Calgary Economic Development (CED) highlighted some of the milestones from 2023 in their 2024 Report to the Community, and some of the challenges ahead.
The annual report was delivered to a crowd of more than 1,000 on the afternoon of April 17, in an event held at the Telus Convention Centre. It came on the heels of an announcement to change Calgary’s brand to Blue Sky City.
Much of the event’s format was geared around that new message.
CED president and CEO Brad Parry outlined some of Calgary’s economic growth achievements during the presentation. He said that despite global geopolitical strife, acceleration of armed conflicts, political tension, inflation, recession fears and investment retraction, not to mention increased competition for talent and capital, there were some gems uncovered in Calgary.
“It’s forced us to be even more innovative, more agile in how and what we do because at the end of the day, our job really is to help position Calgary for long-term economic success,” he said.
Parry noted they supported the creation and retention of 7,000 jobs in Calgary. There were 140 film and television productions in the region generating a $250 million in investment. The trade accelerator program helped 99 companies lock up more than 40 deals in 22 unique markets.
He said the TalentEd YYC team helped create 250 new opportunities for students looking to break into the workforce and the excitement around Bow Valley College’s new entertainment arts production hub.
Parry continued with the growth in aerospace, and WestJet’s innovation hub, Platform Calgary and their role in building Calgary’s startup ecosystem value to $5.2 billion. He said investments in the Event Centre, Arts Commons and the BMO Centre will create a Culture and Entertainment hub that’s unmatched and will help add to Tourism Calgary’s $3 billion generated over the past five years.
Not all ‘sandy beaches and palm trees’
Parry talked earlier about the headwinds – many that are being experienced by other cities globally.
He also referenced the recent perceptions survey commissioned by CED that showed a drop in business leaders’ and employees’ favourable view of Calgary. There was an 18 per cent drop in those who viewed Calgary as having a diverse economy, and a 10 per cent drop in those believing Calgary had a diverse and inclusive city.
“We have to pause on this,” Parry said.
Earlier in the day, during the Blue Sky City presentation, other local leaders reinforced this message that Calgary needs to be aware that many feel like they don’t belong.
Patti Pon, president and CEO of Calgary Arts Development, said that it wasn’t just a coincidence that 60 per cent of Calgarians don’t feel like they belong and 60 per cent of Calgarians are first- or second-generation immigrants to the city.
“I do know it’s a Calgary sometimes without me,” Pon said.
“What Blue Sky City says is it won’t be. It will not be Calgary without me. Without us.”
The event was peppered with different local leaders and personalities sharing their ‘blue sky moments,’ including Russell Broom, Amber Marshall, Lindsay Ell and former Calgary Stampeder great Jon Cornish.
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek delivered her dose of inspiration, sharing that imagining what the city could be led her to run for city council.
“All of it could have only happened here, right here in Calgary, because this is a place where many other people, like I, will tell you that anything is possible,” she said.
“We’re alive and kicking and crushing the expectations of everyone else. Because we believe in ourselves. We know what’s possible, and we chase it down every time. We never give up – it’s blue skies and opportunity all day long for us. That’s just who we are.”
