Ogden, which includes the historic neighbourhoods of Millican Estates, Lynnwood, and Ogden Flats, was a small rail town established in 1912. Named after the former Vice President of the Canadian Pacific Railway, it is arguable Calgary would not exist had it not been for the CPR, the Ogden Shops, and their founding of the town of Ogden.
The area known as Millican Estates gained its name from W. J. Millican, a lawyer and land developer, whose intent was to develop the area in the early 1900s. The deal never did go through, and after a decades-long court battle, the land title was finally cleared. Credit should actually be given to Mr. John Charles Wilson - one of the very first and most notable homesteaders, moving to the area in 1904, and responsible for clearing the land title for Millican Estates in 1920.
Between 1924 and 1975 the Imperial Oil refinery operated on the area that was later developed into Lynnwood Ridge. In 2001, it was discovered that high levels of hydrocarbon and lead had contaminated the soil along the ridge, which Imperial Oil was required to remediate after being taken to court by a group of resolute and passionate residents. Today, there is a management program in place to return Old Refinery Park to the use of Calgarians.
The Canadian Pacific Railway is held in high esteem by Ogdenites, with its world headquarters based directly in the community. With their history tied to rail, it is fitting that the Green Line LRT will have two stations in Ogden, which will bring its neighbourhood feel, opportunities of employment, and arts and culture to the rest of the city like the old Calgary Municipal Railway did more than 100 years ago.
