Bold investment through Greater Downtown Plan will promote vibrancy needed for economic recovery

The following statement is attributable to Murray Sigler, interim CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce:

Calgary, April 26, 2021 – “Vibrant communities lead to vibrant businesses, which are critical to Calgary’s inclusive economic recovery. Council’s approval today of Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan will advance the important work needed to reimagine and build on the vibrancy of our downtown.

“Calgary competes with other cities in Canada and around the world on much more than economics. To attract and retain top talent, we must invest in the capital and social infrastructure that supports community well-being, including childcare, parks, public transit, the arts, and the charitable sector. Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan builds on the work that is already being done, and this significant investment is needed to address one of our city’s greatest challenges.

“The plan begins this work through reimaging our downtown for mixed-use neighbourhoods and transportation; addressing climate change through design and land use; continuing to build a strong, well-developed public transit network; and focussing on innovation and regulatory reform. It will also generate investment and support the growth of our business community downtown, which can alleviate pressures on the property tax system caused by downtown vacancy in the years to come.

“A plan that invests, enhances and builds on Calgary’s vibrancy is needed now, more than ever, and its success will require ongoing collaboration with the business community. As we await further details, we look forward to the renewed community vibrancy that the Greater Downtown Plan will deliver for all Calgarians.”

About the Calgary Chamber

The Calgary Chamber is an independent, non-profit, non-partisan business organization. For 130 years, the Chamber has worked to build a business community that nourishes, powers, and inspires the world.

For media inquiries, please contact media@calgarychamber.com or (403) 750-0401.