Medicine Hat, Alberta

It is situated on the Trans-Canada Highway, the eastern terminus of the Crowsnest Highway, and the South Saskatchewan River. Nearby towns considered part of the Medicine Hat area include Dunmore, Seven Persons, Redcliff, and Irvine.The Cypress Hills (including Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park) is a relatively short distance (by car) to the southeast of the city. Its major claim to fame is Rudyard Kipling's famous line "all hell for a basement" referring to the vast reserves of natural gas beneath it.

The city has a population of 56,048 (according to the 2005 municipal census^[1]).

[edit] Geography

[edit] Topography

The Medicine Hat landscape is dominated by the South Saskatchewan River valley. In addition to this major river, both the Seven Persons Creek and Ross Creek empty into the South Saskatchewan River within the City of Medicine Hat boundary. The presence of these water bodies provide for a dramatic valley landscape with numerous cliffs, and finger coulees throughout the City. Beyond the City and river valley the land is flat to slightly rolling and is characterized by short-grass vegetation.

Twenty-five miles to the east lies the Badlands Guardian Geological Feature It is a landscape formation taking the form of a head with feathered headress facing west, at 50°0′38.2″N, 110°6′48.3″W. The head is 1000 feet wide. It is in inverse relief, formed by valleys rather than raised ground.

[edit] Climate

Medicine Hat has a semiarid continental climate, with cold, dry winters and warm to hot summers. However, the winter cold is occasionally ameliorated by mild and dry chinook winds blowing from the west, and hot summer daytime temperatures are made tolerable by low humidity and rapid cooling in the evening hours. Medicine Hat receives less precipitation annually than other cities on the Canadian prairies, making it a popular retirement city.

[edit] History

[edit] Origins

The name "Medicine Hat" is the English translation of 'Saamis' (SA-AH-UMP-SIN)- the Blackfoot word for the eagle tail feather headdress worn by medicine men - or 'Medicine Hat'. Several legends are associated with the name from a mythical merman river serpent named Soy-yee-daa-bee, the creator, who appeared to a hunter and instructed him to sacrifice his wife in order to obtain mystical powers which were manifest in a special hat. Another legend tells of a battle long ago between the Blackfeet and the Cree in which a retreating "Medicine Man" lost his headdress in the South Saskatchewan River. A number of factors have always made Medicine Hat a natural gathering place. Prior to the arrival of Europeans the Blackfoot, Cree and Assiniboine nations used the area for hundreds of years. The gently sloping valley with its converging water ways and hardy native cottonwood trees attracted both man and the migratory bison herds which passed through the area.

In 1883, when the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) reached Medicine Hat and crossed the river a town site was established using the name from the Indian Legends. As the west developed Medicine Hat became instrumental with the development of the first hospital past Winnipeg in 1889 and as a C.P.R. divisional point. It was incorporated as a town on October 31, 1898, and as a city on May 9, 1906.

Rich in natural resources including natural gas, coal, clay, and farmland, the town was known in the early days as "the Pittsburg of the West". A number of large industries located here, under the inducement of cheap and plentiful energy resources. Coal mines, brick works, pottery and glass bottle manufacturing plants, flour mills, etc. became established. The agricultural potential of the surrounding area, both in crop and livestock, also made the town a viable service center with a well established transportation route. An economic boom was experienced between 1909-1914 bringing the population to over 10,000. Little growth occurred between the World Wars and it was not until the 1950s that the town again experienced significant development. Today, Medicine Hat prides itself as one of the most economical places to live in Canada, with its unique city owned gas utility and power generation plant being predominant factors. Major industries have included chemical plants, a tire and rubber plant, a foundry, brickworks, etc. and Medicine Hat continues to grow and prosper.

[edit] Prisoners of war camp

During the Second World War, Medicine Hat held one of the largest P.O.W. camps in Canada. On June 26, 1946, Sergeant Berner Swab was hanged for the murder of August Plazik, both men former P.O.W's.

On December 18, 1946, five P.O.W. , Willy Mueller, Hienrich Bush, Bruno Parnisowski, and Walter Wolf were sentenced and hanged for the murder of Karl Lehmann. All the men were placed in unmarked graves they had dug themselves. Their remains were moved to Kitchener, Ontario to a memorial grave. The RCMP investigated both cases and all of the accused were tried separately in Medicine Hat. The trials were held in civil rather than military courts, and the executions at Lethbridge Jail were also a civil responsibility.^[2]

[edit] Military

Medicine Hat is home to The South Alberta Light Horse (SALH), an army reserve unit. The SALH is one of Alberta's oldest and most prestigious army reserve units. The SALH dates back to 1885 when it took part in the North-West Rebellion. Since then it has gained battle honours in the First and Second World Wars and today its members continue to serve overseas on UN and NATO missions. Currently the SALH has members serving in Afghanistan.

