Pulse Check: Businesses respond to City of Calgary’s strategic direction

The Calgary Chamber's latest Pulse Check posed several questions to the business community on the City’s 2023-2026 Strategic Direction.

Questions were developed to help the Chamber understand alignment between priorities outlined in the City’s plan and the needs of our business community.

The results are in!  

While most respondents noted they saw their issues reflected in the City’s Strategic Direction, several gaps were identified. In response, we encourage Council to:

• Reduce the non-residential tax burden, particularly for smaller businesses  
• Increase supports for Calgary’s growing technology sector 
• Decrease red tape and breaking down silos  
  
  

Key findings

• 72 per cent of respondents agree a vibrant downtown positively impacts the broader city, with only seven per cent disagreeing.  

•  Just over half of respondents indicated public transit is important to their business, with 25 per cent considering it very important.
• 86 per cent of respondents believe hosting major events positively impacts Calgary’s brand and supports the City’s tourism industry.
• 21 per cent of respondents feel that Calgary is perceived positively across other parts of Canada, compared to 46 per cent globally.

• 60 per cent of participants think the City should help fund major infrastructure projects (i.e. the arena, BMO Expansion, public greenspaces).

• 81 per cent of respondents think the City should invest in modernizing its processes to provide better and faster services, with just two per cent in disagreement.
• Downtown revitalization ranked highest when it comes to the priorities outlined in the City’s Strategic Direction with 30 per cent selecting it as their number one priority, and 63 per cent choosing it among the top three.
  
  

Next steps

Thank you to those who shared their valuable insights with the Calgary Chamber. The results of the survey will be used to help guide advocacy with government and shape policy priorities as we set our sights on the next municipal budget. As the voice for Calgary’s business community, we are committed to championing business to ensure Calgary is a place where business thrives.

We are continuously seeking feedback and input from the business community. If you would like to connect with our team, email us today: policy@calgarychamber.com.

*Please note that these results are based on survey respondents and are not a statistically significant representation of the full Calgary business community.

ABOUT THE CALGARY CHAMBER

The Calgary Chamber exists to help businesses thrive. As the convener 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 131-year history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors, and across the city.

For media inquiries, please contact Arianne Brady, Communications Manager, at media@calgarychamber.com or at 403-750-0414.