Girls Hockey Day- January 26, 2025
West Hillhurst Community Assoc. and the NorthWest Warriors Hockey Assoc. presents Girls Hockey Day – a day aimed at bringing female players, parents, coaches and supporters together for development, growth and celebration of the game.
Important Notice:
Arena Dressing Room & Hallway Construction (Dec 23, 2024 – Feb 2025) HVAC Construction
Dear WHCA Community and Facility Users,
We would like to inform you that starting Monday, December 23, construction will begin in the arena dressing rooms and hallways. The project is expected to be completed by mid-February. Please take note of the following important updates regarding affected areas:
- Arena: Fully closed Dec 23 – Jan 1
- Arena reopens: Jan 2 (ice, hallways, dressing rooms – open) in a modified schedule
- Arena showers: Closed from Dec 23 until end of project (hoping to have them open earlier if possible)
- Arena dressing rooms & hallways: starting Jan 6, dressing rooms/hallways will be closed Monday to Thursday 8am-3pm for continued construction, BUT will be available for use on Fridays, Mon-Thurs evenings, and weekends
Please note: If you see construction signs or doors marked as closed, do not attempt to access those areas.
This project has been long anticipated, and we are excited to finally complete our HVAC upgrades. Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this time.
Kind regards,
Susan Lenio
General Manager
West Hillhurst Community Association
generalmanager@westhillhurst.com
List of Winter Events 2024/2025
November 28, 2024 6:30-7:30PM
Join us for an update on the National accessArts Centre’s Multi-Disciplinary Disability Arts Community Hub at West Hillhurst Community Association
December 21, 2024 Holiday Event
Register for skate: We are hosting Mr. Claus on ice to give WHCA members an opportunity to get some firsthand holiday spirit. This event is FREE with your WHCA annual family membership. Bring your family down to the WHCA arena for a jolly afternoon of holiday cheer! Click to register: http://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/whca/Activity_Search/3375
Register for movie: Come spend some holiday time with your West Hillhurst friends and family at The Plaza Theatre in Hillhurst. Registration is required. Cost is $4 per person (includes ticket plus a small popcorn & drink). Click to register- http://ca.apm.activecommunities.com/whca/Activity_Search/3372
Oct 25, 2024
A Free workshop on Saturday Nov 23 from 3:00-4:00pm at The Nest, to help you understand your home energy use and how to take steps to make your home more energy efficient.
Click to register- https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/energy-efficient-futures-introduction-tickets-1043273407847?aff=erelexpmlt
Oct 14, 2024
The City of Calgary is preparing for the next phase of repairs to the Bearspaw South Feeder, which are scheduled to begin on October 16.
These repairs will take place in three locations: repair site one is located on Parkdale Blvd N.W. between 26 St N.W. and 27 St N.W., repair site two is located on the Memorial Dr westbound off-ramp that connects to Crowchild Trail northbound, and repair site three is located at Brownsea Dr N.W. at the bottom of the Bev Longstaff Pedestrian Bridge ramp.
These repairs are much smaller in scope and will not require city-wide water restrictions because these sections can be isolated while keeping the feeder main running.
Stay informed: Area residents and businesses are encouraged to sign-up for regular e-mail updates using the QR code. Updates will also be made available online at Calgary.ca/watermainbreak.
Oct 10, 2024
Parks and Open Spaces is pleased the share that the inclusive playground at West Hillhurst Helicopter Park is now open!
This project champions The City’s goal of having one inclusive play space or recreational opportunity within a 5 km radius of every Calgarian as part of the Council-approved Inclusive Play Spaces Implementation Plan. Funded by the Parks and Playground Amenities (PAPA) program, the space now features the following:
- Shaded seating
- Pour in place rubber surfacing
- Ground level fully accessible spinner
- Accessible saucer swing
- Challenge climbing
- Quiet zone enclosure
- Sensory panels
- Street parking
- Access Pathway
Thank you for your continued support as we work to promote inclusive and accessible play in our communities.
Oct 1, 2024
Pedestrian bridge named after former City Councillor Bev Longstaff
A plaque unveiling event is being held to celebrate the naming of the Bev Longstaff pedestrian bridge in West Hillhurst. Bev Longstaff served as Ward 7 Councillor (then Alderman) from 1989-2001 and was instrumental in increasing safety for Calgarians by championing the 21st Street NW pedestrian bridge over the Memorial Parkway. The bridge gives Calgarians in West Hillhurst, Hillhurst, Parkdale, and Briar Hill/Hounsfield Heights direct access to the Bow River pathway.
