Symbolic drilling rig to be removed for safety concerns

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on February 25, 2026.

newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com

In the coming weeks city crews will remove the historic drill rig located near the Tourism Medicine Hat Visitor Information Centre due to safety concerns.

The drill rig was manufactured more than 75 years ago and was used to drill gas wells in the city between 1950-1969 and was later used to service existing gas wells until 1981.

In 1998 the Medicine Hat’s Oilmen’s Association completely restored the retired drill rig to commemorate the organization’s 25th anniversary.

Following restoration, the association placed fencing and lighting to display the drill rig at its current location.

“It has stood since as a beacon of Medicine Hat’s proud legacy in the oil and gas industry,” reads a press release.

The local Oilemns’ Association is mainly composed of members who are employed in oilfield related occupations, and has held several fundraisers for local nonprofits and organizations, including HALO Air Ambulance, Mustard Seed, Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter Society and several local sports organizations.

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