Bowness Community Reviews

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A town that became a community, Bowness still has an independent vibe all its own The northwest community of Bowness offers plenty of diversity, thanks to the area's long and varied history. Just take a stroll along the main street and you will feel as though you have stepped back in time. "Bownesians have this incredible sense of pride. They are proud that they are a small town in the big city," said Jacqui Esler, executive director of the Mainstreet Bowness Business Improvement Area and former main street business owner. Bordered by 16th Avenue in the south, the Bow River in the north and east and Stoney Trail to the west, the lands that now comprise Bowness were originally owned by a prominent ranching family. In 1911, local developer, John Hextall, purchased the lands and registered the subdivision plans that became the framework for the village and town of Bowness. In the 1940s, the town was connected to Calgary by a streetcar that trundled across prairie grasslands. In 1964, with a population of 9,100, Bowness was annexed by the City of Calgary. Almost sixty years later, the population hasn't changed much at just over 11,000 residents. And the small town vibe and historical streetscape still exists.