Idylwylde History

The naming of many early Edmonton neighbourhoods tended to honour European men, but Idylwylde is unique. As a Welsh word originating from the word 'idyll’,  it refers to a short poem which describes a picturesque scene or incident, especially in rustic life.  

It also defines as 'an extremely happy, peaceful, or picturesque episode or scene, typically an idealized or unsustainable one': the rural idyll remains strongly evocative in most industrialized societies. As such, Idylwylde is perhaps aptly named.

By 1913, it had amalgamated into the City of Edmonton along with Strathcona. The next stage of re-development came in the 1950′s, when many homes were built in the newly sub-divided area by Golden Homes. 

The Idylwylde Community League was established in 1955, beginning a long history of supporting community life and social well-being.

Today, Idylwylde has less green space than most Edmonton neighbourhoods, and awaits its next stage of re-development. Vimy Ridge Academy, Edmonton School of Ballet, and the Bonnie Doon Recreation Centre are a few of its current well-known establishments.

In 2013, Idylwylde reached 100 years as part of the City of Edmonton. 

(It is unfortunate that a fire long ago destroyed many local records in Strathcona. A few photos of our area from the 1950′s are hanging in Bonnie Doon Mall.)

Learn more from The City of Edmonton.

To see our neighborhood from the sky, check out our drone footage from our 2022 Community League Day here.