The Elbow: A River in the Life of the City

by John Gilpin

From the earliest days, the Elbow River has been an important part of Calgary’s history. This was the area around which the burgeoning city of Calgary started. From the earliest people to present-day population, recognition has been given to the Elbow River, not only as a business connection, but also as an important recreation area. The Glenmore Dam was subsequently planned and finally constructed, adding to the commercial importance of the Elbow River and adding to the recreation area. Captain John Palliser missed the Elbow River in his early explorations of the area but it was not missed by subsequent entrepreneurs, the RCMP, the Canadian Pacific Railway.

This key area of growth for the city then spread further afield, but the Elbow River has always been a central part of Calgary. John Gilpin has provided in-depth and extensive research on this topic, correcting some earlier settlement statements and adding very considerable depth to the knowledge about this important area.

264 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Glenmore Dam and Park (the Elbow is the source of water) in Calgary, first conceived in about 1921. A history of the thoughts and processes by the influential people of the time in Calgary concerning land use and water quality for a growing population. Quite technical in many parts - quoting bylaws etc but readable. However in need of a good editor for errors, typos and convoluted sentences!