Despite a swirl of controversy, the City of Medicine Hat is standing firm that no conflict of interest exists in the bidding process for Invest Medicine Hat.

Earlier this week, the city revealed that Invest Medicine Hat, the department responsible for municipal land sales, and economic development would be going to a private contractor again. It previously went to a private contractor in 2013 under Ryan Jackson. The city is seeking an operator for a ten-year contract with the possibility of renewal for two periods for up to 10 years each.

CHAT NEWS learned that one of the people registered as a bidder is Jason Melhoff, the city’s current managing director of Invest Medicine Hat. Melhoff is listed under the private company Orka Management Group.

A corporate registry search shows the company formed back in February 2021. Melhoff is listed as a director, as is Chris Perret, the city’s current director of land development and real estate. Eric Van Enk, another city staffer is also listed as having a stake in the company.

A website for Orka Management Group shows other members of the Invest Medicine Hat team, including Kelli Ireland, the city’s current marketing specialist, and Jon Sookocheff a current economic recovery officer for the city. The website lists 660 Second Street as its address, the same location Invest Medicine Hat was situated when it was privately operated under Ryan Jackson.

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