Griesbach is a residential neighbourhood in the Castle Downs area of northwest Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. This neighbourhood was formerly a military base, part of CFB Edmonton. The land was transferred to Canada Lands Company (CLC) and is being redeveloped as a residential community.
At the time of the transfer, in 2003, the 620-acre (251-hectare) site housed more than 50 derelict buildings and 750 Permanent Married Quarters housing units.
CLC spent more than $1 million removing the hazardous materials. Buildings that were not salvageable were demolished; those that could be rehabilitated were renovated to provide modern amenities, while retaining their unique design. Tonnes of asphalt, gravel and concrete were recycled and reused in the construction of roadbeds, and plans call for an extensive network of parks, trails and four storm water lakes that, in addition to controlling runoff, provide recreational opportunities.
Tribute has been paid to the property’s military heritage. Streets and parks have been named after famous local military heroes and battles where local military units participated; statues have been erected to commemorate the former base’s namesake, Major-General William Griesbach, his wife Janet and even their pet coyote (Lestock*).
When the project is completed, as many as 13,000 people will be living and working in what has come to be known as the Village at Griesbach.
The neighbourhood is immediately west of 97 Street, between 153 Avenue and 137 Avenue and its parklands are toward the south side.
It’s well worth a family visit on a sunny day. Signage on the parklands documents military history. The west is relatively young; our history does not go back many years; military history here, however, is rich; we can learn a lot from a visit.
* From the City of Edmonton Archives, Loyal Edmonton Regiment Collection.
On 30 May 1915 a well-wisher from Lestock, Saskatchewan gave the 49th Battalion a coyote pup. The train carrying the 49ers was making a stop at the Saskatchewan town. The Regiment, which was en route to England, adopted the pup as the unit's mascot and named it "Lestock". Lestock was turned over to a London zoo before the 49th went into combat. To this day, Lestock's face appears in the centre of the unit badge.
Some photos of the area can be seen here.