Category: Streets (Page 4 of 9)

This little newspaper box hanging around outside of The Roasterie might not be part of the Little Free Libraries initiative, but its existence embodies the plucky nature of Sunnyside…

A disused, free news paper bin was cleaned up, painted, and decorated to be a book depository. It’s not fastened down, has no instructions, yet it is looked after by passers-by and stewarded by it’s fanbase. The books inside are a truly eclectic mix of material.

Metaphorically, the 10th Street Library (as it’s known) represents this part of Calgary as it has come to be known: interesting in outside appearance, appealing to visitors with it’s quirks and characteristics, yet well worn from use. On the inside, all matters of opinions from all sorts of sources, from a diverse variety of people.

The City of Calgary moves. On foot, on bike, public transit, car; and all the while, the Bow river keeps flowing through it all.

I think there’s a metaphor in there, but I’ll wade into it another time.

At the end of 2015, I’d like to thank all my followers. Since June 21, they’ve pushed me to seek out 194 photo subjects. I’d also like to thank all the people who have participated: the folks I’ve chatted with in coffee shops, the local business owners, the members of the community, Druh Farrell (Ward 7 City Council), the HSCA, and all the people who have inspired me to shoot better photos, seek out new places, as well as all the little nooks and crannies that Sunnyside and Hillhurst have to offer.

Most of all, I’d like to thank all the people who have lived in this neighbourhood, served as business owners, residents and community builders. This city owes it to you.

Built in 1921, the Louise Bridge was constructed to move street cars and pedestrian traffic over the Bow River between downtown Calgary and the Kensington Area. The bridge was named after William Henry Cushing’s daughter, Louise.

William Henry Cushing served Calgary for six terms as a City Councillor, and a short term as Mayor in 1900-1901. He also served as an Albertan MLA.

The Louise Bridge is a beloved feature of Calgary’s riverscape and sees over 30’000 cars travelling on it per day, as well as countless pedestrians and cyclists.

“Is it me or are those geese flying the wrong way? It makes you wonder, ‘What do they know that we don’t?'”

There are many traditions in many cultures for placing statues of lions outside one’s property. In aspects of Asian culture, lions are bestowed on valued members of the community, or placed as a protective symbol. Some European cultures place lion statues outside their home as a representation of pride, nobility, or status. A North American tradition is to place lion statues on one’s property as a sign that the home is paid off.

I like to think that these lions, whatever the reason for their placement, add yet another interesting characteristic of this neighbourhood that I love so much.

“Wait a sec, are you that guy who’s doing the photo-a-day thing? I thought it was you, there’s not too many people who would be happy to be out this late in this kind of weather. Have a wonderful night! Happy New Year!”

“Police statistics reveal 3,002 bicycles were reported stolen in 2,554 separate incidents from Jan. 1 to Dec. 15, 2015. But it’s believed even more bikes have been lifted this year, noting ‘a tremendous’ amount of bike thefts are not reported.” A vandalized bicycle remains chained to a rack on Kensington Road

Christmas lights lighting up the dark, long nights.

December 22 marks the first day of Winter. Despite the fact that it’s the shortest day of the year, Calgarians can boast about having the most sunny days year round of Canada’s 100 largest cities, with just over 332 days of sun. After all, it is the ‘Sunny Side’ of the Bow River.

From here the days grow longer, the chinooks feel warmer, and the residents nestle in to wait for the Spring.