The Airport Master Plan follows a three-phase approach aligned with industry best practices for airport planning. Once adopted, the Airport Master Plan will guide the City's future decision-making for YXH. Stakeholder and community feedback will contribute to the preparation of the Airport Master Plan alongside detailed technical evaluation and planning, the assessment of federal and provincial regulatory standards, and industry best practices.

Phase 1 - Strategic Plan & Impact Study

The Strategic Plan will establish what the airport should look like in 20 years. It will:

• Review the strengths, opportunities, and challenges of YXH and how it compares to other airports;
• Create a Mission and Vision for YXH including its core purpose and aspirations; and
• Set strategic goals and objectives for the future.

The Social and Economic Impact Study will look at how the airport helps Medicine Hat and nearby areas. It will study:

• The social and economic impacts YXH and its services provide the region
• How residents and businesses use airline, private, and charter services;
• Emergency services like the provincial air ambulance program operated by CanWest Air, HALO, STARS, and other users; and
• Professional flight training, general aviation use, and community events.

Phase 2 - Infrastructure Assessment

The City will work with technical experts to:

• Inventory the airport's major facilities, buildings, and equipment;
• Evaluate the condition of the airport’s infrastructure and how long it will last; and
• Plan for the repair and replacement of existing infrastructure over 20 years.

Phase 3 - Airport Master Plan

This final step will use all the information from the prior phases. It will make a plan for:

• Improving the airport to meet current and forecasted demands of the facilities;
• Using land for new projects;
• Addressing the impacts of the airport to the community and environment; and
• Attracting new businesses and services.