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Lake Bonavista Community
Housing Information Guide
June 20, 04:44am
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Lake Bonavista Community Overview
Find answers to the most common questions about Lake Bonavista, Calgary's first lake community, known for its private lake, beach, tennis courts, and family-friendly atmosphere in the southeast.
Where is Lake Bonavista located in Calgary?
Lake Bonavista is located in southeast Calgary, bounded by Anderson Road to the north, Macleod Trail to the west, Canyon Meadows Drive to the south, and Bonaventure Drive to the east. The community is in Ward 14, represented by Councillor Peter Demong. It is Calgary's first lake community, established in 1965 as a model for suburban living centered around a man-made lake.
What is the population of Lake Bonavista?
According to the City of Calgary 2012 municipal census, Lake Bonavista had a population of 11,269 residents living in 4,151 dwellings. With a land area of 5 square kilometres, the population density was approximately 2,320 people per square kilometre. The median household income in 2015 was $79,673, with a homeownership rate of 91%. Low-income residents make up 4.2% of the population, and 22.4% of residents are immigrants.
What is the history of Lake Bonavista?
Lake Bonavista was established in 1965 and was Calgary's first lake community. It was developed by the Bronconnier Group, bringing water from the Bow River to create a private man-made lake that would become the centrepiece of the community. Don Mills opened Lake Bonavista Estates in the late 1960s. In 1979, a trademark dispute with a Minneapolis-based company regarding the name "Bonavista" was resolved by adding the prefix "Lake." The lake was built on an isolated farm with no neighbours for miles, requiring early residents to drive on gravel roads.
What amenities does Lake Bonavista offer?
Lake Bonavista offers exclusive amenities for property owners in the community:
- Private man-made lake – 35 acres of recreational water
- Swimming beaches – Sand volleyball and swimming areas
- Tennis courts – Multiple courts for residents
- Paddle tennis – Additional racquet sport facilities
- Winter skating – Skating on the frozen lake
- Fishing – Lake is stocked with fish
- Picnic areas – Lakeside gathering spaces
- Bonavista Promenade Shopping Centre – Local shopping and services
What is the Lake Bonavista Residents Association?
The Lake Bonavista Residents Association (LBRA) manages the private lake and community amenities for property owners. Annual memberships provide access to lake amenities, and only property owners who pay the annual levy can use the facilities. The association maintains the lake, beaches, tennis courts, and organizes community events throughout the year. Residents can contact the association at 403-271-5300 or via email at info@lakebonavista.ca. The association office is located at 7740 Lake Bonavista Drive SE.
Is Lake Bonavista open to the public?
No, Lake Bonavista is a private lake. Only property owners who pay the annual Lake Bonavista levy may use the lake, beach, tennis courts, and other residents-only amenities. The lake is not open to the general public.
What types of homes are available in Lake Bonavista?
Lake Bonavista offers a mix of housing types including single-family detached homes, townhomes, and condominiums. The community features mid-century homes from the 1960s and 1970s alongside modern renovations and infills. Properties include:
- Lakefront properties – Homes directly backing onto the lake, commanding premium prices
- Lake-view properties – Homes with scenic lake views
- Non-lake view homes – More affordable options within the community
- Townhomes and condos – Low-maintenance living options
What is the average home price in Lake Bonavista?
Home prices in Lake Bonavista vary significantly by location and property type:
- Lake front homes: $1.5 million to over $3 million
- Lake-view homes: $800,000 to $1.5 million
- Non-lake view detached homes: $500,000 to $800,000
- Townhomes and condos: $300,000 to $500,000
The average home price in Lake Bonavista is approximately $750,000 to $850,000 across all property types, with the premium for lake access reflected in higher property values.
What schools are in Lake Bonavista?
Lake Bonavista is served by several schools within and near the community:
Within Lake Bonavista:
- Lake Bonavista School – Public elementary school (K-6) located at 775 Lake Bonavista Drive SE
- David Frost School – Public middle school (7-9) in the community
- Santa Maria School – Catholic school in nearby Bonavista Downs
Nearby High Schools:
- Lord Beaverbrook High School (10-12) – Offers International Baccalaureate (IB) program
- Centennial High School (10-12) – Public high school in nearby Shawnessy
- Bishop O'Byrne High School – Catholic high school option
What parks and green spaces are near Lake Bonavista?
