State of the City – Rotary Club of Calgary

It’s an honour to be here today with so many of Calgary’s business leaders, innovators, and changemakers. You are the folks that drive this city’s economy, and your contributions are what make Calgary more than a place where we live – you make this a community where we thrive. 

The Rotary Club of Calgary has long stood as a pillar in this city – a group that doesn’t just reflect on how things are, but asks how they could be better. And that goal is often a reminder for me as I reflect on what I set out to accomplish at City Hall when I was elected three and a half years ago.  

And with that reminder, I’ll also say Oki, Dadanast’ada, Amba’wastitch and Tan’si, greetings in the mother languages of the Treaty 7 Indigenous peoples. I do this when I speak at events across the city because as my Mum has taught me, heritage is important.  

My mum is a proud Canadian who was born into a military family in India. As they moved around when she was young, and as she grew to make a life in England and then Canada, she learned the cultures of the people around her and gained an appreciation for language and how important it is in preserving traditions. 

So, today and every day, I offer Indigenous greetings to preserve languages that matter in our history. 

My mum has been a strong guide over the years and I’m incredibly fortunate to still have her in my life. I am blessed to start my days with a quick hello to her, and the consistent response of, “Do good work. Care about the people you serve. And be happy.” 

Sometimes, she’ll watch Council and drop me a text with, “Good work”. Other times, we’ll talk about decisions made at Council and she’ll ask – did you do your best? Did you take care of people?  

Coming here every year, to speak to all of you about the ‘State of the City’, reminds me of those conversations with my mum, about the work that we are all doing.  

As Rotarians, you hold me to the same standards as my mum. Questioning if the work was good and true, and did it benefit all – foundational elements of your service in Rotary. 

We’re now closing in on the end of my first term as mayor. And it’s fair to say that the pace has not slowed. These past few years have tested all of us – with global economic shocks, housing pressures, and political polarization. In the face of this, Calgary has responded not with hesitation, but with action. 

Together, we have tackled several challenges that I would call generational in scope. We’ve moved forward on once-in-a-lifetime infrastructure. We’ve seized opportunities that position our city for long-term economic strength.  

And through it all, I’ve worked to stay grounded in the core values of honesty, fairness, collaboration, and a deep sense of responsibility to every Calgarian. 

Today, I want to take a few minutes to reflect on what we’ve achieved together – and why I believe Calgary is entering its most exciting chapter yet. 

Let’s begin with Prairie Economic Gateway.   

You’ve heard me talk about this game-changing project before – and now we are moving from vision to implementation. We’ve just signed an early-stage Memorandum of Understanding with the Canada Infrastructure Bank as a crucial step in advancing Prairie Economic Gateway, an industrial hub that covers over 2,000 acres along Calgary’s SE border, which will translate into job creation in the manufacturing, agriculture, energy and logistics sectors. 

This positions Calgary and Rocky View County at the forefront of creating Canada’s strongest inland port and driving significant economic growth. 

This is a transformative initiative that positions the Calgary region well, and advances our vision to become North America’s principal inland port.  This work will unlock billions in trade, attract global investment, and build modern infrastructure that connects our producers to the world. 

We’re talking about more than $7 billion in economic activity and over 30,000 new jobs.   

This is city building at its most strategic. We’ve worked alongside our partners in Rocky View County and Calgary Economic Development, as well as industry leaders to ensure Prairie Economic Gateway isn’t just a big idea – it’s a well-executed plan that brings together the public and private sector.   

And this is what good governance looks like. You identify your strengths. You anticipate change. And you get ahead of it. Calgary is no longer waiting for the future to come to us – we are designing the future we want. 

At the same time, we’re breaking new ground – literally – on the Green Line, the single largest infrastructure investment in Calgary’s history.   

After a decade of discussion and delay, the shovels are finally poised to start digging in southeast Calgary. 

This isn’t just a transit line. It’s a catalyst. The Green Line will deliver economic growth, accessible mobility, and community connection. It will help Calgarians get to school, work, and home safely. And it’s already attracting new development and investment along the route.   

The Green Line is being built with Calgarians, to optimize the benefits for them. We’ve created hundreds of local jobs, partnered with local suppliers, and ensured community voices are heard every step of the way. 

We can’t talk about Green Line without talking about downtown.  

Calgary has done something no other Canadian city has dared to do at scale: we’ve reimagined what our core can be. Through the Downtown Strategy, we’ve converted over 1.5 million square feet of empty office space into vibrant, livable homes. 

