After tempting us with the thought of an early Spring, winter returned to Edmonton in mid-March, just in time to set the tone for my trip to the neighbourhood of Balwin.  The snow and grey skies brought out both surreal beauty and the grittiness of the eastern parts of the community…

Balwin is bounded on the north by 132 Ave, on the east by 66 St, on the south by 127 Ave, and on the west by 82 St.

The tour began on 127 Ave, where houses on one side of the street face the Yellowhead industrial corridor, as well as the CNR tracks.

Lilydale, makers of fine chicken products found in the meat cooler of your local supermarket, has its Edmonton operations here.  And they’re hiring too!

With the freshly fallen snow, Balwin park took on an austere beauty.  The Balwin community rink has a mascot it seems, Bengals perhaps (feel free to write in and correct me)?

 

New infill townhouses near 66 St …

For fans of grit, the Fort Road brick smoke stack is visible from the SE corner of the neighbourhood.

Balwin is a railway community,  fans of train whistles take note; people who don’t like being awakened by trains should also take note!

 

Somebody’s hedge on 66 St traps snow in a stunning manner, great pic!

What, the SoCreds still exist?  Ah well, maybe next time!

Balwin is well-serviced along 82 St., granting the west side of the neighbourhood a degree of walkability (wide road aside!).  Overall, Balwin struck me as a quiet, sedate 1950’s era community (complete with well-kept 800-1200 sq.ft bungalows like Avonmore).  There is a shady element that congregates in the extreme SE corner of the neighbourhood along Fort Road, but that should clear up once the Fort Road revitalization proceeds (let’s get on it developers/city council!). Situated on 82 St, Balwin has easy commuter access to Downtown via car, and it is not far from Belvedere LRT station if you live in the Eastern sections of the community.  If you are appalled by south end prices for starter homes, this area may be an option for you!