Most Calgarians know that Bowness was
once a separate town. Did you know it was named “Critchley” at one
point?
In 1908, John Hextall purchased the
area now known as Bowness with the goal of developing it into an
“elite” neighborhood in the country. The name “Critchley” appears
to be in honour of Oswald A. Critchley
(MLA Calgary West), who was the first owner of the “Montgomery”
area and most likely the first settler in this area.
Hextall subdivided the land, built a
golf course, installed gas lines and built a power generating and
water supply station. He also widened the creek and created the
lagoon at Bowness Park. He then went on to build 7 mansions with
the goal of attracting interest in the land. His own house was
located on the current site of the Wood’s Home Bowness Campus (9400
48 Ave NW).
In order to further attract buyers, he
built a bridge over the Bow River in 1910-1911 at his own expense
which is still in use today. In 1911, he made a deal with the City
of Calgary. Hextall donated “Bowness Park” and paid for the
construction of a streetcar line through to the park in exchange
for an agreement that the city would run transit out to the park
through his development. Despite all of this work and expense, the
development did not take off due to the onset of war and the
subsequent depression.
The name of the town was changed to
“Bowness” in 1942. Development was slow through to the end of World
War 2. Following the war, the area filled up at a rapid pace.
Bowness was incorporated in 1952 and eventually annexed into
Calgary in 1964.
** CACHE INFORMATION **
Park on either side of the John Hextall Bridge
(at the posted coordinates or on Bow Crescent). The posted
coordinates are located on the east side of the river at the end of
52 Street. The street is a one way
street heading south and you must park on the LEFT side of
the road, just before Bowness Road at approximately N51 04.655 W114
10.217. Walk to Bowness Road and turn towards the river. Head out
onto the John Hextall Bridge. In the center of the bridge you will
find a series of information plaques on the history of Bowness and
Montgomery.
Locate the plaque titled “John Hextall”.
1)
On the right
hand column, second paragraph down, find a three digit number that
is the last word of the paragraph. This number is CCC.
2)
On the right
hand column, third paragraph down, find a four digit number that is
the last word of the paragraph. This number is DDDD.
The coordinates of the final are:
N51 (04.121 + 0.CCC)
W114 (08.357 + D.DDD)
Make sure that you also find the information
needed for the Geocache “Shouldice
Terrace” GCZWV6 while you are there.
The container is a small Ammo Can hidden
nearby.