Downtown Strategy
Our strategy
The success of our city relies on our downtown being a place where people want to live and be. Downtown should be where businesses want to set up shop, now and for decades to come.
Our Downtown Strategy is leveraging the collective efforts of The City and our public and private sector partners to:
We are working to address the challenges downtown is facing and set the downtown up for success. Our priority is to be active and proactive to address problems, seek out solutions and embrace opportunities.
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Explore Downtown YYC
Downtown is where it all happens – it’s the pulse of our city and no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll find it here.
Check out the amazing events and activations happening and be inspired by adventures that will help guide your visit! New memories are waiting in downtown Calgary.
Our investment in downtown
Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan is our way forward. We have a vision, roadmap and commitment to build a thriving, future-focused downtown. The plan focuses on building a downtown that is Calgary’s bustling centre of commerce and a 24/7 destination.
Calgary’s future success relies on downtown being a place where people want to live, visit and set up businesses. It needs to move beyond the traditional nine to five business district towards a vibrant city centre people enjoy 24/7. Downtown will have a balanced mix of residential, office, retail, entertainment, tourism and culture.
The plan is supported by a $325 million investment focused on areas that start to:
- Lower office vacancy,
- Improve downtown vibrancy, and
- Support the development of thriving neighbourhoods that attract residents, visitors, and talent for downtown’s businesses.
Programs and projects
Testimonials
Calgary Municipal Land Corp.
Calgary Municipal Land Corp.
"CMLC is proud to be a partner to The City of Calgary's Downtown Strategy team in advancing our city's vision for a vibrant and connected downtown," said Kate Thompson, President and CEO of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation. "These investments build on the momentum underway in downtown through city-building projects like the Werklund Centre and Olympic Plaza Transformations, ongoing residential development throughout the core, and the many placemaking and programming initiatives that activate our city year-round."
- Kate Thompson, President & CEO of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation
Glenbow
Glenbow
“The City’s vision for downtown is one of vibrancy, connection, and belonging. Glenbow is proud to contribute to this transformation through our revitalized home at the JR Shaw Centre for Arts & Culture—being reimagined as a truly public space with free general admission, designed for visitors to explore, learn, and gather. With the addition of new public spaces like our fifth-floor terrace, Glenbow will help bring more people downtown—strengthening community, connection, and economic vitality at the heart of our city.”
- Nicholas Bell, President & CEO, Glenbow
Werklund Centre
Werklund Centre
“Downtown Calgary is transforming before our eyes, and the progress we’ve made in the past year is only the beginning. From breaking ground on the Werklund Centre campus to the reimagining of the Glenbow Museum and the revitalization of Stephen Avenue, we’re seeing what’s possible when creativity and collaboration meet civic purpose. These public/private partnerships are reigniting our city’s core, and sustaining this momentum will be key to shaping a downtown that continues to inspire and unite our community.”
- Alex Sarian, President & CEO, Werklund Centre
Calgary Economic Development
Calgary Economic Development
“Across North America, cities are reimagining their cores through office conversions – and Calgary is setting the pace. These projects not only breathe new life into our downtown core, but send a clear signal to investors and talent that Calgary is investing in itself, committed to enhancing vibrancy and focused on creating a livable city for the people who power our economy.”
- Brad Parry, President and CEO, Calgary Economic Development and CEO, Opportunity Calgary Investment Fund.
Tourism Calgary
Tourism Calgary
“Calgary is the envy of destinations across the country because of our bold investments in infrastructure, placemaking, and downtown vibrancy. Sustained investment in our core is essential to achieving our goal of growing tourism to $6 billion by 2035. We’ve built incredible momentum by creating meaningful places and experiences for people. To continue attracting national and international visitors year-round, we must commit to a long-term, future-focused approach to downtown investment that strengthens our city and our visitor economy.”
- Alisha Reynolds, President & CEO of Tourism Calgary
Getting around
To support our downtown and growing city, we are investing in several major infrastructure projects in and around the downtown.
These will extend the lifespan of our transportation infrastructure, bolster our flood resilience, and connect Calgarians in new ways.
When traveling near construction projects, you should plan for and expect delays and traffic congestion due to reduced lanes, lower speed limits and detours.
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Learn how you can get Downtown by driving, taking Calgary Transit or walking. Check out real-time traffic information to help you plan your trip.
Stay connected
Read our latest Downtown Strategy Newsletter
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Keep connected on the latest events, projects and all things Downtown Strategy – stay in the know!
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Follow us on social media and share your photos using #ExploreDowntownYYC