MEDICINE HAT, ALBERTA

'Medicine Hat', known to locals as "The Hat", is a city located in the southeastern part of the province of Alberta, Canada.
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. It is because of this that the city is known as 'The Gas City'.

Contents

Geography

Neighbourhoods

Climate

History

Name Origins

Founding

Progress & Growth

Demographics

Infrastructure

Military

Attractions

Parks

Golf courses

Education

Contemporary issues

Local media

Famous Hatters

See also

References

External links

Geography

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 at lies the Badlands Guardian Geological Feature. It is a landscape formation taking the form of a head wearing a feathered headdress. The head is 1000 feet wide. It is in inverse relief, formed by valleys rather than raised ground.

Neighbourhoods

★ North Flats - located northeast of the CPR marshaling 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 marshaling 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, a lot of big houses

★ Ranchlands - a new neighbourhood in the northeast sector of the City. The neighborhood includes residential lands both above and in the South Saskatchewan River valley.

★ 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 built out South Ridge neighbourhood was first developed in the late 1970s.

★ South Vista Heights - a new residential suburban community south of the Trans Canada Highway. Community is 60% built out.

★ Saamis Heights - a new community that is now almost built out. 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.

★ Desert Blume - new community south of the city

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. Maximum precipitation typically occurs in the late spring and early summer.

History

Name 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.

Founding

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.

Progress & Growth

Rich in natural resources including natural gas, coal, clay, and farmland, the town was known in the early days as "the Pittsburgh 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, although the population swelled in the mid-1940s due to the town hosting one of the largest Second World War P.O.W. camps in Canada. It was not until the 1950s that the town again experienced significant commercial 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.

Demographics

In 2006, Medicine Hat had a population of 56,997 living in 24,729 dwellings, a 11.2% increase from 2001. The city has a land area of and a population density of .

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.

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 United Nations and North Atlantic Treaty Organization missions. Currently the SALH has members serving in Afghanistan.
Canadian Forces Base Suffield is located 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 Research and Development Canada -- Suffield).

Attractions

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 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.^[1]
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.
The 'Medicine Hat Family Leisure Centre' is the largest indoor multi purpose facility in the City. The building is and is sited on 57 acres in the north end of the City. The facility includes olympic size ice rink, 50 m pool, waterslide, diving platforms, kiddies pool, wave pool, cafe, 4 ball diamonds, lighted football field, and 3 soccer pitches.
Located in downtown Medicine Hat, 'The Esplanade'^[2] 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.

Parks

There are over 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 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 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 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 amenities 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.

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.

★ Advantage Golf Academy, located at Cottonwood Coulee Golf Course, is Medicine Hat's only full time golf instructional facility.

Education

'Medicine Hat School District No. 76'^[3] has been serving the needs of public school students since it came into existence in 1886.
The District has five trustees and comprises 3 secondary schools, 12 elementary (K-6) schools, a special needs school for the severely disabled, as well as an Alternative School program which incorporates a joint partnership with the YMCA Teen Moms' Program, YMCA Stay-in-School Program, a program with Palliser Health for secondary students and a program supported by Children Services for students with behavioural needs.
Medicine Hat School District has a current enrollment of 6,400 students for children from 2-1/2 years of age from ECS through Grade 12.
The 'Medicine Hat College' is a junior college located in south Medicine Hat. 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.

Contemporary issues

City is now 100% smoke free as of May 31, 2007.^[4]
The City is preparing area redevelopment plans for the North Flats and River Heights areas.
City Council recently voted to delay the decision to construct a new multi-purpose arena. Council will review the potential for constructing the arena and potential sites in the future.
Municipal elections will occur in October 2007. The current mayor has indicated he will not be seeking re-election. Several high profile residents have put their name forward, including a former mayor, police chief, and alderman.
Construction on the much anticipated Costco store has commenced. Expected opening is November 27, 2007.
Wal-Mart has confirmed that they will be building a superstore in Southlands in 2007/2008.
The City, Town of Redcliff and Cypress County are together working on a plan that will govern the location and intensity of growth around the City for the next 50 years.
Alberta Infrastructure and Transportation is currently negotiating with landowners south of the City to secure land for the future Trans Canada freeway bypass. The bypass is expected to be constructed in the next 10-20 years.
In 2010 the government of Canada will be establishing a leper treatment institution in the crescent heights area. The aim of the institution will be treating foreign individuals who are still in the early stages of the disease. The Institution is projected to add $25 million annually to the regions economy.
The average home price has climbed to $239,000 in May 2007.

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) ★ Moving to Frequency 93.7 FM in the Fall of 2007 (Approved in June of 2007) ★ FM 100.5: CHFA-FM-8 (La Première Chaîne) ★ FM 102.1 "New" (102.1 The Lounge) "Adult Standards/Nostalgia" Launching in January 2008 (Approved in June of 2007) ★ FM 105.3: "New" (Rock 105)"Today's Best Rock and Killer Classics" Launching in the Fall of 2007 (Approved in June 2007) ★

;Television ★ CHAT 6(Channel 3 Med. Hat Cable, Channel 248 SE AB, SW SK Bell Express Vu) ★ (CBC)(As of September 2008 CHAT TV will no longer be affliated with the CBC Network as it will be a Independent Station and will have most of it's programing will be from Global Television) ★ CFCN-8 8 (CTV) ★ CBXFT-11 34 (SRC) ★ SHAW TV Cable 10 (SHAW)

;Print ★ ''Medicine Hat News'' - Daily Newspaper ★ (Medicine Hat Experts -Help Newspaper)

;Blog

★ ''Medhatblog.com'' Local Blog updated daily

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

★ Mike Rathje, NHL 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

★ 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.

See also

★ Medicine Hat Tigers

★ Richardson family murders

References

1. medalta.org Medalta.org - Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District
2. The Esplanade
3. Medicine Hat School District No. 76
4. Municipal Bylaw & Enforcement Section > Smoking Bylaw City of Medicine Hat

External links

★ City of Medicine Hat website

★ WikiMapia map of Medicine Hat

★ YouTube video of Badlands Guardian Geological Feature