Calgary Chamber ‘Business Matters’ municipal platform shares recommendations to improve connectivity
Calgary, AB, October 16, 2025 – Ahead of Calgary’s municipal election, businesses are calling for strategic investment in both physical and digital infrastructure – including public transit, roads and supply chains – to support a more connected economy. Specifically, 48 per cent of businesses express dissatisfaction with the City’s current investment in public transit, while only 31 per cent are satisfied.
“Strong connectivity, whether through transit, technology or supply chains, is fundamental to a productive, resilient and high-performing economy,” says Deborah Yedlin, President & CEO at the Calgary Chamber of Commerce. “Investments in connectivity not only deliver strong economic and social returns, but also help position Calgary as a competitive, attractive place to live, work and invest. Public transit is an essential part of this – connecting people to employment, services and retail – and in doing so, strengthening the entire business ecosystem.”
Despite the importance of transit, Calgary’s infrastructure is not keeping pace with the City’s growth. The original 2010 proposal for the Green Line indicated the City would need this added line before reaching a population of 1.25 million. Calgary has since surpassed that threshold by more than 35 per cent.
To ensure reliable connectivity for workers and businesses, our business community recommends restoring the Green Line’s planned downtown alignment from elevated to underground – aligning with the original design. Additionally, we encourage expanding the Free Fare Zone and increasing overall transit coverage and frequency to better serve workers and customers.
Chamber Recommendations
- Work with provincial and federal partners to develop an underground alignment for the Green Line through downtown and begin planning the Green Line extension to Eau Claire and 160th Avenue North.
- Support the development of supply chain infrastructure – such as the Prairie Economic Gateway – and ensure Calgary is connected to key economic corridors that drive long-term growth.
- Expand the Free Fare Zone and increase hours, frequency and coverage of public transit to improve affordability and accessibility across the City.
- Invest in active transportation infrastructure, including pathways and bike lanes.
- Advance transportation infrastructure connecting Calgary with surrounding areas, including routes to Banff and Edmonton.
- Ensure core digital infrastructure keeps pace with population growth and asses the process for permitting new digital infrastructure.
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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