The bridge naming request came from supporters and the West Hillhurst Community Association (WHCA). “Bev Longstaff is a pillar of our community and this honour is truly well deserved. The West Hillhurst Community Association extends a heartfelt thank you to Bev for her hard work and dedication to our community,” says Dylan Richards, WHCA President.
Ward 7 Councillor Terry Wong brought the petition to name the West Hillhurst pedestrian bridge in honour of Longstaff to Council, where it was approved in September 2023.
“Alderman Bev Longstaff was an ardent supporter of Ward 7 communities during her reign on the City Council. Many of the infrastructure and amenity improvements in these communities are a testament to her efforts to make Ward 7 communities one of the best places to live and raise a family. This pedestrian bridge is an example of bringing all aspects of our city to nearby residents,” says Coun. Wong.
Before the overpass was built, Longstaff recalls regularly seeing people dashing across Memorial Drive to access the river pathway. With support and collaboration from the community, the former Alderman for Ward 7 presented plans for the 21 St. N.W. pedestrian bridge over the Memorial Parkway to Council. The pedestrian bridge was built and opened to residents in 2002.
While the bridge served Calgarians for years, it remained without an official name. A family member of Bev Longstaff worked with the West Hillhurst Community Association to have the pedestrian bridge named after Bev in recognition.
“It was a wonderful experience to see this much needed pedestrian bridge conceived, funded and built. To have it named after me is a tremendous honour,” says Longstaff.
Bev Longstaff Pedestrian Bridge plaque unveiling details
When: Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Bev Longstaff Pedestrian Bridge – Memorial Drive at 21st St N.W.
Helicopter Park update from the City of Calgary parks division:
Sept 30, 2024 UPDATE
Sept 13, 2024 UPDATE
West Hillhurst Community,
It has come to our attention that the communication regarding the Helicopter Park playground life cycle and baseball diamond project has been lacking and overall not up to the standards that are expected of our West Hillhurst community. The City and the association acknowledge that, and we will try to correct that going forward. As this is a City project any questions/comments/concerns (positive/negative) regarding these City amenities please contact 311. We have been informed that everyone who contacts them will receive a response back and that they will be tracking the types of calls that come in.
- The helicopter park playground is undergoing life cycle improvements and will be adding some additional more accessible play equipment, painting the helicopter, and replacing the surface.
- The field classification is not changing (Class D Baseball Diamond).
- Since the field classification is not changing these types of City projects are notification projects.
- The fence and dugout for the ball diamond upgrade were due to safety concerns.
- Click here for project scope and background information regarding the West Hillhurst Baseball Diamond (WHL500) project
As we receive updates from the City we will continue to update our website and social media.
AUG 28, 2024 UPDATE
Over the last few weeks, Parks & Open Spaces have been installing fencing around the perimeter of the baseball diamond as well as starting construction on an updated inclusive playground. When completed, both spaces will provide additional safety benefits for users and provide a welcoming environment for the wider community.
Baseball diamond enhancements
Work is nearly complete installing upgraded fencing around the baseball diamond perimeter that began earlier in August and is scheduled to finish by mid-September. The project was wholly funded by the Foothills Little League, requiring no additional City funds, and provides a safer space for players with a protected dugout. The fencing also protects other park users and nearby homes from stray balls that may leave the playing area and is a great example of the ongoing partnership between Parks & Open Spaces and community groups who are interested in upgrading and enhancing park spaces they use and enjoy.
Inclusive playground upgrade
The surfacing at Helicopter Park has been at the end of its lifespan requiring replacement, which provides an opportunity to add a variety of updated, inclusive playground equipment. Construction began in August 2024 and is anticipated to be complete by October 2024 – the completed playground will feature several inclusive amenities:
• Accessible pathway
• Shaded seating
• Rubber surfacing
• Ground-level accessible spinner
• Accessible saucer swing
• Challenge climbing
• Quiet zone enclosure
• Sensory panels
• Accessible street parking
This work is part of The City’s Parks and Playground Amenities Program (PAPA) aimed at improving park spaces that need it most, thanks to $18 million approved by City Council in 2023.
Questions/concerns/comments (positive/negative) regarding these City amenities please contact 311. We have been informed that everyone who contacts them will receive a response back and that they will be tracking the types of calls that come in.
