The neighbourhood of Hillhurst is located in Calgary’s inner city, northwest of and across from the Bow River and is not to be confused with West Hillhurst, a community immediately to the west.

Established in the early 1900s, Hillhurst is one of the older communities in Calgary. An important event in the history of the area was the construction of the Mewata Bridge over the Bow River in 1954.

This turned 14th Street into a major link to downtown and initiated commercial redevelopment of the housing in the area. Hillhurst, Sunnyside and the nearby business district of Kensington, have since been enhanced through the efforts of the Business Revitalization Zone Association.

The residents of Hillhurst and Sunnyside share their community association, which is active in providing programming for its residents.

Sports are an important aspect of the community. The soccer pitches, ball diamonds and tennis courts in Hillhurst Athletic Park are well used by local children. In the winter, indoor soccer in the community association gym is well attended.

The Bow Valley Lawn Bowling Club, which has been established in the community for decades, attracts adults of all ages.

Schools

Hillhurst Community School - Public

Queen Elizabeth Elementary School - Public

Queen Elizabeth Junior and Senior High - Public

St. John’s Elementary (Fine Arts) - Separate

SAIT - Post Secondary College

Demographics

Located in Ward 7, Hillhurst has a population of 5,288 (2006 Civic Census) with approximately 15.3% comprising the immigrant population, according to Statistics Canada.

A total of 610 families accounted for 880 children still living at home with 33.5% of these being six to 14 years old. The median household income for Hillhurst in 2000 was $50,822. In addition, 78.6% of the population over 20 completed college, attended university or graduated university with a degree. An additional 6.5% graduated from trade schools.

There are a total of 2,425 occupied private dwellings in Hillhurst with 43.7% being single detached dwellings, 6.2 semi-detached homes, 1.6% row housing, and 48.2% apartment or detached duplex and 52% of the occupied dwellings are rented.