A modern image of Finlay Bridge, compared with an image at the same spot circa 1912 (Esplanade Archives 0135.0047 & On This Spot)

By Chantal Wagner

On This Spot

A look at Medicine Hat then & now with historical app

Jul 7, 2021 | 12:27 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – You can get a virtual glimpse back in time to locations across Canada with a historical walking tour app.

On This Spot features cities and towns across Canada, including Medicine Hat.

Locations here include downtown, Finlay Bridge, and the cenotaph.

Andrew Farris is the CEO, the app started as his travel history blog when he was backpacking through Europe and Asia.

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He says the now and then photos on the app are a great way for people to engage with history while taking a tour.

Farris is working with local museums including the Esplanade while also helping to promote domestic tourism.

“We really want to make people aware of all the history of the cities around them. People tend to think Canadian history is boring, but that’s really not the case. Wherever we go and whatever city we study we always find tons of fascinating history.”

On This Spot plans to expand to every province in Canada. Right now they cover 48 cities.

The photos can be seen through the mobile app, available for free for iOS and Android devices, as well as at onthisspot.ca.