Bridgeland and Renfrew

With vast amenities and the distinction of being among Calgary's oldest and most established neighbourhoods, Bridgeland and Renfrew offer up inner city living at its finest.

One of Calgary's oldest communities, Bridgeland was established by Russian and German immigrants during the 1880s and was named for the nearby Dominion Bridge Company. Annexed by the City in 1910, the community was home to the Calgary General Hospital until its demolition in 1997. Calling Bridgeland home for the majority of her life, Carissa Lazette moved into the community's McPherson Place condos in February and works close to home at The Main Dish on General Avenue.

"I love Bridgeland because it's a growing community with lots of local businesses," she said. "It's also extremely close to downtown making it super convenient."

As of the 2013 Civic Census, there are 5,526 residents living in the Ward 7 community. As well as McPherson Place, other condo developments include Bridgeland Crossing and Steps Bridgeland. The community is also full of single-family heritage and infill homes perfect for families of any size.

On Sept. 21, the community is calling on local volunteers to gather and refurbish McDougall Park. Sponsored by Canada's Sport Hall of Fame and Molson Coors, the community will update the ball diamond, plant trees and flowers, paint tables and benches and other beautification to the area.

Coming along as a Calgary community a few years after Bridgeland, Renfrew was developed in the 1940s when a Royal Canadian Air Force training base occupied the area. Today the core of the neighbourhood is the Renfrew Community Association (RCA).

"The RCA is literally at the centre of the community, and it offers a variety of programs and services to enhance our neighbourhood life," said the RCA website. "Many social opportunities help residents get to know each other and continue to foster the 'small town' feel that has made Renfrew a cozy and comfortable community for over 60 years."

After an opinion survey conducted in the community in February 2012, Renfrew is scheduled to have on-street bike lanes installed this year on Eighth Avenue between Renfrew Drive and Russet Road and between Russet Road and Edmonton Trail improving road access for local cyclists. Other roadway improvements stemming from the survey included "Limit your speed" signs and a new traffic circle.

As of the 2013 Civic Census, there are 5,936 residents calling the Ward 9 community home.

Tazza

Located in the heart of Bridgeland across from the historic Bridgeland Market, Tazza — the Arabic word for freshness — serves up delectable Middle Eastern cuisine operated by long time residents the Traya family. The deli and grill can always be found lined up during the lunch hour for fresh donairs, salads, falafel, baklava and more. Looking for something tasty and new to jazz up events? Tazza is also available for catering.

Bridgeland Riverside Community Hall

The hub of the community of Bridgeland, the Bridgeland Riverside Community Centre includes a lower hall, which can seat a maximum of 120 people and the lantern room — a room flooded with natural light with views of the community and seating for up to 20 people. Programs at the hall include Everyday Sports Hero Program and Free Yoga in the Park while events include zumba classes, committee meetings and board meetings.

Renfrew Pool & Fitness Centre

Residents of Renfrew and Bridgeland can keep fit and have fun at the Renfrew Pool and Fitness Centre. The centre offers day camps, martial arts and other fitness opportunities while the state of the art weight room will challenge even the biggest exercise buffs. For swimmers, the centre includes a 25-metre salt-water pool with six lanes, a dive pool, a salt-water hot tub, steam room and sun deck.

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