South Calgary History

The History of Marda Loop
In the early 1980’s, the provincial government was determined to encourage small business growth. New legislation for business revitalization within city zones (BRZ) was created to promote districts in urban areas. The program required business owners within participating zones to pay a voluntary tax increase of 2%, with an expected return on investment due to improved awareness of their district.

Pro-active proprietors of South Calgary took advantage of the program and volunteered their time and energy collecting signatures on a petition until they gained the 25% support necessary to move ahead. Perseverance paid off and local business owners were among the first in the province to be granted BRZ status. Led by a young Jon Lord of Casablanca Video, founding Chairmen and movement leader, they were on their way to beautification and unification of their community.

The first order of business was to establish a name and, once again, the forerunners of the BRZ went door to door, this time soliciting donations from local businesses to fund a prize for a contest to name the district. The prize, valued at $500, went to schoolteacher Irene Horn for the name “Marda Loop”.

Irene was inspired by two significant landmarks that defined the area, the first being the transport route that ran early Calgary’s downtown and outlying areas.

The #7 Trolley Car made daily rounds, heading as far south-west as 33rd Avenue and 20th Street before ‘looping’ back to city centre. Add to that the well known Marda Theatre, founded by Mark and Mada Jenkins (Marda derived from their names). The theatre was situated prominently on the corner of the same intersection of the ‘loop’, making “Marda Loop” a perfect fit.

To announce and commemorate their accomplishment, the BRZ planned an annual celebration, now known city wide as ‘Marda Gras’. Businesses were invited to sponsor a table for $10, with proceeds going toward community development.

Photo Paula McGarrigle, Solas Photography

Festivities featured 7 local bands battling for recognition and a dunk tank manned by local firemen. Ralph Klein, Mayor of Calgary, performed the ribbon cutting to make it official. To thank Mr. Klein for attending, the BRZ presented him with a t-shirt printed with “I got looped in the Loop”, a fitting indication of the fun-loving sense of community the BRZ was determined to achieve.