Shannon Terrace
History | Bow Valley Ranch | Bow Valley Ranch House | Glenns | Shaws

PAST 

Joseph Shannon settled in the west end of the Fish Creek Valley in 1882.  By 1911, his ranch encompassed more than 500 acres.  He was an excellent rancher and a good neighbour to the natives who occupied the land west of him.  Unfortunately, failing health forced him to sell his ranch in 1911.

East of Shannon's ranch was the homestead of Norman and Alice Willans.  Norman Willans had been the chief cattle buyer and later manager of the Bow Valley Ranch until poor eyesight forced his retirement in 1923.  Needing a new home, Mr. and Mrs. Willans purchased 10 acres in the west end of Fish Creek Valley.  They wanted their new farm to have the old style of the ranches that existed when they first arrived in Canada.  As a result, their home was built in the 1870's architectural style.  (Today the Willans' farm can been seen as you walk toward bridge number one.)  The outbuildings of the Willans' farm were constructed with the same care.  The storage shed had a sod roof.  Cemented and plastered interior walls and thick double doors helped keep the temperature constant.  Milk, cream and butter were safely stored even on the hottest summer day or the coldest winter night without refrigeration.

Fred Mannix purchased most of the valley's west end in the 1950's.  By 1954, a new home was built for the family.  Approximately 180 hectares of Mannix vast holdings were purchased by the provincial government in 1977 to complete Fish Creek Provincial Park.  The Mannix residence was renovated and became the Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre.

PRESENT

The Fish Creek Environmental Learning Centre is a unique facility in Alberta.  Open all year, it provides hands-on learning activities for school groups in Calgary and the surrounding areas. It also offers a multitude of opportunities for professional development. The centre's programs are designed to heighten awareness of the natural environment and to teach basic ecological principles to students, kindergarten through grade 9. Annually over 16 000 students have the opportunity for hands-on learning of science concepts. The centre is winterized, which enables a year-round focus.  It is fully equipped with a variety of audio visual equipment, teaching aids and resource materials.  Five classrooms, exhibits and discovery areas provide indoor opportunities for learning. The building is adjacent to natural areas of white spruce, aspen and balsam poplar.  A trail system, on the northern and southern banks of the Fish Creek, provide easy access.  The site contains a diversity of flora, fauna and aquatic environments ideal for study purposes.

WHERE IS SHANNON TERRACE?

You may enter Shannon Terrace by following Woodpath Road S.W., off of 130 Avenue S.W.