History of Calgary – Then & Now – 1980

History of Calgary – 35 Years of Change

Almost four decades ago, Calgary`s downtown skyline did not include as many skyscrapers or trees as it did today. Several condominiums and office buildings like the Bow Tower, Suncor Energy Centre, Centennial Place and Canterra Tower are but a few that have brought about a huge change to the skyline since 1980 (as seen above).

Here`s a quick glimpse into the history of Calgary in 1980 through a handful of important events that happened that year.

The Flame is Lit

Yes, that’s right – our beloved Flames became the “Calgary Flames” after the franchise moved from Atlanta to our city in 1980.

Since then, many locals have become devout season ticket holders as there are few other sources of entertainment in Calgary quite like the high-energy and intense games on at the Saddledome.

Want to know more about what happened with the Flames? See more at Calgaryism Fact – Atlanta Flames Come to Calgary today.

Ring Road Name

In January of 1981, Calgary’s City Council voted on what name to give the northwestern section of the ring road that would one day completely encircle the city. They voted successfully on “Stoney Trail”. Besides, A Ring Road Would Be a Good Thing for Calgary.

An interesting point, however, is that just a few months prior in September of 1980, the municipal government published its “Calgary North Area Structure Plan I”, which clearly showed the road already labelled as Stoney Trail.

Just 15 years earlier Calgary’s City Council rejected the name of “Stoney Trail” for what is known presently as Crowchild Trail.

Ralph Klein Becomes Mayor

Ralph Klein began his career in politics when he was elected as the 32^nd official Mayor of Calgary, AB, on October 15^th, 1980. Before that life changing year, he gained popularity with the public as a television and radio personality working for 11 years with CFCN-TV, a CTV affiliate in Calgary.

Ralph Klein`s induction as city mayor in 1980 and what he did during his nine-year stint would change our city forever. Successfully winning the bid to host the 1988 Winter Olympic Games, overseeing the development of Calgary`s LTR system and expanding protection of the Bow River were three great accomplishments of Ralph`s.

I Love Calgary

Do you love Calgary as much as I do? If so, I invite you to join us and tens of thousands of locals at Calgaryism on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram today for more of everything to do with this awesome city. We hope to see you there!