Calgary Chamber of Commerce

The Calgary Chamber exists to help businesses thrive. As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification, and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization, we build on our 131year history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors and across the city.

Building the Calgary of Tomorrow

Infrastructure investments are key to long-term prosperity and economic success. New infrastructure not only improves quality of life for locals, but also attracts new talent, improves community vibrancy and safety, and creates new cultural experiences and opportunities for the city. Infrastructure investments are investments in people – they create jobs, reduce energy costs and pollution, and build more livable and inclusive communities.

REASONS TO INVEST Attract new talent

Investing in infrastructure helps retain and attract new talent to Calgary, which is particularly critical in a labour shortage. People are attracted to dynamic cities with enhancing infrastructure including buildings, transit, sport and recreation facilities, and cultural hubs like museums and theatres. These investments must be strategic and reflect the priorities of Calgarians.

Improve safety through community vibrancy

Post-pandemic, safety has become a significant issue in many Canadian cities. Investing in infrastructure can enhance community vibrancy and reduce crime, improving perceptions and feelings of safety. Allocating capital towards lighting, cleanliness and open spaces can positively impact communities.

Create new cultural experiences

Infrastructure tells a city’s story. A space can illicit certain feelings and perceptions, and reflects the personality of the city. For instance, public art can draw on the city’s

culture, environment and heritage. Calgary is now known for its murals across the city. The Saddledome defines our cityscape, and the renovations of Arts Commons and Glenbow Museum are a point of pride. We are known for our outdoor sports centres, including public skating rinks and WinSport – but all of these require ongoing investment.

CRITICAL INVESTMENTS Culture and Entertainment District

World class sporting and concert venues attract athletes and artists, spurring an entertainment sector that ripples throughout the city – from hotels to taxis, and restaurants to streetside vendors. Artists and performers want to tour in Calgary but are often unable to due existing infrastructure challenges. Investment in a new entertainment district and event centre will attract artists, cultural experiences, sporting events, conferences and more.

Transit

Public transit connects people to employment, services and community, while decreasing emissions and alleviating traffic. Ongoing investment in the Green Line, transportation to the airport and transit to the mountains will help attract and retain talent across the city. Additionally, we recommend transit be free during major events, including Stampede, music festivals and major sporting events to increase accessibility and reduce traffic congestion.

Post-secondary institutions downtown

Investing in post-secondary institutions downtown is twofold: it brings more youth and vibrancy into the core and promotes learning new skills to meet the demands of our changing economy.

Youth between the 15 and 29 account for 18 per cent of the city’s total population, making young Calgarians a key part of the workforce. However, this group has also been the slowest-growing demographic over the last 20 years, emphasizing the need to retain the youth we currently have. The city must work with post-secondary institutions locally and nationally to move, open and expand campuses and residences within Calgary’s downtown core, bringing diversity and vibrancy at all hours of the day.

Investments in downtown

Leveraging existing infrastructure can improve the vibrancy of Calgary’s downtown. By providing flexibility in municipal zoning and converting vacant office towers into housing units, more housing options are available to all incomes, allowing more people to call Calgary home. Creative approaches to conversion can also be helpful, including affordable housing, three- and four-bedroom family housing, and student housing.

Sporting infrastructure

Sporting infrastructure – from elite to recreational – matters to the culture and community fabric of a city. We have seen how the FIFA World Cup has drawn international attention, community and comradery globally as countries’ soccer teams compete for a grand title. At the same time, family-friendly recreational facilities are hubs for community and connection. Calgary must invest in sporting infrastructure to position itself as a hub for recreational and elite sport, including a downtown recreational facility. Similarly, we must maintain existing venues like WinSport and the Olympic Oval through investment.