Lake Bonavista residents enjoy access to several parks and green spaces:
- The private lake – 35 acres of water with surrounding pathways and beach areas
- Bonavista Park – Neighbourhood park with playground and green space
- Fish Creek Provincial Park – One of Canada's largest urban parks, accessible nearby
- Bow River Pathway System – Extensive walking and biking trails
- Lake Bonavista Promenade – Pathway around the lake perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling
What recreation is available near Lake Bonavista?
Recreation options in and around Lake Bonavista include:
- Swimming and boating – At the private lake (residents only)
- Tennis and paddle tennis – At residents' courts
- Winter skating – On the frozen lake
- Fish Creek Provincial Park – Hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, picnic areas, wildlife viewing, and Sikome Lake beach
- Southland Leisure Centre – Indoor pool, waterslide, fitness centre, ice rinks, and library
What shopping is near Lake Bonavista?
Lake Bonavista offers convenient access to major shopping destinations:
- Bonavista Promenade Shopping Centre – Local centre with grocery, pharmacy, restaurants, and services, anchored by Safeway and London Drugs
- Southcentre Mall – Major shopping mall approximately 5-10 minutes north
- Macleod Trail retail corridor – Numerous shopping centres, big-box stores, restaurants, and services
- Chinook Centre – Calgary's largest shopping mall, approximately 15 minutes north
What are the transportation options in Lake Bonavista?
Lake Bonavista is well-connected for commuters:
- Road Access: Quick access to Macleod Trail, Anderson Road, and Canyon Meadows Drive, providing connections to Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail
- Public Transit: Multiple Calgary Transit bus routes serve the area
- Nearest LRT Stations: Anderson Station (Red Line) or Canyon Meadows Station
- Commute to Downtown: Approximately 20-25 minutes by car; 25-35 minutes by transit
- Walk Score: Moderate; the community is designed with pathways connecting to the lake and amenities
What healthcare options are near Lake Bonavista?
Lake Bonavista residents have access to several healthcare facilities:
- South Health Campus – Major hospital in Seton for comprehensive care
- Rockyview General Hospital – Accessible via Macleod Trail
- Bonavista Medical Clinic – Located in Bonavista Promenade for routine care
- Multiple pharmacies in Bonavista Promenade and surrounding area
Is Lake Bonavista a good place for families?
Yes, Lake Bonavista is an excellent community for families with a Family-Friendly Rating of 4.5 out of 5. Features include:
- Excellent schools within the community (Lake Bonavista School, David Frost School)
- Private lake with swimming, beaches, and year-round recreation for children
- Tennis courts and paddle tennis facilities
- Walkable neighbourhood with mature tree-lined streets
- 91% homeownership rate, indicating stable, committed residents
- Nearby Fish Creek Park for outdoor adventures
Is Lake Bonavista dog-friendly?
Yes, Lake Bonavista is a dog-friendly community. The lake pathway system and surrounding parks provide excellent walking routes for dogs. Nearby Fish Creek Provincial Park offers extensive off-leash areas and trails. Many homes have fenced yards, and the neighbourhood's mature tree-lined streets are perfect for daily walks.
What makes Lake Bonavista unique among Calgary communities?
Lake Bonavista holds a special place in Calgary's history as the city's first lake community. Its unique features include:
- First of its kind – Pioneering the lake community concept in Calgary
- Private 35-acre lake – Year-round recreation for residents only
- Established character – Mature trees, classic architecture, and well-maintained streets
- Central location – Easy access to downtown, Fish Creek Park, and major shopping
- Strong community association – Active LBRA managing lake amenities and events
Its success sparked the development of other lake communities including Lake Bonaventure, Lake Chaparral, and McKenzie Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions About
Lake Bonavista Housing Market
Get instant answers to the most common questions about living in Lake Bonavista, real estate housing market trends, and community amenities. Updated with current market data.
Is Lake Bonavista a good place to live?
