Episode 3 of Calgary Talks: The Social Series
As we continue to shape the future of Calgary, it’s essential to understand the power of collaboration. Collaboration between those who work for the City and Calgarians who are working hard to power the economy. Calgary Talks: The Social Series is a platform for these authentic, impactful conversations, and I’m pleased to introduce our third episode with Bill Black, President and CEO of the Calgary Construction Association (CCA).
Bill’s perspective on Calgary’s construction industry is grounded in decades of experience, but it’s his passion for the city that makes his insights truly compelling. Throughout our conversation, it became clear that, for Bill, the construction sector isn’t just about building structures – it’s about building relationships and laying the groundwork for a future that benefits all Calgarians.
We dug into some of the critical challenges and opportunities facing our city, and Bill identified the need for early engagement in project planning as a priority. He pointed out that the construction industry is brought into projects too late – after decisions are made – and highlighted that involving the industry earlier opens doors to better, more informed decisions, ultimately saving time and money in the long run.
That’s where collaboration comes in. Bill and I agreed that transparent, trust-based relationships between the city and the construction industry are vital for progress. Bill’s belief in the power of partnerships – between the public and private sectors, and between industry leaders and city officials – stood out in our discussion, particularly when we explored how working together during critical moments, like the pandemic and the recent water main issue, allowed Calgary’s construction sector to keep moving without compromising safety or quality.
Bill was also emphatic about the need to focus on infrastructure maintenance. While not headline worthy or budget friendly, there’s a real need to invest in our city’s infrastructure long-term. If we want Calgary to thrive for the next 50 years, we need to think beyond the shiny new projects, or saying no at budget time, and prioritize infrastructure spending so our pipes, roads, parks and playgrounds are strong and reliable.
Builders touch so much of our lives and when they do a good job, we don’t need to think about the solid work they do. Everything from the transformation of Arts Commons to the new Events Centre or start of the Green Line LRT shows that Calgary is poised for significant change, and the construction sector will play a pivotal role in bringing these visionary projects to life.
Under Bill’s guidance, the CCA is not just looking at today – they are an organization focused on what happens next, committed to ensuring that the city’s growth is also about making sure Calgary remains a place where people want to live, work, and raise families.
Episode 3 of Calgary Talks: The Social Series provides a robust, forward-looking discussion that underscores why building strong, collaborative relationships in Calgary’s construction sector is essential for our city’s future.
A big thank you to Bill Black for his time and for being such a passionate advocate. Stay tuned for more episodes, where we’ll continue to explore the people and conversations that are propelling Calgary forward.