Medicine Hat in Cypress County, Alberta — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)

River Road — "Gunter's Folly"

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2022

1. River Road — "Gunter's Folly" Marker

Inscription. River Road was the brainchild of Allan Gunter City Engineer. Before his plan received approval, those in opposition to it dubbed it "Gunter's Folly," predicting that it would wash away and be a waste of taxpayers money. However, the plan was approved by the City and also received the environmental approval of both senior Governments.

The purpose of River Road was to provide an additional means of crossing the CPR thereby decreasing traffic volumes on 1st Street SE and the underpass. The construction of River Road was carried out using rubble from demolished buildings, including the 1906 Post Office that once stood at the corner of 2nd Street SE and 6th Avenue SE.

River Road was officially opened in 1968 and over the years has withstood several floods with no dire consequences.

Erected 2006 by Historical Society of Medicine Hat; and District and the City of Medicine Hat.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1968.

Location. 50° 2.525′ N, 110° 40.72′ W. Marker is in Medicine Hat, Alberta, in Cypress County. Marker is on River Road Southeast, 0.3 kilometers east of 4 Avenue Southeast, on the left when traveling east. Marker is

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located along the walkway on the north side of River Road, overlooking the South Saskatchewan River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Medicine Hat AB T1A T1A, Canada. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Finlay Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Finlay Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Central Motors, Empress Theater, Medicine Hat News (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Site of Medicine Hat's First Radio Station (about 90 meters away); A. P. Burns House and Gas City Planing Mill (about 90 meters away); Medicine Hat Veterans Memorial (about 150 meters away); Medicine Hat WW I 1914 - 1918 Veterans Memorial (about 150 meters away); Medicine Hat Flood Memorial (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Medicine Hat.

Also see . . . Allan Nelson Gunter (Find A Grave).

Allan was born, raised, and educated in Edmonton, graduating from the University of Alberta with degrees in Civil Engineering and honors in Chemical Engineering in 1937. From 1959 to 1965 he was the City Engineer in Medicine Hat.

(Submitted on September 23, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Marker detail: Allan Gunter, City Engineer image. Click for full size.

Courtesy Esplanade Archives

2. Marker detail: Allan Gunter, City Engineer

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2022

3. River Road — "Gunter's Folly" Marker

(looking northeast • South Saskatchewan River & Finlay Bridge in background)

River Road Southeast image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 26, 2022

4. River Road Southeast

(looking west from marker • South Saskatchewan River on right)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 23, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 23, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 107 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 23, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.