Community - West Hillhurst

History

West Hillhurst is a northwest neighbourhood lying within the inner suburbs of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.  It is just west of one of Calgary’s oldest neighborhoods, Hillhurst, and West Hillhurst is known for its vibrant community life and activities.

 

The community, which is located west of Hillhurst, is bisected by Crowchild Trail. On the north, West Hillhurst is bordered by the communities of Hounsfield Heights/Briar Hill and St. Andrew's Heights. Other boundaries are 18th Street W to the east, the Bow River to the south and 28th Street W to the west.  The area was owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway and pioneer rancher Ezra Riley at the beginning of the 20th century, when Riley Park was used for horse pasture. The oldest building still standing is the Plaza Theater, built in the 1920s.

 

Although annexed by the city of Calgary in 1907, substantial development did not occur until 1945 when many of the houses were built as "Victory Homes" for soldiers returning from World War II. A number of these buildings are still standing despite the fact that many were only intended to be temporary.

 

Demographics

In the City of Calgary's 2012 municipal census, West Hillhurst had a population of 5,802 living in 2,947 dwellings, a 0.8% increase from its 2011 population of 5,757.  With a land area of 2.4 km2 (0.93 sq mi), it had a population density of 2,420/km2 (6,260/sq mi) in 2012.  

 

Education

There are two schools located in West Hillhurst, and several other schools in neighboring communities.

 

Public

• Hillhurst Community School – Pubic

• Queen Elizabeth Elementary School – Public

• Queen Elizabeth Junior and Senior High – Public

• Louise Dean Centre – A public high school for new and expectant young mothers throughout Calgary.

 

Separate

• St. Joseph Elementary and Junior High School- Calgary Catholic School District

• St. John Fine Arts Elementary – Calgary Catholic School District

• École Madeleine d’Houet Bilingual Junior High School – Calgary Catholic School District

 

Post Secondary

• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, or SAIT Polytechnic

 

Community Association

The West Hillhurst Community Association provides a great facility and many programs to the community including The Go-Getters for seniors, and a pre-school.  The facility includes a health and fitness centre for members,  a skating rink/hockey arena, tennis, squash and pickleball courts.  Pickleball is a sport best described as ping pong on a tennis court.  The WHCA is home to a Pickleball league and courts.

 

Recreation

Residents of West Hillhurst have access to several sports facilities at the WHCA for skating, tennis, pickleball, and squash, as well as the nearby Bowview outdoor swimming pool in Hillhurst.   West Hillhurst borders the Bow River where there are pedestrian and bike paths.

 

Landmarks