Tucked into the south-eastern corner of downtown Calgary lies the quirky neighbourhood of Inglewood. It’s a beloved haunt for fans of consignment boutiques, indie galleries, and eclectic cuisine. It also happens to be the oldest neighbourhood in the city.
You might know that Inglewood is the site of Fort Calgary, dubbed the Confluence Historic Site and Parkland as of 2024, but the area’s history goes back much further. From a place of gathering and trade to the vibrant community we enjoy now, here’s a look at how Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood became what it is today.
The early years
Before the establishment of Fort Calgary, the land surrounding the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers was home to the Blackfoot Nation, comprising around 10,000 Sarcee, Blood, Peigan, and Blackfoot people.
The elbow-like curve at the meeting point of these two rivers was an important trading and gathering place for centuries before European settlers arrived. From 1840 onwards, American trading parties began making expeditions into the area to collect bison robes and furs.
The historical fort, now known as the Confluence, was built in 1875 with the arrival of the North-West Mounted Police. They were sent by the Canadian government to establish communication with the local Indigenous people and stop the Americans from expanding into the area.
This resulted in a permanent settlement east of the Elbow River until the arrival of the transcontinental railway in 1881, which moved the centre of town to the west bank of the Elbow River.
How Inglewood got its name
One of the founders of Calgary, Colonel James Walker, can be credited with the neighbourhood’s name.
From 1882 to 1903, Walker operated a sawmill on his homestead. The mill was among the city’s first manufacturing operations, supplying the raw materials for its development and growth. Inglewood was officially established in 1911, named after Colonel James Walker’s homestead.
History buffs will be happy to know they can still visit the historic home Walker built in 1910 today! The red-brick residence is just below the Inglewood Bird Sanctuary near the river.
Inglewood today
Today, Inglewood remains one of the best places to catch a glimpse of Calgary’s past.
The pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood is home to 400 residential, institutional and commercial buildings constructed before 1914, along with six city parks and the beloved river pathway system.
9th Avenue, formerly known as Atlantic Avenue, is where most of the businesses are located, which makes sense considering it was the first main street in Calgary. Wander about and take in the lovely architecture as you stop for a coffee or peruse independent shops, many of which reside within historic buildings.
The artsy, village vibe of Inglewood is what makes it one of Calgary’s most loved neighbourhoods, and it was officially designated as Canada’s Greatest Community in 2014 by the Canadian Institute of Planners.
