Community - Hillhurst

History

Established in 1914, Hillhurst is one of Calgary’s oldest neighbourhoods.  It is rich in historical significance as the first homesteads appeared here in the 1880s – the most notable being that of Felix McHugh. In 1883, he established his homestead in Section 21, now known as Hillhurst. The site of his house is now a playground at the corner of 9A Street and Memorial Drive.

 

The city set the size of the lots to 25 feet with lots selling for about $300 each in 1907. Now, Hillhurst is a community with a population of approximately 6000. The small well-kept houses and tree-lined streets are the result of over 80 years of care and hard work.  Hillhurst is home to the busy and vibrant Kensington shopping area full of coffee shops, unique stores, and cultural activities.

 

Demographics

In the City of Calgary’s 2012 municipal census, Hillhurst had a population of 6,291 living in 3,557 dwellings, a 6.4% increase from its 2011 population of 5,914. With a land area of 2.1 km2 (0.81 sq mi), it had a population density of 3,000/km2 (7,760/sq mi) in 2012.

 

Education

 

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 and Alberta College of Art

 

Community Association

The Hillhurst Sunnyside Community Association (HSCA)serves the communities of Hillhurst and Sunnyside.  HSCA traces its roots all the way back to 1912, but was not registered as a society until 1948. In 1980, HSCA gained registered charitable status and has become a significant provider of social services in the Hillhurst-Sunnyside area and beyond. Those services include Seniors services (snow removal, housekeeping and lawn care), Outreach Services and Child Care.

 

At the HSCA, there is a Summer and Winter Farmer’s Market as well as a Flea Market. The Community Association also runs a community garden, programs for children and youth, seniors, and newcomers needing to learn English.

 

Parks & Recreation

One of Calgary’s oldest and most famous parks is Riley Park in Hillhurst. In 1888, Thomas and Georgina Riley and their family of 10 children homesteaded the land and in 1909, following Thomas’ death, their land was left to The City of Calgary.

 

The beautifully landscaped 9 acre park contains a cricket pitch, wading pool and the Senator Patrick Burns Memorial Rock Garden.  It also contains picnic tables, a playground, seasonal washrooms and water fountains, and an independently operated concession stand.   The park is home to the Calgary Cricket League, and free summer concerts are put on in the park by the Calgary Concert Band.  Bowview Outdoor Swimming Pool is located in Hillhurst, and offers public swimming as well as swimming lessons.

 

Landmarks