BELTLINE COMMUNITIES OF VICTORIA AND CONNAUGHT ASSOCIATION

North: Canadian Pacific Railway East: Elbow River South: 17th Avenue SW West: 14th Street SW City Quadrant: SW

As far back as 1893, Calgary city limits included the Connaught (Beltline) district which encompassed the larger estates of prominent citizens, such as Senator James Lougheed. By 1912, development had extended south to 17th Avenue and west to 14th Street with two and three-storey homes, wide streets, treed boulevards and large open spaces. Many of Calgary's "first" fine institutions - e.g., The Carnegie Library, public elementary, junior and senior high schools, Central Collegiate Institute (now Dr. Carl Safran School), Grace Presbyterian and First Baptist Churches were located here. Through the years the character of the area has changed dramatically and many medium and high density commercial/office buildings have developed along the major thoroughfares within the area. Within easy waling distance to downtown, Connaught today provides an alternative lifestyle with medium/high density apartments and condominiums. The community boasts specialty shopping, boutiques, cafes, restaurants and entertainment facilities located along 17 Avenue S.W., known as "Uptown 17."

The community of Victoria Park pre-dates Calgary's incorporation as a Town. The community was named after Queen Victoria, the ruling monarch of the day. In the early years, the community prospered because of its proximity to Fort Calgary, the C.P.R. Station and Calgary's developing downtown. By 1902, 83% of the existing residential structures had been built. Victoria Park as a residential community has been under threat for a number of years. During the 195-s and 1960s Victoria Park found itself hemmed in by transportation corridors and the community began to lose its appeals a residential area. With the expansion of the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede in 1968, a significant residential portion was lost and the remainder of Victoria Park was left in limbo until 1977, when City Council set in motion the Neighborhood Improvement Program. When the Saddledome location was chosen in 1981, an A.R.P was prepared and adopted in 1984. The future of the residential component of Victoria park remains uncertain with decisions pending on further Stampede Board Expansion and the possibility that the lands will be used as part of the 2005 Expo site.

Connaught Community School - Public
Victoria Community School - Public

Information available online at the City of Calgary community profiles site.

Please Call the Community Association directly to obtain information on availability, registration and costs.

Operated by the Community Association. For other recreation offered by the City of Calgary visit Calgary Parks & Recreation

Offered by the Community Association

Block Watch, Block Parent, Boys & Girls Club, Scouts and Guides