Calgary City Tour #2 July 16, 2019 Field Trip Leader: Dave Dearborn Free Number of Participants: 12 ww.ccc2019.ca Canadian Camera Conference 2019
Colourful wall art in downtown Calgary. What s in a Name In 1875, as Canada worked to bring law and order to the west, the Northwest Mounted Police arrived at the confluence of the Bow River and the Elbow River and decided it was an excellent location for a fort. Originally named Fort Brisebois, it was later renamed Fort Calgary by Col. James MacLeod, a Scottish immigrant. Having spent time at the Calgary Castle on the Isle of Mull, he enjoyed its lush forests and natural beauty and it inspired him to rename the fort. Almost 150 years have gone by and things have changed just a bit
Old and new in downtown Calgary.
Abstract architecture in downtown Calgary. The presence of the NWMP as well as the fertile lands and the coming of the railroad created the perfect conditions for immigration from eastern Canada. People came by the thousands to claim land and start a new life. By 1884, over 4,000 people called Calgary home. It was like many western towns, with wooden buildings and boardwalks and dirt roads. With the discovery of sandstone as a building material, the face of Calgary quickly changed to a cosmopolitan upscale city of the day. And it never looked back.
A wall mural in the East Village. This city (approximately 5 km of walking) tour starts at SAIT after dinner where you will take a 10 minute trip on the LRT to the City Hall station. The large multi-tiered building is the municipal building but we all just call it city hall. The real city hall is the lovely sandstone building close to the LRT station. It is undergoing extensive renovations in order to ensure it lasts another one hundred years. The area around city hall is called East Village. For many years, it was quite sketchy. However, a long-term revitalization of the area has created a vibrant cultural centre as well as a desired place to live for young professionals. East Village is a treasure trove for photography. Our new Central
The National Music Centre. Library is architecturally and esthetically unique with its mirrored panels and open concept. The nearby National Music Centre has lovely curves mixed with straight edges and glistening glass tiles. It is a wonderful contrast to the nearby St. Louis Hotel. The St. Louis was built in 1914. It was a popular watering hole for average citizens and high ranking politicians. It was also famous for its indoor horse races about 30 years ago. The St. Louis definitely had style. It was designated a historic site and, while the inside is now much more upscale, the famous sign still graces the outside of the building.
A wide variety of images can be made on this walk.
Shadow play on a colourful mosaic art piece. You ll continue your walk along the river and then head back to the Bow Tower. Not long ago, the Bow was the tallest building in Calgary. But that was never what drew people to it. People came to see Wonderland. Wonderland is the name of the giant head wire sculpture just outside the Bow. It has been photographed in so many different ways it is now synonymous with Calgary. This is your chance to create a unique image of an iconic landmark. You ll then continue west through China Town and to the Centre Street Bridge. The historic
The Centre Street Bridge Centre Street Bridge just passed the century mark. It is a vital link across the Bow River for those wanting to get into the downtown area. The lovely stone lions at both ends of the bridge are exact replicas of the originals. It was a controversial decision as many residents wanted the original lions restored and put back. The lions were considered too valuable historically to be allowed to deteriorate. One of the original lions can be found at city hall. You ll continue walking along the river through Prince s Island Park until you reach the Peace Bridge, the unique red and white Santiago Calatrava designed footbridge that has become
Images around the Peace Bridge.
Long exposure of the Peace Bridge an iconic photographic symbol of Calgary. The Peace Bridge was quite controversial when it was announced in 2008. At a cost of $25 million and with an architect who was not local or even Canadian, many in Calgary hated this project. However, there can be no doubt that since its opening in 2012, the controversy has diminished and it has become a destination for many visitors and Calgarians alike for photographs. After all that walking, you ll make your way to the Sunnyside LRT station for a quick trip back to SAIT.