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Community Spirit
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The Round Dance involves the whole community. The simple steps can be quickly learned by anyone, although practice can give an artistic flair.
Fun, involvement and fresh air! These are the traditional elements of festivals. We strive to include them as part of Transition activities, too. |
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The prairie provinces have been fertile ground for the formation of co-operatives. Informal barn-raisings of the last century have grown into major chains of retail outlets. In addition to Federated Co-operatives Ltd. with their familiar red and green branding, SERVUS Credit Union, United Farmers of Alberta (UFA) and other customer-owned businesses provide a wide range of products and services.
Federated Co-ops have grown large enough to create their own brands, and even their own oil refinery. Co-ops constantly walk a fine line between growing to compete with major brands, and keeping their personal and customer-oriented service. |
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Would you prefer having an algorithm based in cyberspace deciding what you learn, or would you like to have local professional journalists based in your own neighbourhood giving info about what is happening in our city? Where else would you find out about our new police chief or what your utility rates are doing?
The Medicine Hat News is produced by people you can actually speak with, whether you have a compliment, complaint or question. (Just pick up the phone and press 403-527-1101.) Try THAT with your typical newsfeed! Perhaps the advertisements are even more useful. Community groups, festivals, markets, concerts and other happenings all place ads to keep you informed. Think of it as a local bulletin board, renewed daily. At less than a dollar a day, it is even cheaper than the internet. And guaranteed family-friendly. By the way, you can order your subscription at that same phone number. |
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Dorothy and David Ward take turns scraping ice off the trail in Cottonwood community. Most of the snow had been removed by the City crew, but the remaining spots turned to dangerous ice.
When asked why they do this, they replied, "Why not? We have the time and energy, and we would really hate to find someone lying on the ice." It just takes a little initiative to make a big difference. We can each pitch in when we see something that needs doing. |
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Live music is a strong element of community life, and JazzFest is an important part of this tradition. The festival brings in fine musicians to entertain and inspire us.
The signature Saturday afternoon dance party happens on the roof of the parkade. This unusual venue provides an excellent backdrop for the musicians, as hundreds of fans dance and mingle.
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During the week of October 4, Medicine Hat's Saamis Tepee was illuminated with red floodlights, to commemorate the missing and murdered aboriginal women. This terrible period, hopefully over now, seems inconceivable to most white citizens, but is all too typical of how our aboriginal peoples have been treated. The recognition of these crimes may be the first step toward true reconciliation. |
| Photo by John Whidden
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Peter suggests that Medicine Hat should celebrate the South Saskatchewan River, and the fine quality of life it brings. Whether people paddle the giant voyageur canoe or inflatable rafts, they can enjoy seeing the city from a different vantage point.
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The newly established South East Hill Community Association brought Santa to Central Park in December 2019, to meet many good children as well as the park's whale mascot.
The association strives to increase the community spirit of the neighbourhood by presenting special events. What a great way to meet new friends! Transition hopes other parts of the city will be encouraged to start their own groups. |
| Photo by Emma Bennett, South East Hill Community Association
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Parks can be enjoyed in many ways. Here, a young lady appreciates some time away from the Christmas bustle.
Wooden sculptures are springing up around Medicine Hat. How many can you find? Hint: The Gas City Campground has a great collection of animals. |
| Photo by Emma Bennett, South East Hill Community Association
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Sustainability includes valuing the community spirit that built Medicine Hat. What can better illustrate this than the graves of some of the many young men and women who fought to preserve our country?
The Field of Honour in Hillside Cemetery still grows, although slower than previously. A cool, dull day in November is appropriate for the sombre memory. |
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Live music brings together the community as it creates strong memories. Each August, the South East Hill Community Association arranges for half a dozen musicians to play, using various front porches as the bandstands. The audience strolls from venue to venue through the tree-lined streets, often carrying their lawn chairs. What a great way to meet new people and see different homes. In 2023, it is scheduled for Saturday, August 26. I hope to see you there! |
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South Country Co-op on 13 Avenue SE makes a point of highlighting the vegetables that they source locally.
The definition of "local" varies with the item. The B.C. apples are considered local, while the cabbage was grown in Redcliff.
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| Photos by Rob Gardner
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REDI fosters independence and helps to make space for people living with disabilities to live a full and rich life. Created in 1952, this organization strived to include everyone in our community. When REDI had trouble finding meaningful work and volunteer opportunities for its clients, it started its own company to provide employment. This organization, including the bottle depot, became one of Alberta's earliest social enterprises. |
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| Last modified October 3, 2023 |
