As reported a few weeks ago here on SkyriseCalgary, one of the most notable items from the 2018 Calgary Civic Census was the rise of population in Calgary's inner city neighborhoods, which in many cases were outpacing historical highs from previous eras. The numbers reinforce what many population trend observers already know; inner city neighborhoods are hot and getting hotter. No exception to this rule, the Beltline stands out by far as the prime example of this trend.

Aerial view of the towers in the west and central Beltline, image via Kevin Cappis

The Beltline has long been one of Calgary's most populous neighborhoods, and has had growth spurts in previous decades, particularly in the 1970's and early 1980's, but nothing like the growth of the last 13 years. After a major economic downturn in Calgary back in 1982, the neighborhood's growth halted and even lost population some years, leaving the neighbourhood stuck on a demographic plateau.

Around 2004 things began to change, as the Beltline began once gain to rise, both literally and figuratively, with the construction of the Emerald Stone tower. It became the first residential high-rise to be built within the Beltline in over 20 years - an as we know today, and that was only the beginning.

View of the towers in the east Beltline, image via forum member Spring2008

After the completion of the Emerald Stone tower, the Beltline has seen an incredible 33 residential towers rise to completion, with another 5 that are still under construction. These new residential projects have been the driving force behind the recent population growth, the Beltline having jumped from 16,360 people in 2005, to 24,887 in 2018. By any standards, a 50% increase in residents over such a short period, especially in an established neighborhood, is nothing short of amazing.

The new residential towers are the main reason behind the growth, but there are also reasons behind those towers being built in the first place. SkyriseCalgary spoke to a few of those new Beltline residents to find out their reasons for moving into the Beltline.

Recently arrived resident Jason Lee moved to the Victoria Park area of the Beltline four months ago, and likes the central location. "I find the location great. Where I am is a 15-25 minute walk to work, 8th ave, 17th ave and the restaurants down 4th street around 24th ave. Since I moved here three months ago I've filled up the gas tank on my vehicle once." Lee also noted the handy location of the Victoria Park CTrain station "I'm also right by the CTrain line so I've taken that a couple times when it was raining badly and I imagine I'll use that often in the winter time."

Central Memorial Park, image via forum member Beltline_B

Another Beltline resident Deena echos these same sentiments. "I’ve lived in Beltline for almost three years now. I really love living here because it is in the centre of the city and the CTrain is within walking distance to me. Actually pretty much everything is within walking distance for me like TD mall, restaurants, shops,etc. I don’t even use a car anymore since everything is so close. Having everything close by is the main reason why I chose to live here."

We also heard from Justin, who has lived in the Beltline for six years, and once again, central location and accessibility is an important factor. "My biggest thing is accessibility though with transit, even though it needs some work. There isn't a place in the city as accessible as the Beltline. If you don't have a car it is the easiest place to live"

Condo towers in behind the retail corridor of 17th Avenue SW, image via forum member Beltline_B

Restaurants and retail are an important factor in what draws residents to the Beltline, and its retail diversity is increasing, as big box retailers Canadian Tire and Urban Fare will open up in the The Royal before the year's end. Transit options are only going to get better, as The Green Line, Calgary's newest LRT line will increase rail transit options to the Beltline.

Overall, the neighborhood is on an incredible roll, and SkyriseCalgary will be sure to return to this neighborhood as it grows and evolves. For more information and discussion, check out the Forum thread, and as always, feel free to join the conversation in the comments section below.