Announcing The Bev Longstaff West Hillhurst Bridge – Tuesday, September 12, 2023
Calgary City Council today unanimously approved the naming of The Bev Longstaff West Hillhurst Bridge. (Live Announcement at the 75 Anniversary Grand Trunk Festival https://grandtrunkfestival.com/ 2:45pm).
Bev Longstaff served as Ward 7 Councillor and, in 2001, was instrumental in increasing safety when she championed a transformational piece of infrastructure: the 21st Street NW pedestrian bridge over the Memorial Parkway. The beautifully arched bridge connects the Bow River Pathway to the West Hillhurst community and is an important commuter and recreational route. It allowed residents of West Hillhurst, Hillhurst, Parkdale and Briar Hill/Hounsfield Heights direct access to the river pathway.
“When we first moved to West Hillhurst, there was no access to the river pathway. Our Councillor’s work in bringing this bridge to our community was utterly transformative,” said Janice Paskey, West Hillhurst Transportation and Mobility Chair. “It is now used by thousands
and thousands of citizens each year. This naming recognizes the work of a remarkable woman.”
The request came from supporters and the West Hillhurst Community Association, and was presented to council by Councillor Terry Wong.
“Bev’s pursuit for road and pathway safety included this pedestrian bridge. It was my honour to know and work with her,” Councillor Wong said to council.
Bev Longstaff responds, “It was a wonderful experience to see this much needed pedestrian bridge conceived, funded and built. Now to have it named for me is a tremendous honour.”
Contact: Janice Paskey, transportation@westhilhurst.com or 587 438-6680 Live Announcement: 2:45 pm/West Hillhurst 75 Anniversary Open Air Concert, 1940 6 AV, Sept. 16 Grand Trunk
Supporting story: Calgary’s Bow River Pathway Crowchild to Edworthy Park Loop by Richard White.
Sept 2023 Update
West Hillhurst is a bustling and densifying inner-city community with busy streets, sidewalks, and bike routes. Pedestrian and cycling safety is a key concern as is speeding and inattentive traffic.
Want to cycle in West Hillhurst? Check out our map of bike racks you can hitch to.
Some priority issues the committee is working on.
- Kensington Rd. Responding to a 150-person petition, we have new traffic safety improvements on Kensington Rd. These short-term improvements are designed to make crossing the road safer and bring the speed in alignment with the rest of Kensington Rd. The project website is here https://www.calgary.ca/roads/kensington-rd-safety-improvements.html:
Kensington Rd was the subject of a 2015 Main Streets consultation, the 2017 Crowchild Trail Expansion Project, and the 2020 Established Area Growth and Change Strategy Consultation. All engagements resulted in no changes or improvements to Kensington Rd.. Traffic pressure has built and this is the first time we’ve been able to secure some traffic monitoring and safety measures on Kensington Rd.
- 19 St. NW Streetscape. We continue to advocate for investment in an optimal walking and cycling experience on 19 St. between 7 AV NW and the Bow River. All 3 consultation phases for this project stressed a desire to improve the pedestrian experience. We are working for best use of the Established Area Growth and Change Strategy financing funds and consultation which began in 2019.
- Protected bike lanes on ⅚ Avenue NW. We have identified ⅚ Avenues as the optimal place for protected bike lanes. This east-west route connects an impressive number of amenities: 2 community associations, a major elementary/high school, 2 community associations, Riley Park, Helicopter Park, Grand Trunk Park and the Bowview Pool. There was consultation for this route during the Established Area Growth and Change Strategy Funding engagement with strong support for safer cycling. Designs were also drawn up.
- Speeding and Cut Through Traffic. Identify problem areas and work with the City of Calgary Liveable Streets division on traffic calming measures.
- Infrastructure maintenance and improvement. Ensuring sidewalks are remediated and developer infrastructure commitments are met.
If you have a concern about pedestrian, driving, or cycling safety in our community–please contact the transportation@westhillhurst.com
Better yet, chip in and join the committee. Are you passionate about pedestrian, cycling, traffic, and public transit safety in our community? The WHCA committee is looking for a diverse set of residents to make our community even better.
The Ward 7 City Councillor is Terry Wong: ward07@calgary.ca
The Calgary Police Service Community Liaison Officer is Margaret Reinders: mreinders@calgarypolice.ca