Bridgeland connects Calgary’s past with its future

From idyllic tree-lined streets with quaint mid-century style homes, to the thriving, dynamic commercial hub of 1st Avenue, NE, Bridgeland brilliantly spans Calgary’s past and present.

Residents love the “village feel” of this melting pot community just on the northeastern edge of Calgary’s downtown. It is a diverse community full of history, vibrant street life, locally owned businesses and restaurants, pet enthusiasts, and old growth trees.

Bridgeland-Riverside, as it is more formally known, is a great place to call home, and with many new residential and commercial developments on the go, its reputation as one of the city’s most livable communities can only strengthen.

Vibrant past

This is one of Calgary’s most diverse neighbourhoods, and it has always been so. Before Europeans settled in the area, the land along the Bow River was commonly used by First Nations Peoples. The area became known as Germantown in the 1880s during Calgary’s first population boom as many German immigrants sought out a welcoming working-class community just outside the city.

In the early 20th century, another influx of new immigrants brought Ukrainians and Italians into the community. An area in lower Bridgeland became known as Little Italy, a name that locals still affectionally use to refer to 1st Avenue NE. Later the area was renamed Bridgeland as the Dominion Bridge Company operated nearby. In 1907, Calgary annexed Bridgeland and in 1908, the Bridgeland- Riverside community association was founded, and Riverside was officially annexed in 1910.

Getting around

Driving, cycling, walking, there are many options open to its residents for getting around, as the Bridgeland Memorial C-Train station and Bow River Pathway are nearby. It is only a 15-minute drive to the airport, and a brisk walk into downtown.

Living in Bridgeland also puts you near some of Calgary’s best family-friendly and entertainment hubs. It’s a short walk to St. Patrick’s Island, Tom Campbell’s Hill, the Calgary Zoo, TELUS Spark, Fort Calgary, and further along the Bow River Pathway you can get to Prince’s Island Park or Stampede Park for events.

There are many amazing locally owned businesses in this community that have become Calgary icons making Bridgeland a hub for foodies, local shopping, and fueling your passions. There are several new additions to the business community as Made by Marcus Ice Cream and Lil’ Empire Burgers recently opened in August, and next year Village Ice Cream, Una Pizza, and Phil and Sebastian will be moving into RNDSQR’s new General Block building.

Sense of community

Ali McMillan, Planning Director for the Bridgeland Riverside Community Association explains that Bridgeland-Riverside is special because this area has a rich social fabric; “our sense of community comes from our diversity. It is a very accepting and warm community.” There is a large range of homes in the area ranging from million-dollar infills to affordable housing which lends to this area being welcome for all kinds of people from different walks of life and in different stages in their lives.

With a young family, McMillan enjoys the urban lifestyle that Bridgeland-Riverside offers. Using bikes to get around as a family is easy, and there’s always something to do in the community, or in the neighbouring entertainment hubs. The quiet suburbs away from the downtown have been traditionally considered the best place to raise kids, but Bridgeland-Riverside challenges that assumption with a welcoming tight-knit community, an active community association, and easy transit options. Not to mention the wealth of amenities readily available for families. Schools, places of worship, dog parks and pathways are in abundance.

Bright future

Another great element to the community is the commitment to planning, innovation and betterment of the community that is found in the Bridgeland Riverside Community Association. Working with the city, province, and other stakeholders, they are committed to the development and beautification of the community for current residents and generations to come. Something new coming to Bridgeland-Riverside is Flyover Park, an innovative use of urban space that will repurpose the underused space under the 4th Avenue Flyover into a welcoming area that includes food truck stalls, seating, play structures, lush landscaping, night lighting for pedestrians, and a display of local artwork. Construction is nearly complete and Calgarians will soon be able to enjoy the space later this year.

One of the most anticipated developments is the General Block commercial amenity being developed by RNDSQR. It will go up on 65 7A St. NE and is expected to be home to a collective of small, high-quality local shops that serve local residents and visitors alike. A second floor office space creates opportunities for business to locate closer to the heart of Bridgeland and add even more diversity to this vibrant urban community.

There’s plenty of new residential developments in the Bridgeland-Riverside community. There are leasing options, affordable home opportunities and lots of new multi-family developments. The Bridges masterplan that began in the early 2000s had brought over 30 acres of new housing where the Calgary General Hospital once stood. Home-seekers can still purchase brand new condos here or explore infill projects throughout the community. Here’s our shortlist for new multi-family homes in Bridgeland-Riverside:

Radius by Bucci

One- and two-bedroom condos in the heart of Bridgeland at 9th Street and Centre Ave N.E. now available for possession and some rental opportunities. Private balconies, underground parking, fitness studios and rooftop terraces make this building a great addition to the neighbourhood: http://bucci.com/radius/

Bridgeland Crossing II by Apex CityHomes

Located at 105-46 9th St. N.E., the Bridgeland Crossing buildings are part of the redevelopment of the land where the former General Hospital once stood. Selling one, two and three bedroom condos and penthouses, read more at http://bridgelandcrossings.com/

Alvaro by Cruz Custom Homes

Condos and three-story townhomes with developed basements, underground parking, gourmet kitchens and 2020 possessions. Located at Edmonton Trail and Third Avenue N.E. (technically in Crescent Heights but close to all the action in Bridgeland). Learn more at
https://alvaroyyc.com/