by Deb Lee, BRCA Heritage and CGH Commemoration Project
Last month we provided an update about the Calgary General Hospital (CGH) Commemoration Project. We highlighted activities we’ve undertaken to raise awareness about our project that will tell the decades-long story of “the General”.
In our 2+ years of meeting and planning for the CGH Commemoration Project we’ve had a lot of opportunity to talk to many people. For those who studied or worked at the hospital, there are many memories of collegial work relationships, stories about long hours, hard work, and a strong culture of caring. Former patients or family members voiced appreciation for the compassionate healthcare they received. And so many people have proudly announced that they were born at “the General”, including the renowned actor, producer, director, singer, and writer Paul Gross, who is back in town at the time I write this article, to perform at Alberta Theatre Projects.
For these folks who knew “the General”, there is no question that the plan to commemorate and tell the story of our long-standing city hospital is important, even essential. But what about the many Bridgelanders and Calgarians, who were born or arrived here after 1998, who know nothing about the hospital that was the heart of our community for many decades? Why should newcomers care about the CGH Commemoration project?
This project will showcase an important part of our history, in a beautiful setting, to benefit Calgarians. Looking at the setting, the large footprint of Murdoch Park is the actual location of the hospital and most of us would agree that life abounds in this lovely area. The wide sidewalk promenade is ideal for walking and saying hello to our neighbours, while the large field provides opportunities for activities like soccer, basketball, volleyball, yoga, and in winter, tobogganing, and skating. Focused on the northwest corner of the park, the CGH Project is not only about commemoration but also an enhancement to the park that will create a meaningful sense of place. Incorporating the principles of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED), a gazebo will provide shade and a place for people to gather for special occasions. Lighting will be improved and additional seating, in different configurations, will ensure visitors feel welcome to pause and engage with others. Some will take the opportunity to look at the interpretive plaques and learn about the important role the CGH played in health care service, as well as its contribution to our community and to Calgary as a whole.
Many will benefit. The school kids who frequent the park will learn about the hospital’s historic presence and how health care has evolved in Calgary over the years. Former staff and patients will be drawn back to Bridgeland and will be reminded of their important time spent at the hospital. Hopefully this will enable some degree of emotional closure to the very difficult ending of the hospital. Our community is near the downtown core and close enough for tourists to seek out the commemoration of the city’s earliest and largest hospital. Local business will see more foot traffic as visitors explore the area. The city and all Calgarians will benefit because the Commemoration Project will tell the story of the hospital that has not been told and which is at risk of being forgotten as the years pass. The Calgary General Hospital Commemoration is a value-add project which will enhance not only Murdoch Park but also the reputation of Calgary.
We’re continuing with our information sessions throughout the fall (see poster). If you haven’t attended already, please join us to learn more about the history of the hospital and the Commemoration Project and to get your questions answered. Stay tuned for more stories about “the General” in upcoming editions of Bridges.
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