Experience Guide | Tourism Medicine Hat

CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE During World War I, staff members from this branch were on the battlefield. Sgt. JC Matheson was a member of the 10th Battalion and left a heartfelt letter detailing his role in the second Battle of Ypres. “How I ever came through is a mystery to me”. Canada’s oldest, surviving, purpose built movie theatre still hosts movies and live performances throughout the year. It’s one of the only theatres in Canada where you can watch a movie with popcorn and a drink for only $10. BEVERIDGE BUILDING The optimism during the manufacturing boom centered on natural gas and clay deposits led to the construction of several large buildings like the Beveridge Building, which is now home to an events space and realtor office. THE MONARCH THEATRE First welcoming guests in 1911,

TURPIN BLOCK Built in 1905, it is considered to be one of the first buildings designed by architect William T. Williams after his arrival from the United States. Surviving a fire, the layered smoke still showcases itself on the century old brick. Station Coffee Company resides inside. The Hargrave-Sissons Block was constructed in 1901 for brothers in-law James Hargrave and Dan Sissons, who were renowned ranchers and businessmen in the area. Now inside is note: comfort food + drink, featuring local art, live music, and a mindful food and beverage menu. CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY STATION (CPR) Sir Sandford Fleming originally proposed that CPR avoid Southern Alberta altogether, due to early reports that the area was unsuitable for agriculture. CPR overturned Sandford’s proposal, allowing for the Chateau style station to start operation in 1883 and continue operation to this day. HARGRAVE-SISSONS BLOCK

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GUIDED HISTORIC TOURS IN MEDICINE HAT Esplanade Historic Walking Tours esplanade.ca Medalta Museum Tours medalta.org Miller’s Haunted Tours innersightbraintap@gmail.com Wartime History on the Sunshine Trolley tickets.tourismmedicinehat.com SECOND WORLD WAR During the Second World War, Medicine Hat was home to Canada’s largest prisoner of war camp, which held 12,000 prisoners, more than the population of the city. One of the buildings still stands on the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede grounds to this day. Find more information at the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre Archive Reference Services room.

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