A Neighbourhood Shaped by Service
The communities that make up Marda Loop have deep military roots. Many of those who served — and gave their lives for Canada — trained, worked, shopped, and raised their families right here.
What we now know as Currie Barracks began as a militia training ground during the Great War. Construction of the base started in 1934 as a Depression-era project, bringing much-needed employment to Calgarians. At the time, South Calgary was a quiet neighbourhood bordered by the old streetcar loop, with King Edward School at its heart.
Home Front
During the Second World War, Currie Barracks and the Lincoln Park airbase became bustling hubs. The South Calgary streetcar ran from early morning until after midnight, shuttling soldiers and base workers to and from the base. This surge in activity helped establish the small commercial district that would eventually become Marda Loop.
After the war, Calgary boomed. New neighbourhoods like Altadore sprang up across the prairie, filled with young families and returned veterans. To the west, the federal government built Permanent Married Quarters (PMQs) to house military families. Through the Cold War years, local soldiers served in Korea and on peacekeeping missions around the world — while their families became a part of daily life in South Calgary, shopping at local stores, attending schools, and seeing movies at the Marda (later Odeon) Theatre.
The Changing Face of Marda Loop
By the 1980s, the relationship between the base and nearby businesses was evolving. Some local merchants voiced concerns about the CANEX military store selling to civilians, which sparked discussions that led to the creation of the Marda Loop Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) in 1984. Around the same time, community members came together to establish The Museum of the Regiments, now The Military Museums — the second-largest military museum in Canada.
When CFB Calgary closed in 1998, it marked the end of an era. Yet, Marda Loop adapted and grew once again. The Garrison Woods redevelopment turned former military housing into a vibrant residential area. Many of the original PMQ homes were moved, restored, and sold, allowing the legacy of the community to live on in a new way.
Remembering Our Roots
Today, reminders of Marda Loop’s military heritage are woven throughout our streets. From Somme Avenue and Cambrai Drive, to the interpretive walk, monuments, and historic plaques— our neighbourhood continues to honour those who served.
We invite you to take part in the Remembrance Day Ceremony at The Military Museums on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
Location:
The Military Museums
4520 Crowchild Trail SW, Calgary, Alberta
Ceremony Schedule:
10:45 AM – Ceremony begins
10:58 AM – Last Post and lowering of flags
11:06 AM – Act of Remembrance & Two Minutes of Silence
11:10 AM – Wreath-laying ceremony
11:37 AM – Ceremony concludes
11:45 AM – Museum opens to the public (by donation)
6:00 PM – Museum closes
After the ceremony, the public is welcome to lay a wreath at the Eternal Flame Monument.
Real poppies are encouraged; plastic poppies are not recommended.
Parking:
Limited parking is available at Master’s Academy & College, Flames Community Arenas, Clear Water Academy, and designated areas within Currie Barracks. Accessibility parking is available — please check with gate staff upon arrival.
Reminders:
Dress warmly, arrive early, and please leave pets at home (licensed service animals excepted).
Marda Loop Remembers
Lest we forget, our history lives on — in our streets, our architecture, and in the spirit of a community that continues to honour service, sacrifice, and resilience. Still marching in Marda Loop — and still remembering.
Have a story to share?
Do you have photos, memories, or historic insights about Marda Loop’s military past? We’d
love to hear from you. Check out www.visitmardaloop.com/history and email: info@visitmardaloop.com