Canadian Forces Base Suffield is located 50 kilometers (31.1 mi) west of the city. It is estimated that the base contributes C$120 million annually to the local economy, principally through its two lodger units: British Army Training Unit Suffield, and Defence R&D Canada -- Suffield (DRDC).

[edit] Infrastructure

The Province and the City are preparing future plans for the upgrading of the Trans Canada Highway in the region to freeway status. The three alternatives include upgrading the current route, or a south or north bypass of the City.

The City is working on design of the South-West Sector Sanitary Trunk main, extension of South Boundary Road from Strachan Road to Southridge Drive, and a South-West Sector water transmission line. This infrastructure will accommodate the development of new residential communities west of South Ridge Dr, and south of the Seven Persons Creek.

The city is served by the Medicine Hat Airport.

[edit] Attractions

[edit] The Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District

The Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District is a living, working museum that offers a unique and extensive experience through collections, exhibits, interpretation, guided tours and educational and artistic programming. The Medalta Potteries and Hycroft China Factory Complexes are the focal points in this 150 acre region. This nationally recognized industrial historic district is a cultural initiative of the Friends of Medalta Society with Federal, Provincial, Municipal and Private support. Restoration, preservation and cultural development of the Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District for the purpose of education and public enjoyment is ongoing.^[3]

[edit] The world's tallest teepee

Just south of the Trans-Canada Highway and overlooking the Blackfoot buffalo jump, is the world's tallest teepee, the "Saamis Teepee". Designed for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary as a symbol of Canada's Aboriginal heritage, it was moved to Medicine Hat in 1991. It stands over 20 stories high and was designed to withstand extreme temperatures and winds up to 240 km/h (150 mph). During a January 2007 windstorm, a portion of the teepee was damaged. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that extensive weathering was partially to blame. After repairs were complete, the Saamis teepee now stands approximately 15 feet shorter.

[edit] Recreation

[edit] Parks

There are over 100 kilometres (62 mi) of walking trails in the City. All of the major parks are linked by the extensive trail system.

Police Point Park was an early North West Mounted Police outpost, and the park is now a 300 acre nature-lovers' dream with shale paths next to the South Saskatchewan River.
Strathcona Island Park is located along the south bank of the South Saskatchewan River. The park has 5 kilometres (3 mi) of walking trails, playgrounds, water park, ball diamond, pavilion centre, washrooms, ice skating, kitchens and fire pits. The park is heavily treed.
Kin Coulee Park is located along the banks of the Seven Persons Creek. This 100 acre park is almost entirely manicured. The park features a skateboard park, 2 ball diamonds, beach volleyball courts, fire pits, band shell, washrooms, and 2 playgrounds.
Echodale Regional Park is a 650 acre (2.6 km²) park that includes an artificial swimming lake. The amenties include beach, walking trails, fire pits, canoe rentals, snack bar, washrooms and historic ranch.
Central Park, located in the Southeast Hill neighborhood is surrounded by large cottonwood trees and, on the northside, a row of cedar trees. It also has playstructures and a spraydeck. A street basketball court can be found here, which is usually in full use during the summer months.

[edit] Medicine Hat Family Leisure Centre

The Family Leisure Centre is the largest indoor multi purpose facility in the City. The building is 90,000 sqft and is sited on 57 acres in the north end of the City. The facility includes olympic size ice rink, 50m pool, waterslide, diving platforms, kiddies pool, wave pool, cafe, 4 ball diamonds, lighted football field, and 3 soccer pitches.

[edit] Golf courses

Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club is located along the north banks of the South Saskatchewan River.
Connaught Golf Course
Cottonwood Golf Course is located in southwest Medicine Hat along the banks of the Seven Persons Creek
Paradise Valley Par 3 is located along the banks of the Seven Persons Creek.
Ross Creek Par 3 is located along the banks of the Bullshead Creek.
Riverview Golf Course is located in Redcliff along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River.
The Links at Desert Blume are located immediately south of the City. The links are set to open in Spring 2007.

[edit] Culture

[edit] The Esplanade

Located in downtown Medicine Hat, [1]The Esplanade is a large multi purpose cultural centre. The facility features a 700+ seat performing arts theatre, art gallery, museum, archives, gift shop,and cafe. The Esplanade officially opened in October 2005.

