Calgary pedestrian bridge named after former councillor who brought it to life 22 years ago
Posted Oct 11, 2024 11:58 am.
A pedestrian bridge in Calgary’s West Hillhurst community now bears the name of a former city councillor who brought the project to fruition.
The Bev Longstaff pedestrian bridge now features a plaque bearing Longstaff’s name, the city said.
She served as councillor for Ward 7 from 1989-2001 and championed the 21 Street NW pedestrian bridge over the Memorial Parkway.
The city says the bridge gives Calgarians in West Hillhurst, Hillhurst, Parkdale, an Briar Hill/Housefield Heights direct access to the Bow River pathway.
The bridge naming request came from supports 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,” said Dylan Richards, WHCA President.
Current Ward 7 Coun. Terry Wong brought the petition to to name the bridge after Longstaff to council, where it was approved last September.
“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,” said Wong.
Before the overpass was built, Longstaff recalls regularly seeing people dashing unsafely across Memorial Drive to get to the river pathway.
With support from the community, she presented plans for the 21 Street NW pedestrian bridge over the Memorial Parkway to council.
The bridge was built and opened to residents in 2002.
Despite serving Calgarians for years, the bridge has gone without a name. A family member of Longstaff’s worked with the WHCA to have it named after her in recognition, according to the city.
“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,” Longstaff said.
