Edmonton community spotlight: Hardisty

The area affectionately known as Hardisty in the city’s south east is a familiar one to Edmontonians.  The Hardisty name is rooted in 19^th century Hudson’s Bay Company folklore. Richard Hardisty was the city’s first postmaster and Hudson Bay Factor. The Hardisty family home, the first structure built outside the fort, stands on the grounds of the provincial legislature.

You might not find this neighbourhood listed on a map if you go looking as Hardisty is a phantom community and is actually comprised of a few other established neighbourhoods.

Fulton Place, Forest Heights, Gold Bar, Capilano and Terrace Heights are communities within the accepted district known to locals as Hardisty.  It’s bordered by 101 Avenue on the south, 106 Avenue to the north, with 50 Street on the east and Fulton Drive on the west.   The tell-tale landmark is Hardisty Drive which runs parallel along the south side of the river from 65 Street to 101 Avenue.

Background

As Edmonton expanded in the post-World War II era, the area officially became a municipal subdivision in 1956.  The neighbourhood grew and peaked in the early 1970s, when the neighbourhoods within Hardisty began a transition process where young families were on the decline and aging seniors on the rise.  This required some adaptation and planning by the City of Edmonton and community stakeholders.  The Greater Hardisty Community Sustainability Coalition was formed to provide some backbone to the area with services and programs to revitalize the area and sustain the population level.

Hardisty Amenities

Hardisty is only a few minutes’ travel time by car or bike to the University of Alberta making it a highly sought-after neighbourhood for faculty, staff and students. There are four bridges that provide access to the north side of the river.

The Hardisty Care Centre, opened in 1967, now has 180-beds and together with Park Place Seniors Living ensures assisted living and long-term care for Edmontonians in their golden years.  Hardisty Fitness and Leisure Centre is located in Fulton Place along with Michael Cameron Arena.  As with many older communities in Edmonton there are schools within walkable distance, from pre-school to high school.  There are lovely green spaces throughout each neighbourhood in the Hardisty district, however the most beautiful part of the community is the instant access to the North Saskatchewan River Valley.

The district is also a winner for people wanting to live close to downtown Edmonton and in the absence of construction, which many people had to endure this summer, commuting to work or popping downtown to have dinner or see a show is generally easy.  There’s a train station at the U of A and of course, plenty of trails in the river valley.

The Capilano Mall, the Riverside Golf Course, Tiger Goldstick and Gold Bar Park are located in the Hardisty district.

Why families should consider Hardisty

Prices vary between the smaller neighbourhoods within Hardisty but the mean average puts this area in the affordability-zone in Edmonton.  Homes are predominiantly single-family with some condo development. Schools and parks are plentiful and shorter commute times for parents mean more family time.  This multi-generational district is full of character and possibilities.