[edit] Education

[edit] Medicine Hat College

The first students were accepted to Medicine Hat College in 1965. Now with over 2,500 students and 3 campuses, the college has grown into an integral part of the community. Athletics include basketball, volleyball, and soccer.

[edit] Neighbourhoods

North Flats - located northeast of the CPR marshalling yards near the South Saskatchewan River and downtown. Old inner city neighbourhood that is home to residential and industrial uses.
South Flats - located south of the CPR marshalling yard, located adjacent to downtown.
SE Hill - Holds 4 schools.
SW Hill - Holds 4 Schools and hospital.
Riverside - a mature inner city neighbourhood along the north bank of the South Saskatchewan River. The community has experienced, over the past 5 years, significant gentrification. Mature trees and boulevards line the streets.
River Heights -
Crescent Heights - built in the late 1960s, located on the north side of city on the hill above the river valley.
Parkview - located on the South Saskatchewan River, alot of houses
Ranchlands - a new neighbourhood in the northeast sector of the City. The neighbourhood includes residential lands both above and in the South Saskatchewan River valley. The first phases of the community are sold out and a new phase (in the valley) will be opened up in 2007.
Southview - in the southern part of the city.
Park Meadows - An area that was developed in the 1990s. Primarily residential with several apartments.
Crestwood -
Southview -
Ross Glen - low density middle class neighbourhood located in the southeast end of the City.
South Ridge - The first residential development south of the Trans Canada Highway. The builtout South Ridge neighbourhood was first developed in the early 1980s.
South Vista Heights - a new residential suburban community south of the Trans Canada Highway. Community is 60% builtout.
Saamis Heights - a new community that is now almost builtout. The community is located west of South Ridge in the south sector of the City. Saamis Heights was a very popular development and was completed in under 5 years. The community borders the Seven Persons Creek valley and thus provides many prime walkout view lots.
Southlands - a new community opening in 2006. Community is in the south end of the City. Neighbourhood is adjacent to the SE regional commercial node.

[edit] Contemporary issues

Some information in this article or section is not attributed to sources and may not be reliable.
Please check for inaccuracies, and modify and cite sources as needed.

City will be 100% smoke free June 1, 2007.

City Council is completing a feasibility study for a new arena. Cost estimate has skyrocketed to $98 million.

City Council is reviewing a bylaw that would restrict the placement of suggestive magazines in retail outlets.

Costco has confirmed that they will be building a store in the northwest sector of the City. Expected opening is Fall 2007.

The average home price has climbed to $202,000 in August 2006.

[edit] Local media

Medicine Hat has several radio and television stations broadcasting from it, as well as receiving radio stations from Calgary.

Radio

FM 94.5: CHAT, (country)
FM 96.1: CFMY "My 96" (Hot AC)
FM 97.3: CKUA-FM-3 (variety)
FM 98.3: CBRM (CBC Radio One)
FM 99.5: CJLT "Alive 99.5" (Christian)
FM 100.5: CHFA-FM-8 (La Première Chaîne)

Television

CHAT 6(Channel 3 Med. Hat Cable, Channel 248 SE AB, SW SK Bell Express Vu) (CBC)
CFCN-8 8 (CTV)
CBXFT-11 34 (SRC)
SHAW TV Cable 10 (SHAW)

Print

[edit] Famous Hatters

Roloff Beny, prolific artist and exhibitor, having gained worldwide recognition as artist, photographer, writer, and author of 10 published works.
Ronnie Burkett, Internationally famed puppeteer, best known for his original theatrical plays performed with marionettes
Terri Clark, country singer
Murray Craven, hockey player
Glen Edwards, test pilot, namesake of Edwards Air Force Base
Kevin Foreman, Software executive
Bruno Gerussi, Actor
Corey Hirsch, hockey player
Gordie Johnson, Lead singer of "Big Sugar" rock band
Trevor Linden, hockey player and a Vancouver Canuck fan favorite
Chris Osgood, hockey player
Lanny McDonald, hockey player
Kalan Porter, Canadian Idol
Richard Edward Taylor, co-recipient of the 1990 Nobel Prize for Physics
Daniel Federkeil, football player for the Indianapolis Colts

Coincidentially, Murray Craven, Kevin Foreman, and Gordie Johnson all graduated from Crescent Heights High School in the class of 1982.

Brooks Calgary	Redcliff
Bow Island		Maple Creek Irvine
	Medicine Hat

Lethbridge	Havre	Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park

[edit] See also

[edit] References

^ ^a ^b City of Medicine Hat - 2005 Census data (pdf)
^ CBC article - POW camp in Medicine Hat
^ medalta.org Medalta.org - Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District

[edit] External links

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