Calgary Chamber ‘Business Matters’ municipal platform shares recommendations to improve community vibrancy & support infrastructure
Calgary, AB, October 9, 2025 – As Calgary approaches the upcoming municipal election, vibrancy has emerged as a top concern for the business community. A recent survey shows that 36 per cent of businesses identify housing affordability as their top priority, followed closely by downtown revitalization at 30 per cent.
“When a city is vibrant, people are not only more likely to participate in public life – they are also more likely to stay, invest and build their futures here,” says Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “Calgary has long been an attractive place to live and work, but we are at a pivotal moment. Rising housing costs, pressures on public infrastructure and the need to revitalize our downtown core are challenges that, if addressed thoughtfully, present real opportunities to strengthen our city’s vibrancy. A thriving community attracts talent and drives business success – because when communities are strong and inclusive, businesses are better positioned to grow and contribute in return.”
Many of these challenges are the result of Calgary’s rapid population growth in recent years. Between 2020 and 2024, more than 220,000 new residents arrived in the city, placing increased pressure on housing, infrastructure and public services. Reflecting these strains, Calgary dropped from 5th to 18th place in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s global liveability rankings.
“Vibrancy is a driver of long-term economic resilience,” Yedlin adds. “With continued pressure on our city, the next municipal government must ensure Calgary remains a vibrant, connected place where people want to live, work and actively participate. That commitment is essential to managing growth and unlocking our city’s full economic potential.”
Chamber Recommendations
- Develop a Nighttime Economy Strategy to foster growth across the arts and culture, hospitality and food and beverage sectors.
- Continue to support the office conversion program for both market and non-market housing options, as well as for post-secondary institution use in the downtown core.
- Continue to action the Calgary Housing Strategy to address housing affordability.
- Decrease government charges on new developments and reduce timelines for approvals.
- Continue support for Calgary’s arts and culture sector, making Calgary a desirable place to live and visit.
- Coordinate with civic partners to create paid programs for emerging local artists, musicians and performers to work in public spaces throughout the City.
About Business Matters: A vision for a thriving, inclusive and ambitious Calgary
As Calgary continues to grow, our municipal government must plan boldly for the future, making strategic investments today to stay competitive and support generations to come. Comprised of 50 recommendations across four categories – building a competitive, safe, vibrant and connected economy – and informed by our members, we share ideas and outline the case for why business matters to the prosperity of our city.
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About the Calgary Chamber of Commerce
The Calgary Chamber exists to empower our business community to advance a prosperous Calgary and Canada. 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 founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.
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