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A former City Councillor who was instrumental in keeping Calgarians safe now has her name on the pedestrian bridge she helped create.Bev and bridge plaque

The Bev Longstaff West Hillhurst pedestrian bridge now features a plaque bearing Longstaff’s name. Bev Longstaff served as Ward 7 Councillor (then Alderman) from 1989-2001 championed the 21st Street N.W. pedestrian bridge over the Memorial Parkway. The bridge gives Calgarians in West Hillhurst, Hillhurst, Parkdale and Briar Hill/Hounsfield Heights direct access to the Bow River pathway.

The bridge naming request came from supporters and the West Hillhurst Community Association (WHCA).

“Bev Longstaff is a pillar of our community and this honour is truly well deserved. The West Hillhurst Community Association extends a heartfelt thank you to Bev for her hard work and dedication to our community,” says Dylan Richards, WHCA President.

Ward 7 Councillor Terry Wong brought the petition to name the West Hillhurst pedestrian bridge in honour of Longstaff to Council, where it was approved in September 2023.

“Alderman Bev Longstaff was an ardent supporter of Ward 7 communities during her reign on the City Council. Many of the infrastructure and amenity improvements in these communities are a testament to her efforts to make Ward 7 communities one of the best places to live and raise a family. This pedestrian bridge is an example of bringing all aspects of our city to nearby residents,” says Wong.

Before the overpass was built, Longstaff recalls regularly seeing people dashing unsafely across Memorial Drive to access the river pathway. With support and collaboration from the community, the former Alderman for Ward 7 presented plans for the 21 St. N.W. pedestrian bridge over the Memorial Parkway to Council. The pedestrian bridge was built and opened to residents in 2002.

While the bridge served Calgarians for years, it remained without an official name. A family member of Bev Longstaff worked with the West Hillhurst Community Association to have the pedestrian bridge named after Bev in recognition.

“It was a wonderful experience to see this much needed pedestrian bridge conceived, funded and built. To have it named after me is a tremendous honour,” says Longstaff.

Sean Chu

Sean Chu arrived in Calgary from Taiwan in 1985 speaking not a word of English, and within 7 years he was a sworn officer with the Calgary Police Service. From that point on Sean worked with the Calgary Police Service as on Officer for 21 years in a number of roles until 2013.

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