Upper Mount Royal, Calgary
Upper Mount Royal (along with Elbow Park and Roxboro) is one of Calgary's wealthiest neighbourhoods and is home to some of the city's most expensive estates ranging in age from nearly 100 years old to new. Originally an enclave of the city's American born business elite, the neighbourhood was originally known as 'American hill'. As of 2001, American immigrants still made up 29.2% of the residents. This informal name eventually gave way to the more Canadian name of Mount Royal. These neighbourhoods are concentrated in the Elbow River valley. The area of both neighbourhoods is bounded on the north by 17th Avenue SW and on the west by 14th Street SW.
Despite its name, Mount Royal is not home to the city's Mount Royal University.
Demographics
In the City of Calgary's 2012 municipal census, Lower Mount Royal had a population of 3,180 living in 2,266 dwellings, a 6.7% increase from its 2011 population of 2,981. With a land area of 0.3 km (0.12 sq mi), it had a population density of 10,600/km (27,000/sq mi) in 2012. Also in the municipal census, Upper Mount Royal had a population of 2,542 living in 1,071 dwellings, a 0.2% increase from its 2011 population of 2,536. With a land area of 1.3 km (0.50 sq mi), it had a population density of 1,960/km (5,060/sq mi) in 2012.
In Calgary's nonpartisan municipal politics, Courtney Walcott, councillor for Ward 8, represents Mount Royal on Calgary City Council. He has served since 2021. In provincial politics, Samir Kayande represents the neighbourhood in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta as the MLA for the Calgary-Elbow riding. He is a member of the New Democratic Party and has served since 2023. In federal politics, Greg McLean represents the neighbourhood in the House of Commons of Canada as the MP for Calgary Centre. He is a member of the Conservative Party and has served since 2019.
Residents of Upper Mount Royal had a median household income of $127,135 in 2000, while those in Lower Mount Royal made far less at an average of $35,570. 11.7% and 26.7% low-income residents live in Upper and Lower Mount Royal respectively. While the majority of buildings in Upper Mount Royal (87.2%) are single-family detached homes, in Lower Mount Royal condominiums and apartment buildings are prevailing at 88.7%, with 77.5% used for renting in 2001.
Economy
Shopping
Mount Royal Village at 105,000 square feet is home to such retailers as West Elm, London Drugs, Browns Socialhouse, Kit and Ace and offering a wide array of services such as GoodLife Fitness, Mount Royal Village is one the most vibrant shopping destinations in the city.
Education
The community is served by Earl Grey Elementary School, William Reid Elementary School, Mount Royal Junior High and Western Canada High School.
Notable residents
- Charlene Prickett: "It Figures" exercise host and Calgary television personality from the late 1970s to the 1990s; member of the Mount Royal Community Association
See also
References
- ^ "Calgary Elections". City of Calgary. 2017. Retrieved November 12, 2017.
- ^ City of Calgary (2006). "Lower Mount Royal - Community Social Statistics" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-05-04.
- ^ City of Calgary (2006). "Upper Mount Royal - Community Social Statistics" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-05-04.
- ^ City of Calgary Planning (2008). "Lower Mount Royal Area Redevelopment Plan" (PDF). Retrieved 2008-10-11.
- ^ City of Calgary Planning (2005). "Upper Mount Royal Area Redevelopment Plan" (PDF). Retrieved 2007-05-11.
- ^ "2012 Civic Census Results" (PDF). City of Calgary. 2012. Retrieved February 4, 2013.
- ^ "Community Boundaries" (Esri shapefile). City of Calgary. Retrieved February 5, 2013.
- ^ "Election Results". Elections Alberta. Retrieved 2023-08-18.
- ^ Mount Royal Village
- ^ "Mount Royal Village". First Capital. Retrieved 8 January 2024.