@MedicineHatNews
Medicine Hat News
The “Hub of Western Canada,” the milling capital of the prairies, the smokeless Pittsburg of the west and the town that was born lucky – a few of the monikers Medicine Hat has worn to promote “progress” made in the city over the years and lure new residents and industry.
The News is reprinting coverage of issues and events in the city from the past in the lead-up to the commemoration of its 140th publishing year later this fall.
Early boosterism after the discovery of natural gas spoke of limitless potential of industry in the city, which was still part of the Assiniboia District of the Northwest Territories.
A notable campaign in 1904 sought its stature should be secured as the capital city of the coming province of Alberta.
This reprint of the “1907 Progress” edition assures orderly progress and permanency.
Medicine Hat’s new water filtration system was “the finest in the Canada.”
Also outlined was every foot of new wooden sidewalk, lists of houses of worship, local industry, bank clearings and a photo selection of the fine buildings built over the previous year.
All were no small concern to eastern capital or others looking to branch out to the prairies for a new life in an unknown land.
It sounds quaint, but the practice continues to this day at the News. Our 2025-26 progress edition was distributed last May and discusses local service club efforts, economic development, history of the region and the general outlook in the Gas City.
