Nestled immediately west of Calgary, Springbank sits within Rocky View County in southern Alberta, occupying a stretch of land bordered by the Bow River to the north and the rural community of Elbow Valley to the south. Two main routes connect the area to Calgary: the Trans-Canada Highway and Lower Springbank Road, which runs north of Highway 8. Highway 22 forms the western boundary of the community. The neighbouring communities of Bearspaw, situated across the Bow River to the north, and Elbow Valley, across the Elbow River to the south, share a similar character of country residential acreages. To the west, the urban community of Harmony sits adjacent to the Springbank Airport.
History and Character
The name Springbank traces back to Springbank Creek, a waterway that flows southeast into the Elbow River. The name was first recorded as a school district designation on July 11, 1887, chosen to reflect the many natural springs that emerged from the sides of smaller coulees throughout the district. Early settlers were drawn to these springs, making them a practical anchor for the community. The name was later applied to the municipal district in 1918. Since the early 1980s, eastern portions of Springbank have been progressively annexed by the City of Calgary, and those lands are now home to the Calgary neighbourhoods of Springbank Hill, Aspen Woods, West Springs, Cougar Ridge, Crestmont, and Valley Ridge. The remaining unannexed portions continue to develop as estate home acreages. Springbank sits on the boundary between a semi-monsoonal humid continental climate and a semi-monsoonal subarctic climate under the Koppen classification system.
Attractions, Education, and Notable Residents
Springbank is home to Calaway Park, an outdoor family amusement park that draws visitors from across the region. Golf enthusiasts have several courses to choose from, including Pinebrook Golf Club, Glencoe Golf and Country Club, Springbank Links Golf Course, and Elbow Springs Golf Course. The Springbank Airport is a significant local landmark, ranking as the ninth busiest airport in Canada in 2022 based on total aircraft movements. Along the Trans-Canada Highway, between Range Roads 32 and 35, a business park and shopping area offers a range of services including a bottle recycling depot, a seasonal farmers market, a pet hospital, and commercial offices. Education in Springbank is served by Rocky View Schools, with Elbow Valley Elementary School, Springbank Middle School, and Springbank Community High School all operating in the area. The high school is located within Springbank Park For All Seasons, a facility that also includes an ice arena and a curling rink. Private school options nearby include Webber Academy, Rundle College, and Edge School for Athletes. Among the community’s notable residents are musician Jann Arden, former professional hockey players Lanny McDonald and Roman Turek, and Darryl Sutter, head coach of the Calgary Flames.