Yes, Lake Bonavista is considered one of Calgary's best neighborhoods. It offers an exceptional quality of life with a walkable main street, local shops and restaurants, and a strong sense of community. The area features excellent schools, parks, and is known for its safe, family-friendly atmosphere. With its central location, residents enjoy convenient access to downtown Calgary while having direct access to pathway systems and parks.
What types of properties are available in Lake Bonavista?
Lake Bonavista offers a variety of property types including single-family detached homes, townhomes, condominiums, duplexes, and new construction developments. The community has options for first-time homebuyers, growing families, and downsizers. Housing styles range from character homes and bungalows to modern luxury infills and townhome complexes.
Is Lake Bonavista expensive?
Lake Bonavista is considered a desirable inner-city neighborhood in Calgary. Due to its walkability, mature character, and convenient location, home values reflect the premium of inner-city living while offering a connected, amenity-rich lifestyle within reach of downtown Calgary.
What amenities are available in Lake Bonavista?
Lake Bonavista features parks, walking trails, playgrounds, shopping centers, restaurants, cafes, and recreational facilities. The community is also served by several highly-rated schools and is conveniently located near major transportation routes. Popular local businesses include coffee shops, bakeries, breweries, and boutique retail stores that create a vibrant main street atmosphere.
What schools are in Lake Bonavista?
Lake Bonavista is served by several highly-rated public and private schools. The community falls within the Calgary school district, which is known for its strong academic programs, extracurricular activities, and diverse educational options including regular programming, French immersion, Catholic education, and private school alternatives.
What is the commute time from Lake Bonavista to downtown Calgary?
Commute times from Lake Bonavista to downtown Calgary typically range from 10 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions, time of day, and mode of transportation. The community has excellent access to public transit including bus rapid transit routes, as well as major roadway connections that make driving into the downtown core convenient.
What public transit options serve Lake Bonavista?
Lake Bonavista is served by multiple Calgary Transit bus routes and rapid transit lines that connect directly to downtown Calgary and LRT stations. The community's transit hub provides frequent service during peak hours, making it a popular commuting option for professionals working in the city core. Travel times to downtown are typically under 20 minutes.
How did Lake Bonavista get its name?
Lake Bonavista has a unique history tied to the local community. The name reflects the area's heritage and the families who helped shape the neighborhood. The community's main street festival and local landmarks continue to honor this legacy, making it a distinctive part of Calgary's cultural fabric.
Is Lake Bonavista dog-friendly?
Yes, Lake Bonavista is extremely dog-friendly. The community is home to several parks with off-leash areas featuring walking trails and scenic views. Many local cafes, breweries, and restaurants welcome dogs on their patios, and the area has pet supply stores and grooming services within walking distance. It is common to see residents walking their dogs along the main streets and pathways.
What is the main street festival in Lake Bonavista?
Lake Bonavista hosts a popular annual street festival during the summer months, typically held in July or August. This signature community event is one of the longest-running street festivals in the region, closing down the main avenue for a pedestrian-friendly celebration. The event features local vendors, food trucks, live music, street performers, kids' activities, and family entertainment, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
What parks and green spaces are near Lake Bonavista?
Lake Bonavista is surrounded by excellent parks and green spaces. The community features multiple playgrounds, sports fields, off-leash dog parks, and a major river pathway system that connects cyclists and pedestrians to other parts of the city. These green spaces offer stunning views and year-round recreational opportunities for residents of all ages.
Lake Bonavista Housing Market
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Lake Bonavista Neighbourhood
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Lake Bonavista Neighbourhood Profile
Lake Bonavista is a residential neighbourhood in Calgary offering:
- Diverse housing options from single-family homes to condominiums
- Walk Score of 51/100 - Very Walkable
- Proximity to major employment centers and transportation routes
- Active community association with year-round events
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Schedule a Neighbourhood TourLake Bonavista Emergency Resources
& Phone Numbers
Important emergency contacts and resources for Lake Bonavista residents:
Calgary Police Service
The Calgary Police Service provides law enforcement and public safety services to the Calgary area.
Alberta Health Services
Emergency medical care and health information.
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Contact Today's Featured AgentSchools in Lake Bonavista
Lake Bonavista offers quality educational options for families:
Public Schools
- Elementary: Lake Bonavista School
- Middle: Calgary Middle School
- High: Calgary High School
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