Downtown West End, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 2B3, Kanada
The Downtown West End is a bustling neighbourhood situated within the western parts of downtown Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Surrounded by natural beauty and urban conveniences, it is bounded by the Bow River to the north, 9th Street W to the east, CPR Tracks to the south, and 14th Street W to the west. The area is predominantly residential, characterized by high-density living with a mix of condominiums and apartment buildings.
Geography and Demographics
Covering a land area of 0.4 km² (0.15 sq mi), Downtown West End had a population of 2,322 living in 1,628 dwellings as per the 2012 municipal census, showing a slight decrease from its 2011 population of 2,483. The population density stood at 5,800/km² (15,000/sq mi) in 2012.
Residents in the community had a median household income of $47,964 in 2000. The neighborhood housed 25.6% low income residents and 20.2% immigrants as of 2000. The majority of the buildings (93.4%) were condominiums or apartments, and a significant portion of housing (53.9%) was used for renting.
History and Development
Downtown West End has roots dating back to 1884, established as a neighborhood after the Canadian Pacific Railway’s arrival in 1883. Today, it is represented in various levels of government, including the Calgary City Council by the Ward 8 councillor, provincially by Calgary-Buffalo MLA, and federally by Calgary Centre MP.
Attractions and Connectivity
The area is home to several attractions, including the Shaw Millennium Park and the historic Mewata Armouries. Paved multi-use paths along the Bow River cater to pedestrians, cyclists, and rollerbladers, adding to the area’s recreational amenities. The Downtown West – Kerby C-Train station serves the community, ensuring excellent transit connectivity. Additionally, the neighbourhood is integrated into Calgary’s Plus 15 skywalk system, providing convenient access to various downtown locations.
Contemporary Calgary, a public art gallery, finds its home in the former Centennial Planetarium and Calgary Science Centre building, adding a cultural dimension to the neighbourhood.
Living in Downtown West End
Downtown West End offers a vibrant urban living experience with its mix of residential options, cultural venues, and easy access to downtown amenities. The community continues to evolve, maintaining its appeal for residents and visitors alike.