In 1882, the property which is now the neighbourhood of Abbottsfield was owned by E. F. Carey, co-founder of the merchandising firm of Norris and Carey and one of Edmonton’s most prominent 19th-century citizens. Since the Abbottsfield area was east of the Town of Beverly, it remained a rural area beyond the limit of urban development until it was annexed to the City in 1961.

For a decade after annexation, there was no residential development in Abbottsfield. The area was thought to be too close to both the Beverly landfill site south of 118th Avenue and the chemical plants east of the North Saskatchewan River. At the end of the 1960s, however, work began on transforming the land fill site into Rundle Park, a multi-purpose educational and recreational resource on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River.

After this change to the local environment, Abbottsfield developed rapidly. The neighbourhood was entirely constructed in the 1970s. Abbottsfield is unique among Edmonton’s pre-1980s neighbourhoods in that all residential development consists of row housing and walk-up complexes. The housing is built around a centrally located multi-purpose school and recreation site.

Situated near the junction of major traffic routes, Abbottsfield residents have good access to employment and commercial centres throughout the city. The inward orientation of the community is enhanced by a berm that partially encircles the neighbourhood to shield it from highway traffic noise. At the south end of the neighbourhood, off 118th Avenue, is Abbottsfield Mall, which serves residents from Abbottsfield and other neighbourhoods.

Abbottsfield Park, along with its close proximity to the river valley and park system, provides for a wide variety of recreational activities. The former Saint Sophia Elementary School was sold and converted into the Abbottsfield Recreation Centre (ARC). The ARC provides space for recreational programs and community groups to deliver social and educational activities.

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