12 of them available)
• 72 folding chairs

3. Microgrants, up to $500

One of the ways the City is empowering neighbourhood development is through microgrants. The Neighbourhood Connections microgrant provides up to $500 to community members for small-scale events that help build connections.

We’ve made sure the grants are accessible to everyone. The application process is simple and ongoing with a 30-day review period. Anyone can apply, whether you're an individual or a group, and we provide direct support and feedback throughout the process. Apply for a Neighbourhood Connection microgrant.