Medicine Hat, Alberta
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| City of Medicine Hat | |
Saamis Teepee | |
| Image:Medicine Hat-flag.png | 
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| Area | 112.0 km² |
| Population | 56,048 (2005) |
| Pop'n density | 467 /km² |
| Location | |
| Altitude | 670 metres |
| Incorporation | 09 May 1906 (City) |
| Province | Alberta |
| Census Division | 1 |
| Members of the Legislative Assembly | Rob Renner (PC - Medicine Hat) Leonard Mitzel (PC - Cypress-Medicine Hat) |
| MP | Monte Solberg (Cons - Medicine Hat) |
| Mayor | Garth Vallely |
| Governing Body | Medicine Hat City Council |
| Time zone | MST (UTC-7) |
| Postal code | T1A to T1C |
| Area Code | 403 |
| Medicine Hat.AB.Ca | |
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.
The city has a population of 56,048 (according to the 2005 municipal census<ref>City of Medicine Hat - 2005 Census data (pdf)</ref>).
Contents |
[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.
25 miles to the east lies a landscape formation taking the form of a head with feathered headress facing west, at . 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] Origin of name
The name "Medicine Hat" is the English translation of 'Saamis' (SA-AH-UMP-SIN)- the Blackfoot word for the eagle tail feather headress worn by medicine men - or 'Medicine Hat'. This particular 'Medicine Hat' finds its origins from Aboriginal legends about a battle long ago between the Blackfoot and the Cree Indian tribes in which a retreating "Medicine Man" lost his headdress in the South Saskatchewan River.
Early residents considered changing the name to something more 'normal', but visiting writer Rudyard Kipling convinced locals it would be truly unique and never imitated should they keep it. Medicine Hat is also known as "The Gas City" due to its tremendous wealth of natural gas beneath it.
[edit] Prisoners of war camp P.O.W.
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.<ref>CBC article - POW camp in Medicine Hat</ref>
[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 km west of the City. It is estimated that the base contributes $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] Economy
[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<ref>medalta.org Medalta.org - Medicine Hat Clay Industries National Historic District</ref>.
[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).
[edit] Recreation
[edit] Parks
There are over 100 km 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 km 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
- Pardise 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, 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 2 campuses, the college has grown into an integral part of the community. Athletics include basketball, volleyball, and soccer.
[edit] Neighbourhoods
- North Flats -
- South Flats -
- SE Hill -
- SW Hill -
- 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 -
- Parkview -
- 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 -
- Park Meadows -
- Crestwood -
- Ross Glen -
- South Ridge -
- South Vista Heights -
- 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
City Council is completing a feasibility study for a new arena.
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.
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Radio |
Television |
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[edit] Famous Hatters
- Terri Clark -- country singer
- Gordon Clinton -- Mayor of Seattle 1956-1964
- Murray Craven -- hockey player
- Glen Edwards -- test pilot, namesake of Edwards Air Force Base
- Kevin Foreman -- Software executive
- Bruno Gerussi -- Actor
- Gordie Johnson -- Lead singer of "Big Sugar" rock band
- Trevor Linden -- hockey player
- Chris Osgood -- hockey player
- Lanny McDonald -- hockey player
- Kalan Porter -- Canadian Idol
- Richard Edward Taylor -- co-recipient of the 1990 Nobel Prize for Physics
Coincidentially, Murray Craven, Kevin Foreman, and Gordie Johnson all graduated from Crescent Heights High School in the same class (Class of 1982).
| Brooks Calgary | Redcliff |
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| Bow Island | Image:North.svg | Maple Creek Irvine | ||
| Image:West.svg Medicine Hat Image:East.svg | ||||
| Image:South.svg | ||||
| Lethbridge | Havre | Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park |
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
| Census divisions | 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 6 - 7 - 8 - 9 - 10 - 11 - 12 - 13 - 14 - 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 - 19 |
|---|---|
| Cities | Airdrie - Brooks - Calgary - Camrose - Cold Lake - Edmonton - Fort Saskatchewan - Grande Prairie - Leduc - Lethbridge - Lloydminster - Medicine Hat - Red Deer - Spruce Grove - St. Albert - Wetaskiwin |
| Communities | Counties and Municipal Districts of Alberta - Towns of Alberta - Villages of Alberta - Hamlets of Alberta - Indian Reserves in Alberta - Métis in Alberta |
eo:Medicine Hat (Alberto) fr:Medicine Hat lt:Medisin Hetas pl:Medicine Hat pt:Medicine Hat
