Rosy outlook for Calgary neighbourhood
Lakeview community paved the way that others are following
One of my mantras is to never judge a community until the trees are taller than the houses.
I was recently visiting a friend’s parents in Lakeview (perhaps best known as the home of our illustrious former mayor and premier Ralph Klein) and couldn’t help but be in awe of the community’s urban forest, especially the majestic coniferous trees. It felt like I was in a mountain village, yet I was only 10 minutes from downtown.
Lakeview was first annexed by the City of Calgary in 1956 and development began in 1962. At that time, it was at the edge of the city and was mostly treeless (like all Prairie new housing developments). Fifty years later and it’s one of Calgary’s most desirable neighbourhoods.
Lakeview’s name originates from its proximity to the Glenmore reservoir — only in the Prairies would they call a reservoir a “lake,” and I am told today no one actually has a view of the “lake.”
Lakeview Community Association president Amy Lonsberry likes to point out that the community has many examples of multigenerational families.
“We have a tremendous sense of community pride and loyalty,” she says.
Lonsberry recently attended a presentation by Dr. Katherine Loflin of the Knight Foundation whose research on communities shows that while schools, grocery stores and safety are important to making a community an attractive place to live, the three most important elements are social offerings, esthetics and places to meet.
Lonsberry points out Lakeview has an array of social programs for people of all ages and backgrounds. She is quick to add, “our community benefits from a strong volunteer group that even includes teens and young adults. Recently, I sent out a call for a number of volunteers for different projects and all but one position has been filled.”
The community hall and surrounding field house, park, playground, soccer fields, community garden and outdoor rink are the community’s heart and soul. Lakeview is also home to an array of wildlife, from bears and bobcats to skunks and raccoons — even the occasional cougar.
Lakeview even has its own resident bird watcher. Terry Waters reports monthly on what birds have visited or taken up residence in the community, which borders North Glenmore Park and Weaslehead Flats.
As for real estate, the community offers everything from modest 1960s-era bungalows to modern mansions. After 50 years, many of the homes are undergoing major makeovers. While taking our friend’s parents’ dog for a walk, I was impressed by the many little pathways between the houses leading to hidden pocket parks with retro playground equipment. These little pathways and parks further added to the community’s mountain village charm.
Lakeview Plaza, built in the 1960s, sits almost in the middle of the community, and is the only shopping destination. It fell on hard times in the 1990s, but today is a thriving centre housing Sobeys, Lakeview Bakery, a bank, pharmacy and new tenants such Bella Roma Pizza, Meez and Caffe Perfectto. In many ways, Lakeview Plaza is the model for the Glenmore Landing and the Aspen Woods shopping centres.
However, not everything is rosy in Lakeview, as the community is struggling to understand what impact the Calgary ring road will have on their community. Lonsberry says the upside is ring road debate has brought the community closer together.
Lonsberry, herself, is a testament to the Lakeview’s strong sense of volunteerism. She moved into the community only four years ago and is already president.
In the a recent newsletter she wrote, “Lakeview is a special community. I have felt a connection with this community and my neighbours since moving here four years ago. I was drawn in by Lakeview’s mature trees (although at the time I had no idea just how many leaves could fall from a huge elm), the parks, the pathways, the schools, the ease of walking to the grocery store, and since the first neighbour knocked on our door I have come to get to know and love many of our neighbours.”