McKernan, Edmonton

McKernan and the City of Strathcona became part of Edmonton through amalgamation in 1912, but development of the area was delayed until McKernan Lake (located between 110 and 114 Streets and 72 and 76 Avenues) was drained in the 1940s. Between 1913 and 1947 the McKernan Lake Streetcar, known as the Toonerville Trolley, operated along 76th Avenue from Calgary Trail to 116th Street; the trolley was replaced with the streetcar in 1948. Low density residential development in the area was substantively completed between 1947 and 1953. The first walk-up apartment buildings were added to the neighbourhood in the 1950s, and additional apartments were added in the 1960s and 1970s.

The area is bounded east and west by major arterials; 109 Street and 114 Street. University Avenue and 72 Avenue form the north and south boundaries. The northern portion of McKernan was subdivided in the traditional grid street pattern, but part of the southern portion was subdivided with a curvilinear street pattern. As with many mature

neighbourhoods, the residential component in McKernan is predominately single family. A small commercial centre is located in the centre of McKernan along 76th Avenue. With

proximity to the University of Alberta Campus, a large proportion of McKernan’s residents are post secondary students; in fact, 25% of the residents within McKernan are between the ages of 20 and 29 years old as compared to the lower city average of 18%. The south Light Rail Transit (LRT) extension includes a new LRT station located at 76th Avenue and 114th Street (opened in 2009), providing residents with improved transit access.

This neighbourhood was named after James McKernan, a prominent businessman and citizen of Edmonton’s early rival, the City of Strathcona. The land on which the McKernan neighbourhood now sits was part of the original land holding of James McKernan. The original farmhouse of the McKernan family, demolished in 1940, was located where the McKernan Elementary-Junior High School now sits. The McKernan Community League was established in 1932.

McKernan History

  • 1913 - trains begin to run on the Edmonton Radial Railway's 'Toonerville Trolley' line. This extension of the original downtown to Strathcona line ran from Whyte Avenue and 110 St. south to 76th Avenue, then west past McKernan’s Lake to 116th Street, with return on the same route.
  • 1932 McKernan Community League formed; Professor W.H. Alexander elected as first president.
  • 1930s - construction of the league rink at 79th and 114th St.
  • By 1940, a small community hall was added for the annual summer and winter carnivals.
  • 1945+ - McKernan's Lake is drained to allow the area to be developed for much-needed postwar housing
  • 1946 - the league pressed the city to fulfill its promise of extending the sewers into McKernan.
  • 1949 - a committee constructed a playground in McKernan Park.
  • In the early 50's, the League relocated to its present location due to the construction of McKernan School.
  • After a few years of fund raising, construction commenced on the new (current) hall in June of 1950.
  • 1954 The first issue of the McKernan Messenger
  • 1979 - 92% of residents surveyed wanted McKernan to preserve its single family dwelling status.
  • 1987 - new playground equipment was installed by a weekend work party at McKernan Park.
  • 1990s - various committees worked on the 114th Street redevelopment plan.
  • 1992 - the park area east of the rink shack was dedicated and named after the long time resident, author and actress, Elsie Park Gowan.
  • In 1994, the City Council adopted the McKernan / Parkallen / Belgravia Community Development Plan.
  • 1997 - a new playground is constructed south of the rink shack
  • 2000 - rink shack is burned down by vandals - rebuilt in time for next winter.
  • 2005 - the city begins work on 109 Street Corridor Area Redevelopment Plan
  • 2009 - McKernan/Belgravia LRT station opens
  • 2013 - work begins on hall renovation and expansion

 

 


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