Vintage Canadian Pacific Locomotives

The role of the railway in the history of the city of Medicine Hat, Alberta echoes what was true of most communities in the West.  When the Canadian Pacific Railway came through in 1882-1883 the community was established, and homes and industries began to spring up almost overnight.

This landmark in Riverside Park in downtown Medicine Hat represents a more modern influence of the railway, and is located just a stones throw from the old railway bridge that spans the South Saskatchewan River.  Two vintage diesel train engines, numbered 1418 and 1424, have been on permanent display here since 1985.  As noted on the placard, these engines were retired after traveling more than seven million miles. 
  

Image of 1424 hauling The Canadian towards Sudbury, ON.

Savour the Southeast Project

Back in early March I shared my experiences from this shoot that I directed for Stream Media.  We were producing the video for the Economic Development Alliance's Savour the Southeast campaign, which was all about drawing attention to locally produced foods and the potential for continued prosperity for growers in Southern Alberta.

This was such a cool experience and a lot of fun to be a part of.  As of late, the majority of my work has been editing based, so getting the chance to direct again and get caught up in a day of shooting was a welcome change. I'm really proud of the finished product too.  The goal was to create something fresh, bright, and beautiful, and I think we achieved that.  I also believe it's a great showcase for Southern Alberta products and I hope to we get to work with the EDA again soon.  

Train Station in Medicine Hat

Constructed in 1906, and doubled in size during an upgrade in 1911/12, the Canadian Pacific Railway station in Medicine Hat, Alberta has long been a prominent landmark in the city. I think it was in 1990, when I was 6 years old, that my family took us on one of the last passenger trains from Medicine Hat to Calgary. Passenger train service in much of Western Canada is now non-existent, although there are a few exceptions. 

This historic station is now used as offices for CP Rail. It gained designation and protection as a Heritage Railway Station by the federal government in 1991, but I don't have much of an idea of what the interior is like anymore. It's always been an attractive building though. Pronounced gables, sloping eaves, and locally produced red brick make it a highlight of Medicine Hat's core.

As a kid I had a model station for my train set that resembled this popular early 20th century style. It's one more reason this building has always been so iconic in my eyes. I can't help but wonder what a flurry of activity there must have been every time a train rolled into town, especially back in those early years when the railway truly was the lifeline for the community.  

Medicine Hat from the tracks ca. 1912

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at the Medicine Hat train station during their cross-country tour in 1939.

Another postcard of the station from the early 1910s.