A visit to Calgary’s historic Elbow Park community is a treat for the architectural senses. Along the neighbourhood’s winding residential roads, an eclectic mix of houses ranging from modern designs to heritage homes built in the early 1900s convene cohesively.
Aesthetics aside, the neighbourhood’s greatest quality is its community spirit. The Elbow Park Residents Association has many active volunteer members who are instrumental in bringing a range of events to life — such as hosting Movie in the Park in the fall and managing the community ice rinks.
Elbow Park is bordered by three prominent greenspaces: Sandy Beach, Earl Grey Park and Stanley Park. The neighbourhood is also treated to well-manicured landscaping and ample mature trees. The Resident Association maintains a range of facilities — including tennis courts and soccer fields — ideal for the community’s blend of young families and residents nearing retirement age. For those with memberships, The Glencoe Club is the neighbourhood’s recreational pièce de résistance.
Being centrally located, Elbow Park is only a 10-minute drive to Calgary’s downtown and within walking distance of trendy shopping and dining areas, such as the plethora of local businesses in nearby Mission and Britannia Plaza — with local favourites including Native Tongues Taqueria, Village Ice Cream and Monogram Coffee.
Unique Challenge
While Elbow Park is a quiet residential community, during pick-up and drop-off at Elbow Park School (one of two schools within the community), traffic safety is a concern. Located near Sifton Boulevard S.W., the school posts parents as volunteer traffic guards to ensure students can cross the busy road safely. — S.C.
What the Neighbours Say
“The [2013] flood, as difficult as it was for the city of Calgary and Southern Alberta, really brought the community together even more. It was always a tight-knit community, but what transpired during the flood — when we all worked tirelessly over weeks to support our neighbours — has created a tremendous community spirit.” — Scott Jenkins, an Elbow Park resident since 2009.
Neighbourhood Highlights
Elbow Island Park and River Park
At the enchanting Elbow Island Park, art and nature intertwine. Calgary’s art island showcases permanent installations by local and national artists integrated into nature. The artworks, created in consultation with Indigenous Elders, ecologists and river engineers, complement the natural landscape and improve park safety and accessibility. This urban oasis balances city life with wild spaces, creating a unique escape in the heart of Calgary.
Neighbourhood Architecture
A stroll through this inner-city Calgary community can feel like a self-guided tour of the city’s architectural offerings. Just try to spot all the treasures like romantic Tudor turrets and Victorian gingerbread detailing, Craftsman craftsmanship and Neogothic flourishes. As Steve McKenna of Rimrock Real Estate notes, “[the area is] anchored by the historic Glencoe Club to the north and Elbow Park School to the south, and is shrouded in heritage and interspersed with some of the city’s finest architecture, from designated heritage homes to ultra-modern enclaves.”
Eyebrow gables and Juliet balconies add whimsical touches throughout, while California Contemporary and mid-century masterpieces complement, rather than compete with their historic neighbours. This neighbourhood, one of Calgary’s first planned residential suburbs, established in 1910, defines a unique kind of luxury. It’s one where architectural history lives on in carefully preserved homes and thoughtfully designed modern additions.
Residents Association Outdoor Movie Nights & Events
Elbow Park has Calgary’s oldest community association, which knows how to bring neighbours together. In September, the neighbourhood celebrates with an annual outdoor movie night. Winter transforms the neighbourhood into a wonderland of family skating nights, sledding adventures and cross-country skiing. The Elbow Park community clubhouse offers a creative playground, two hockey rinks, two pleasure skating rinks, a baseball diamond, basketball courts and tennis courts. Whether you’re catching a family flick under the stars or lacing up for a moonlit skate, Elbow Park proves that the best memories are made when neighbours come together. — L.K.
By the Numbers
Population: 3,285
Median Household Income: $288,000
Housing Types: 98% single-detached
Percentage of owners: 94%
