During the early 1900s, Edmonton was riding a wave of power and wealth, thanks to aggressive entrepreneurs who saw many opportunities in the young city. The successes of these savvy, yet community-minded, entrepreneurs attracted an influx of immigrants that would continue for years, putting increased pressure for land and infrastructure on the city.

In 1912, the population of Edmonton grew from 31,000 to 50,000. Nearly 12,700 people were camped in tents along the riverbanks and the outskirts of the city, so great was the need for housing. By 1914, Edmonton’s population peaked at just over 72,500. With the realization that the city could not afford them, nor could they afford the city, people began to leave. Along came the Spanish flu and World War 1, and population numbers dropped even more.

The reduced population did nothing to alleviate the city’s financial burden. The city took a severe hit with the Great Flood of 1915, plus there had been no growth in industry since prior to the war. However, with the returning solders, there was also a returning sense of optimism despite the incredible need and expectation of the city’s populace.

It was time for a new approach, a new “get ‘er done” attitude and a united “voice” that could compete with those who had the ear of the city – the developers and trade boards. The new approach came from city’s industrial commissioner and U.S. immigrant, George M. Hall.

During the early 1900s, several cities across the U.S. had associations known as City Clubs. These predominately male social clubs met over lunch to discuss local issues and community activities. Hall saw the basic concept of these clubs as a solution to solving many of the problems that plagued new neighbourhoods in terms of lack of community infrastructure and organization. He introduced it to his own new neighbourhood – Jasper Place, which at the time, was located just outside of Edmonton. Based on this ideal, in 1917, Hall would help integrate two groups – Jasper Place Rate Payers and the local horticultural society – to form Edmonton’s first community league. We know it today as Crestwood Community league. He would become its first president.