CORE Working Group offers clear and comprehensive plan forward for Calgary’s downtown

This statement, on the Calgary Office Revitalization and Expansion Working Group Report, is attributable to Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. The report was released by the Government of Alberta on May 10, 2022.

Calgary, May 10, 2022 – “The Calgary Office Revitalization and Expansion (CORE) Working Group report released today provides clear direction for advancing downtown revitalization, a key lever to accelerate economic recovery and increase vibrancy. With support from all three levels of government, Calgary is well-positioned to capitalize on a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine our city and our downtown as a magnet for talent and investment, and a great place to live, work, and play.

“The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is particularly encouraged by the CORE Working Group’s recommendation to increase the presence of post-secondary institutions downtown, bringing residents, infrastructure, and energy to our core beyond traditional working hours. This will create a demand pull for services in the core, which will further increase the vibrancy of downtown.

“We are pleased to see support for residential conversions, which would accelerate the investments already made by the City of Calgary. The Report’s focus on diversity and belonging for all Calgarians, including students, seniors, and low-income families accurately reflects the importance of inclusion in achieving our full economic potential.

“With key recommendations on affordable housing and mental health, safety, arts and entertainment, economic diversification, parking, and red tape reduction, the CORE Working Group is comprehensive and acknowledges that an all-of-the-above approach will be required to reinvigorate our downtown.

“As the province moves forward with these recommendations, we encourage thoughtful investments in childcare spaces downtown to increase liveability for families, transit access to ensure all Calgarians can enjoy downtown, and recreation facilities as a place to build community, alongside pathway revitalization.

“Investments in our downtown benefit the whole city, not only by attracting talent and promoting the brand of our city, but also by offsetting property tax for businesses and residents across Calgary. By increasing the value of our downtown infrastructure, the property tax burden shouldered by those outside of downtown is lessened – without sacrificing the services we rely on to make our city safe and liveable.

“Just as the CORE Working Group brought together business, government, non-profits and academics, the same collaboration will be required to bring this plan to action. As the province evaluates and advances these recommendations, we urge collaboration with the city and alignment with Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan to maximize investments. We also encourage ongoing engagement with the federal government to alleviate shared challenges faced by major municipalities including transit, affordable housing, and safety.

“The Calgary Chamber of Commerce looks forward to working closely with the Government of Alberta, the business community, and key partners to action the recommendations outlined by the CORE Working Group.”

ABOUT THE 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 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.