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Bowness is located in Calgary’s northwest. It lies along the south bank of the Bow River Valley, directly below the bluffs of Silver Springs. At one time, the area was owned by James Hextall, an enterprising Englishman who planned to develop the area into an exclusive bedroom community. Hextall’s original ranch house was located in Bowness Park. In 1911, he donated some land to Calgary, including the Bowness Park and a three span steel bridge. In return, Calgary extended street car access to the area. Population growth was slow and it was 1964 that Bowness was annexed to Calgary, as it was a Town with its own city hall, town council, and police.
There are a number of schools in the area, including Bowness High School. Nearby Shouldice Pool and Athletic Park, Bowness Park, Edworthy Park, Bowmont Park and the city’s pathway system offer recreational opportunities for residents.
The community hall is a hub of activity and consists of a huge main room with a stage, a commercial kitchen, indoor and outdoor rinks, meeting rooms and playing fields. A number of groups and activities make use of the hall, including the Bowness Historical Association, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, satellite bingo, figure skating and hockey. The community Environment and Beautification Committee orchestrates the annual community cleanup, which is a family-orientated event and enjoyed by everyone. The Bowness community association hosts a number of special events each year, most notably the annual Bowness Stampede Stomp, which includes a parade and Stampede Breakfast.
Bowness has recently undergone a number of changes. Their new area redevelopment plan (ARP) has led to new flags, cobblestone walks, landscaping and hanging flowers. This sprucing up has attracted a number of new businesses to the area, and the community association is actively involved in continuing this redevelopment, while ensuring that the community retains its distinct flavour.
This community is offers a ground-floor opportunity to live close to the city core, as well as enjoying the community’s growth into a thriving new ‘in-area’ of Calgary, much like the community of Kensington.
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