Posts tagged with "Edmonton History"

It’s that time of year again.

With heads hung low, our young’uns are dragging their feet back for yet another year of schooling. For those of us with not-so-young’uns this might mean experiencing their first year of collage; some in a new city, or just a new part of the city trying to live life on their own. This is why the surrounding residential areas of the University of Alberta have become so desirable.

Aerial view of campus and surrounding neighbourhood. Image credit: University of Alberta

There are many tiers of residence options from condominiums to large family homes. Residences can be bought with the short-term goal of housing a son or daughter for the duration of their studies, and then flipping the investment for profit. It can be lived in by the family into the foreseeable future. Or any of these lucrative properties can be held on to, and rented out year after year for the throng of passing students always looking for temporary housing. The turnover of renters, and neighbourhood desirably  makes it equally easy to rent, sell, or live in the area.

This student turnover explains the high mobility of residents in the neighbourhood of Stratchcona. According to municipal census statistics, about 30% of residents had lived at the same address for 5 years or more, with 7 out of ten having moved within 3 years or less.

Row Housing near campus. Image Credit: University of Alberta

The area of residences near the University is considered to by part of the larger Edmonton neighbourhood, Strathcona. This historic area is quite old by Edmonton standards, around 15% of residences were built before 1946 and just over half were built in the 60’s and 70’s. This explains the eclectic architectural vibe of the neighbourhood and provides a wide array of housing options for interested potential residents. Around 44% of area homes are low rise apartment buildings, ideal for thrifty first years on campus. Approximately 24% of the area is comprised of single family dwellings, beautiful homes for the family or a comfortable, spacious retirement.

Saskatchewan Drive walking trail. Image Credit: University of Alberta

The University area’s desirability also has to do with it’s ample amenities. Designed as a neighbourhood for students with limited to access to their own transportation, almost every necessity is in walking distance, including grocery, restaurants, laundry, Edmonton’s popular Whyte Avenue district, multiple theatres, and of course all the buildings on campus. As well,  the University’s transit centre is a main hub for bus and LRT services to all access all parts of the city.

Click here to view properties in the University area. 

The small community of Devon, Alberta, still considered a ‘town’ with a population of just over 6500, covers almost 12 square Kilometres of land southwest of Edmonton.  At about a 40 minute drive (26 KM) away, Devon provides an idyllic escape from city life.

Bridge at Devon, Alberta. Image Credit: Sean McCormick via flikr.com

Surrounded by agricultural communities, and residential sprawl from Edmonton, Devon is a hub of  not only shopping and amenities but is surrounded by world class golf courses and spectacular nature preserves.

By Alberta standards the town is relatively new, having almost sprung up overnight in the late winter of 1947. The Imperial Oil drilling company struck oil on the present day town site, and Devon developed to accommodate for the many site workers and staff necessary to maintain the drill. To this day the oil industry remains an important contributor to Devon’s economy.

Imperial Leduc #1 Oil Drill. Image Credit: Devon.ca

The Devonian Botanic Garden, facilitated by the University of Alberta, is a notable feature, and namesake, of the area around Devon known for its lush landscapes. The ‘Garden’ is in actuality over 190 acres of botany collections, indoor show houses, as well as an extensive trail system. Across the highway from the gardens lies the Clifford E. Lee Nature Sanctuary; nearly 350 acres of marshland, parkland, open meadows, and more. The varied terrain attracts a multitude of animal species, including over 100 varieties of birds.

The greenery around Devon is not only reserved for flora and fauna however, the Devon Golf and Country Club, as well as Blackhawk Golf Club are both found along the scenic Devon River. The Golf and Country club was also built in the interest of the early oil workers, to create a leisure time activity. As the sport escalated in popularity, it grew from a 9 to an 18 hole course.

View of the Devonian Botanic Garden. Image Credit: University of Alberta

Devon is appealing for those searching for a starter family home, or even more established buyers. The area is serviced by a general hospital, 3 public schools, 2 Christian academy, a Catholic School, and the Devon Dispatch newspaper.

CLICK HERE to view properties available in Devon.

