The Trans-Canada Pipeline was not only an engineering feat that would change the economies of Alberta and Saskatchewan, but it would also fundamentally alter Canadian politics in the 1950s and into the 1960s. By the 1950s, the economies of Alberta...
In terms of great prime ministers, there are those who made their mark, those who didn’t and those who could have if circumstances were different. Sir John Sparrow David Thompson definitely falls into the last category. If not for his sudden death...
When you think about shipwrecks, chances are you don’t think about Medicine Hat, or Alberta at all really. Well, the truth is that Alberta has its own shipwreck and it comes in the story of the steamboat Lily. In 1877, the Lily, a 100-foot...
Many important historical figures have come from the area in and around Cardston. One of the most important, and well-known, was Senator James Gladstone. Gladstone has the distinction of being the first Indigenous person to serve as a Senator in the...
One of the most influential individuals in the early history of Alberta and the prairies was a man by the name of Albert Lacombe. From his arrival in the area after becoming dissatisfied with Eastern Canada, to the day he died, he would work with...
It had taken some time but by 1890, the Calgary and Edmonton Railway Company was incorporated and ready to begin laying down track between the two communities. At the time, it was taking five days by stage coach to travel between the cities but with...
It is well known that JM Robinson is the founder of Peachland. As with many locations around North America, the beginning of Peachland’s existence is thanks to gold. The hope for gold was what brought J.M. Robinson and his associates from Brandon...
Music is an important part of early prairie life. For many, dances were the main social gathering in the area, and they presented the opportunity to have some fun and to connect with those in the area. Every dance needed music and for the community...
We take it for granted these days that a police force is present in nearly every community in Canada. For many years in the west, law and order came from constables who would pass through the area on their patrols every few weeks. Eventually, more...
Back in 1906, the community of Chaplin was little more than a stopping point for the CPR. At that time, it was just the water and coal point for the main line. The entire community was made up of a coal chute, water tank and a box car where the CPR...