City notebook: Operation Snowball illustrates more than just ‘Big-Bang’

By Collin Gallant on July 20, 2024.

Many fine complements were received after the News published portions of an upcoming book Operation Snowball’s 60th anniversary and added our own coverage.

In case you missed it, pictures of the explosion of 500-tons of TNT in 1964 were plastered across the paper this week.

It’s a good example of what can be done by local media with full-time staff, consideration of the community, and in partnership with the community (local researcher and author Stephen Murray provided most of the copy).

Nostalgia is nice and all, but Snowball and the reaction to this week’s article series, speaks to local pride and something larger, we think.

Hundreds of Hatters working on the base prepared for two years, and the whole endeavour is one of those rare times that Medicine Hat was at the literal forefront of world events.

Of course it leads the question of what’s next?

DRDC in Suffield has always been a bit of a closed book for those working or living outside its walls. Brief word comes that 400 personnel from NATO nations are currently on exercise here – where large armour training by the British has been halted.

Military information is secretive for a number of reasons including some of them good. We keep hearing buzz about drones, etc. and event tell of a high altitude rocket test that happened last winter by a private company (the News had it front page).

But what’s to become of Suffield?

Snowball was brought to Medicine Hat by an enterprising group of young (at the time) scientists and ambitious administrators.

Who’s around today and what are they driving for that will put the Hat on the map?

Speaking of big news

It’s ironic, but while all agree very little business is done downtown during the Calgary Stampede major announcements from companies and government are standard.

Could that practice go on the road and reach the Southeast Corner?

This past week, Methanex announced it is studying a $100-million upgrade to the local plant, and a huge solar panel farm was approved in the city.

MLA Danielle Smith is here to lead Thursday’s Stampede Parade, and it’s custom that the honourary marshal provide an afternoon address.

Municipal moves

If you’re scoring at home, Cypress County’s chief administrative officer, Tarolyn Aaserud, will become the city clerk in Medicine Hat in September.

Meanwhile, Joe Cartwright – who was the City of Medicine Hat’s sort of Mr. Everything in an array of positions over the years – will become the county’s new director of municipal services after a stint in the private sector.

As well, the City of Brooks has a new top manager in Christopher Parker, who replaces long-time and now retired chief administrator Alan Martens.

Also other media report former Hat City Clerk Larry Randle is now working in a similar role in Coalhurst. (He previously worked in Lethbridge County.)

A look ahead

Council enters its summer break and won’t sit again until August 19 when some budget options are presented.

Otherwise, and unless computer glitches or robots figure otherwise, it’s Stampede Week with the grounds opening up Wednesday night.

The parade on Thursday (on an abridged route due to construction), night shows, rodeo, and all continues through an expected heatwave.

Stay cool, be safe, have fun.

100 years ago

“The modern Olympic movement would soon collapse,” predicted the Times of London as the Paris Games drew to a close this week in 1924.

A reprinted report in the Medicine Hat News wondered about the future of international sports amid scandals and squabbles.

Canadian Prime Minister King promised that new legislation would gives rights and powers to the Commons over the Senate – a move that would place the Canadian governmental system “on par” with British Parliament and the House of Lords.

A new metal flume carrying water from Lake McGregor to the Vauxhall district was completed, replacing a damaged wooden line that caused panic in the spring.

A fire that levelled Castor, Alta. Was estimated to have cost $300,000 in damage to the business district of the town near Hanna.

Preparations were being made to create an exhibit of industrial progress in Medicine Hat for the annual fair, to be held Aug. 5 and 6.

Collin Gallant covers city politics and a variety of topics for the News. Reach him at 403-528-5664 or via email at cgallant@medicinehatnews.com.