The communities of Sweet Grass, Ermineskin, and Bearspaw comprise a large part of Edmonton’s south. These areas are almost exclusively residential and include large expanses of green space. They all share convenient access to the major shopping areas of Southgate Centre, South Edmonton Common, as well as proximity to the new LRT extension.

Sweet Grass borders 34 Avenue to the north, and it’s southern border partially includes Saddleback road and runs along a utility corridor, while it’s east and west boundaries run from 111 Street to 119 Street.  The area was annexed to the City of Edmonton in 1964, and residential development occurred throughout the 1970’s and into the early 1980’s. The area is a blend of single-family-dwellings, row houses, and low rise apartments and the residences are a combination of owner occupied and rental properties.

Sweet Grass Park. Image Credit: Yegishome.ca

Like many other communities in Edmonton’s south-west, Sweet Grass is named to honour the rich aboriginal history of the area. Chief Sweet Grass was a Cree political leader and early environmentalist who was actively outspoken about protecting bison herds common to the region.

The neighborhood’s focus is the central elementary school, bordered by parkland and recreational areas.

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Ermineskin falls to the south-east of Sweet Grass, it’s northern border a utility corridor just south of Saddleback road while it’s south borders 23 Avenue. It runs from 111 Street in the west to Calgary trail in the East.

Major residential construction of Ermineskin occurred in the 1970’s into the 1980’s, however some residences can be dated back to just earlier than 1960 and also later than 1990. The area is comprised mainly of rental apartments, following by apartment style condominiums. The remainder of the area is comprised of single-family dwellings, row houses, and duplexes.

Ermineskin Craft Fair. Image Credit: Ermineskin Community League

A prominent neighborhood feature is the former Heritage Mall development site, located on the western boundary of the neighborhood which began a major overhaul in the 2000’s. The location now know as “Century Park” encompasses commercial, office, and residential sites. The location also includes a central recreation area and the newest LRT station, Century Park.

This development and addition of green space has revitalized the area’s very active community league. The Ermineskin Community League hosts year-round events, fundraiser, and ongoing programs such as Zumba classes, pancake breakfasts,  rummage sales, quilting, hockey, scrap booking, and more.

CLICK HERE to view properties for sale in Ermineskin

Bearspaw lies a few communities south of Ermineskin, bordered by Blackmud Creek in the west to Calgary Trail, and from Anthony Henday Drive in the south it runs north until 18 Avenue. Bounded by these major thoroughfares, the community has convenient access to major commercial shopping in the south, as well as access the Edmonton International Airport and the University of Alberta.

Combined with it’s northern neighbor of Keheewin, the two areas comprise the Yellowbird East Community League. This community league organizes children’s athletics, as well as adult recreation, community events, and fundraisers for the two neighborhoods.

Bearspaw Lake. Image credit: Yegishome.ca

The area is conducive to outdoor recreation activity due to it’s proximity to Big Bear Park, a large hill with Blackmud Creek Ravine access to hiking, as well as a major greenbelt running along Bearspaw lake which the neighborhood centers around. Additionally, the William Lutsky Family YMCA is also located in the area, for indoor fitness and leisure access.

Bearspaw became a part of the city officially in 1974, however most development didn’t occur until the 1980’s when many of it’s single-family dwellings were constructed, though semi-detached and row houses can also be found. The area is predominantly owner-occupied, with only about a 9% rental rate.

CLICK HERE to view homes for sale in Bearspaw.

The communities of Royal Gardens, Greenfield, and Duggan comprise part of Edmonton’s Southwest, partially bordering the Whitemud Freeway.

Royal Gardens spans 119 Street to 111 Street, and south from Whitemud to 40th Avenue. Bordered by main thoroughfares, this almost exclusively residential community has some of the easiest access to shopping and and public transit in the city. Smaller shops are available in the neighbouring community of Greenfield, while the larger Southgate Centre (as well as the Southgate transit centre and LRT station) are just a stones throw away.

The area has been part of the city since 1912 when it was first dubbed “Royal Gardens”, however the historical significance of the name has seemingly been lost since. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that a push was made for residential development, when many of the area’s single family dwellings were built. The area also has a mix of apartments, apartment style condominiums, row houses, and duplexes; just under half the residences are rental properties.

