About the Montgomery BIA
Discover Montgomery
Turning Spaces into Places
Building A Better Montgomery
The Montgomery BIA (MBIA), also known as Montgomery On The Bow Business Improvement area was formed in 2011 and represents over 115 businesses.
The MBIA champions local businesses and nurtures vibrancy. Fuelled by funding from local business levies, grants, and strong community partnerships, the MBIA is growing Montgomery.
The MBIA commitment is constant–365 days a year, the MBIA promotes this gem of a business district. The MBIA advocates for improving public spaces through creative placemaking, including colourful public art, inviting patios, lush summer greenery, twinkling seasonal lights, and eye-catching banners. The MBIA collaborates closely with City departments, developers and community partners, working to boost economic vitality and welcome new businesses to our neighbourhood.
TURNING LOCAL INVESTMENT INTO CITYWIDE IMPACT
How Calgary's BIAs Turned Dollars Into Difference
In 2023, $5 million in BIA levy fees were paid by 5,954 Calgary businesses. Collectively, the 15 Calgary BIAs secured an additional $4,695,000 in funding through grants that further supported and enhanced BIA initiatives.
Modernizing Montgomery
We’ve Transformed Main Street Over The Past 5 Years
Over the past five years, the Montgomery BIA has strengthened the community through local business support and streetscape enhancements. With the Main Street project now complete, Montgomery is more vibrant and welcoming than ever.
Meet the Heart of the Montgomery BIA
The MBIA Board Of Directors
Tracing the evolution of a vibrant community
The History Of Montgomery
1900
1906
The Shouldice Family
In 1906, James Shouldice, who had moved from Ontario to Alberta to pursue ranching, purchased O.A. Critchley’s 480-acre ranch west of Calgary. Recognized as an agricultural pioneer, he was among the first in Alberta to breed Hereford cattle. The Shouldice family first lived in a modest wooden ranch house along the riverbank before constructing a stately red brick mansion atop the hill. In addition to their residences in Calgary and Montgomery, the family maintained a large farm east of Calgary—land that later became the town of Shouldice.
1910
1911-1913
Early Transportation and the Streetcar
The opening of the Shouldice Park Line in 1911 marked a new era of transportation for the area. The streetcar line, humorously nicknamed the “jumper” for its tumultuous ride, provided a vital connection between Calgary and the then-undeveloped prairies. This public transportation link, which ran past the land James Shouldice donated for what would become Shouldice Park, foreshadowed the growth that was to come. Its extension into the Bowness area was made possible by a landmark agreement with landowner John Hextall, who, in 1913, donated Bowness Park to the City in exchange for the streetcar line’s use of his private bridge, further integrating the burgeoning communities along the Bow River.
1930
1937
The Shouldice Home Crematorium
By 1937, the Shouldice Home was transformed into the Calgary Crematorium, its striking presence on a hill made all the more noticeable by the scarcity of trees. The sight of smoke occasionally billowing from the building created a lasting impression on residents, leading to a collection of spooky stories and tales. One resident even recounted hiding in the surrounding hedges to watch the somber arrival of coffins. Despite its status as a local landmark rich with memorable stories, the building was ultimately demolished in 1974 due to concerns about the stability of the hillside it was built on.
1940
1943-1949
The First Steps Of A Community
In 1943, the community once known as Shouldice Terrace adopted the new name of Montgomery, named after British General Bernard Montgomery, of WWII fame. Just four years later, Montgomery was still a small unincorporated settlement of around 60 houses, when Marjorie Kellough’s mother purchased a house and three lots for $4,000. The community’s modernization began in 1949 with the installation of natural gas in its homes.
1950
1950-1959
From Farmland to a Town
Between 1950 and 1959, Montgomery experienced a decade of significant growth and development. The era began with a major change in transportation, as streetcar operations were terminated in 1950 after 39 years of service. This shift coincided with a building boom in the early 1950s, which saw the construction of “The Stores” strip mall, followed by new schools like Terrace Road Elementary in 1952 and Montgomery Junior High in 1953. By 1957, the community had expanded to 1,069 homes, leading to a crucial milestone in 1958 when Montgomery was officially designated a town, electing its first mayor, Douglas LeBaron, and renaming its streets to align with Calgary’s conventions. The community’s modernization culminated in 1959 with the installation of running water and a sewer system.
1960
1960-1967
Montgomery Joins Calgary
In the early 1960s, Montgomery’s population grew to about 5,000, and the community celebrated a significant achievement when the “Sputniks” baseball team won the Provincial championship in 1960. As the community continued to expand, the Montgomery Recreation Centre (now the Montgomery Community Centre) was built in 1962, becoming a central hub for residents. The following year, a pivotal plebiscite was held on January 16, 1963, to vote on amalgamation with Calgary. The town officially joined the city in a small ceremony on August 15, 1963. After amalgamation, the community continued to thrive, with local businesses like Foothills Barbershop opening in 1966 and the Ladies Auxiliary being formed in 1967.
1970
1970-1975
Change and Growth
The 1970s brought new commercial and structural changes to the Montgomery community. Early in the decade, a Dairy Queen opened across from the local Safeway, offering residents a new place to gather. In 1974, a local landmark, the Shouldice Home/Calgary Crematorium, was demolished due to concerns over slope instability. The following year, the community saw a new local business emerge when Allan’s Flowers began its operations in 1975.
1980
1980s
A Decade of Change
The 1980s was a decade of both progress and challenge for Montgomery. In 1980, Shouldice Pool underwent a major renovation, with its enclosure allowing for year-round use and a new dive tank. However, the community faced a setback in 1981 when a significant hail storm caused extensive damage to roofs, vehicles, and gardens. The decade also marked the end of an era with the demolition of the cherished “Warm-up Shack” at the Montgomery Community Centre.
1990
1990-1995
New Beginnings
The 1990s brought both new beginnings and the end of an era for Montgomery. In 1991, the community’s local communication was strengthened with the launch of the Montgomery Messenger newsletter by Elspeth Snow. The following year, the Montgomery Recreation Centre was officially renamed the Montgomery Community Centre in 1992, reflecting its broader role as a hub for all residents. However, the decade also saw a fond farewell in 1995 when Nick Zahara’s Foothills Barbershop, a local landmark, ceased its operation.
2000
2000-2006
Modernizing the Community
Find Us Steps From The Bow River
Visit Us In Montgomery
The MBIA is located in the northwest quadrant of Calgary along the Bow River and 16th Avenue. The business community can be found along 16th Avenue and Bowness Road and Montgomery Way. Anyone using the river pathway has close access to the main street via pedestrian and bike paths. Transit stops right in the heart of the main street with the # 1 Bowness. You can find schedules and real-time bus information using the Calgary Transit website or apps like Moovit and Transit App.
And free bicycle parking around the clock!
