The East Calgary Telephone Exchange Building

Board Update: The Future of the East Calgary Telephone Exchange Building (“AGT Building”)

For more than 100 years, the East Calgary Telephone Exchange Building (“AGT Building”) at 1311 9 Avenue S.E. has been part of the fabric of Inglewood. The property is owned by the Inglewood Community Association and has been used by the Inglewood Silver Threads Association since the early 1970s.

The original arrangement dates back to 1973, when the ICA granted Silver Threads permission to use the building in support of the organization’s activities and objectives. Over the decades, Silver Threads and its members have played an important role in the community, particularly in creating opportunities for seniors to gather, connect and participate in community life.

In recent months, the ICA Board has undertaken a broader review of the AGT Building, including its current use, ongoing stewardship, maintenance, insurance requirements and the ICA’s responsibilities as the registered owner of the property. The Board has also been considering how this community-owned asset can best serve Inglewood in the years ahead.

Following that review and discussion, the ICA Board has made the decision to end the longstanding building use arrangement with the Inglewood Silver Threads Association.

The ICA Board has approved a three-month transition period following formal delivery of notice. During that time, the ICA intends to work respectfully and cooperatively with Silver Threads to address building access, property and records, utilities, insurance matters and the orderly return of the building to the ICA.

This was not a decision made lightly.

Silver Threads has a long history in Inglewood, and the ICA Board recognizes the contributions made by its members and volunteers over many decades. At the same time, the ICA Board has a responsibility to ensure that property owned by the Community Association is appropriately maintained, accessible, insured and positioned to meet the changing needs of the community. The Board believes that this is the appropriate time to take a fresh look at the future of the AGT Building.

What happens next

At this stage, no decision has been made regarding the future use of the building.

The immediate priority is to complete the transition with Silver Threads and gain a full understanding of the building’s current condition, operating requirements and future needs. Once that work is underway, the ICA Board will begin considering possible future uses for the property.

That process will include consideration of how the building can best support the community over the long term. The Board also expects there will be an opportunity for community input before any significant decision is made regarding its future use.

The AGT Building is an important community asset, and decisions about its future deserve to be thoughtful and deliberate.

The ICA Board understands that some residents have longstanding connections to Silver Threads and to the building itself, and that this change may raise questions. We will continue to provide updates to the community as the transition progresses and as the next phase of planning begins.

-Inglewood Community Association Board of Directors