Government of Canada commemorates Central Memorial Park and Library National Historic Site

A social, cultural, and educational landmark built in the booming city of Calgary at the turn of the 20^th century

September 27, 2018                           Calgary, Alberta                       Parks Canada Agency

In addition to the grand staircase, horticultural showpieces, and ornamental elements, Central Memorial Park and Library is more than a beautifully designed landmark. Designed as a unit, it has formed a social, cultural, educational, and memorial centre for Calgarians for more than a century.

Today, Donna Zwicker, Alberta Member of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, commemorated the national historic significance of Central Memorial Park and Library with a special plaque unveiling ceremony in Calgary. This commemoration was made on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, Catherine McKenna.

Located just south of Calgary’s downtown, Central Memorial Park and Library opened in 1912. The library was funded by American businessman Andrew Carnegie and is among the largest and most imposing of the 125 Canadian libraries supported through his philanthropy. Under the leadership of Annie Davidson, known as one of Calgary’s cultural pioneers, the library was championed by the Calgary Women’s Literary Club, a group of civic-minded women who advocated for the establishment of a free public library to help turn the booming western town into a cultured and mature city.

Central Memorial Park, which was originally known as Central Park, served as a tree nursery for the City of Calgary. When the new library was built, it was redeveloped by park officials with geometric pathways and elaborately designed planting beds, creating a civic and horticultural showpiece. Statues throughout the park honours those who fought and lost their lives in the South African War, First and Second World Wars, and Korean War. The park also serves as a place of remembrance and is the site of annual Remembrance Day ceremonies.

The Government of Canada, through the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, recognizes significant people, places, and events that shaped our country as one way of helping Canadians and youth connect with their past. The commemoration process is largely driven by public nominations. To date, more than 2,000 designations have been made.

The Government of Canada is celebrating families with free admission to Parks Canada places for youth 17 and under, and free admission for one year for new Canadian citizens, starting in 2018 and beyond. We invite Canadians to learn more about our history – from lighthouses to battlefields, historic neighbourhoods to Indigenous contributions to Canada, there is an amazing array of places and stories to discover.

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