Royal Gardens Winter Festival. Image Credit: Community League

The neighborhood has a tendency towards higher tenant mobility, yet this is contrasted with strong community involvement in this incredibly social neighbourhood. The hub of the community is the Royal Gardens Park, where the community league hosts a range of year round activities including an annual car rally, a winter carnival (with sleigh rides!), holiday parties, as well as children’s summer camps and recreation programs.

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Sharing Royal Garden’s southernmost border of 40th avenue, is the community of Greenfield, which spans as far south as 34 Avenue, and runs from 119 Street to 111 Street. Though officially titled Greenfield, in honour of Alberta’s fourth premier Herbert Greenfield, the locals sometimes refer to the area colloquially as Petrolia; the small shopping area in the community also bears this name.

Greenfield Spray Park. Image Credit: Community League

The family friendly area also has a very active community league, whose fundraising and lobby efforts led to the installation of a new spray park in 2009. Strong shinny, and soccer program keeps neighbourhood youth active and involved, while parents host and participate in yearly community events and fundraising efforts, such as bingo nights, fireworks, yoga, and tai chi classes.

A unique program of note is the community league’s Greenfield Scholarship. Two scholarships are awarded each year to post-secondary applicants living in Greenfield, in commemoration of former upstanding residents. This program was designed embody the community values of Greenfield locals.

Nearly all the residences are single family dwellings, with a handful of apartment complexes and duplexes comprising the remainder; the rental rate in the area is less than 10%.

 Click Here to view available properties in Greenfield.

Duggan falls on the East side of Greenfield, sharing a mutual border of 111 Street and carrying on until Calgary Trail. It’s northern border runs along 40th Avenue and goes south to 34 Avenue.

The community league has a full calendar of events on a nearly daily basis. Unique actives on the go include Bridge club, and weekly square-dancing. Duggan also has a large yearly Mother’s Day Soccer Tournament which focuses heavily on sportsmanship and participation. Here’s an exciting recap of last years events, and a great reiteration of Duggan’s community league values:

The neighbourhood is comprised of about sixty percent single family dwellings, with the remainder mostly apartment complexes and row houses; about half of these properties are owner occupied. Duggan has fairly low mobility rates, half of residents have resided in the area five years or more, and most cited no plans to move.

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Just outlaying Edmonton’s original core, is the area of Westmount. It’s 1910 boundary establishment makes this neighborhood one of the city’s oldest and most established. A strong history of growth and development contributes to the cultural richness of the area and it’s vibrant community spirit.

Westmount Homes. Photo Credit: Avenue Magazine

Westmount has some of the most desirable real estate in the city, with an abundance of appealing character homes. Over 25% of it’s residences were constructed prior to the end of World War II. The strong sense of historical pride in this area can be seen in these immaculately maintained, period houses.

Bordered by thoroughfares of 111 avenue, Stony Plain Road, Groat Road and 121 Street, this neighborhood has all the charm of downtown living without, well, actually living downtown. It’s cornerstone is the bustling 124 Street, dotted with cafes, boutiques, art galleries, and the newly popular 124 Street farmer’s market (open Thursdays in the spring and summer).

Reflecting the liveliness of Westmount is the younger community of Meadowlark Park. Though it wasn’t established as a community until much later, it has certainly made up for lost time in it’s short but interesting history. Now this neighborhood, with an increasingly youthful demographic, is notable for it’s young families and abundance of children being raised in the area.

The Edmonton neighborhood originally belonged of the town of Jasper Place, and at the time lay far outside the city limits. However, as Edmonton continued it’s rapid expansion, many smaller towns became absorbed into the metropolis. In 1964 Jasper Place became one o f these annexed locations, including of course, it’s small area of Meadowlark.

Located in the west end of the city, the community spans from 156 Street and 87 Avenue to 163 Street and 95 Avenue, just a stones throw from West Edmonton Mall, the Valley Zoo, and the vast network of the river valley trail system, ideal for it’s young families and those with on-the-go lifestyles.

Jasper Place Library

Meadowlark is known for strong involvement in it’s community league, including year round fundraising, fitness programs, and children’s recreation programs. The flagships of Meadowlark Shopping Centre and the beautifully renovated Jasper Place Library branch showcase the recent economic growth of the area.