This isn’t just adaptive reuse – it’s economic renewal. We’ve attracted private sector investment, generated construction jobs, and turned vacant buildings into spaces where people actually want to live.   

We’re creating a 24/7 downtown – where people don’t just commute in and out, but walk their dogs, raise their kids, launch businesses, and build lives. 

And this year, we’re going even further – with new investments in arts, culture, and public realm improvements that reflect the spirit of Calgary as a city that welcomes everyone. 

This is why we need to make sure the downtown leg of the Green Line LRT is thoughtfully studied. We can’t undo our hard work by pushing through an elevated downtown transit line before we really understand the consequences. 

In addition to the intentional steps we have taken to strengthen Calgary’s future, some opportunities come in unexpected ways. 

The water emergency was a critical moment for leadership. As we began to understand the complexity of the feedermain break, I realized there was a need to step up, call in third-party experts and address long-standing infrastructure needs. 

Instead of opting for a temporary fix, this crisis spurred a comprehensive infrastructure study that had been delayed for far too long. As a result, substantial improvements are being implemented to ensure the resilience and reliability of our water system.  

This proactive approach remedied the immediate threat and set a new standard for how we manage and invest in our city’s essential services. By tackling the root causes of our infrastructure challenges, we’ve safeguarded our community against future risks, ensuring that Calgary remains a strong and sustainable city for all its residents. 

We are also investing in what matters to Calgarians, and that’s ensuring we all feel safe, supported, and connected in our communities.  

It’s the reason we’ve invested in transit safety, community peace officers, and partnerships with outreach workers and mental health professionals. 

We have seen the success of these investments, with a 15% decrease in social disorder, 42% reduction in crime, and a 70% reduction in overdoses. 

However, as we continue to experience rapid population growth, we need to keep pace in our public safety initiatives and investments. 

We will need the provincial government to address the long unresolved challenges surrounding the Sheldon Chumir Supervised Consumption Site. Three years ago, the province committed to transitioning the operations of this site to more suitable locations that would better serve and support our vulnerable populations. This commitment included enhancing resources to address the complex needs related to addiction and mental health. Unfortunately, these promises have not materialized, and the delay is causing significant concern and distress for impacted individuals and communities. Every day we delay, the safety and well-being of Calgarians – both residents and visitors to the Beltline, and Calgarians that use the site – are increasingly at risk. 

Locally, we have taken many steps to address public safety, but we need strong partnerships to ensure we are providing the best supports and services to Calgarians. 

Along with addressing safety, we’re improving quality of life by expanding access to affordable childcare, investing in rec centres, and supporting neighbourhood-based programming across every quadrant of the city… because we know that a city that invests in itself becomes one where people breathe life into our streets and communities. 

This was a great deal of work to achieve in three years, and it’s fortunate that we laid the groundwork when we did, because we are now in the throes of a tariff war. 

Our economic landscape has dramatically shifted. With the onset of tariffs, coupled with global conflicts and supply chain disruptions, as a major city, we are compelled to adapt quickly and strategically. When the U.S. announced the potential of new tariffs, the impact was much more than a policy issue. Just the threat of tariffs struck directly at the heart of Calgary’s key industries. 

In response, I acted swiftly – collaborating with mayors across Canada, engaging with federal leaders, and working closely with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce and Calgary Economic Development, striking the Mayor’s Tariff Advisory Group, to fortify our local economy. 

Our work is focused on reinforcing local supply chains, diminishing our reliance on volatile international markets, and fostering conditions conducive to economic resilience. 

Calgary is poised to play a crucial role in key areas such as energy, logistics, and food security. 

We will need to diversify trade partnerships to strengthen the economic independence of our city and our nation. I remain committed to vigorously defending and promoting our city’s interests, both nationally and internationally. 

As I do the work of confronting the challenges of economic tariffs, I’m often told by critics to “stay in my lane” – to stick to paving roads and collecting garbage.  

That’s a cynical attitude. 

Such a perspective drastically underestimates the scope of my responsibility as Mayor of Calgary, and it underestimates the role of Calgary as the economic engine of this nation. Municipalities are integral to the daily lives of Canadians, and that extends beyond the core services we provide. 

We create communities. We’re closest to how Calgarians live their lives – how they get to work, how they connect with neighbours at community halls, soccer games and swimming lessons. 

We can’t provide an elevated level of service without an economic base. And that’s what I’ve been busy doing while critics have said “stay in your lane”. 

I’ve been laser focused on the hard work, the behind-the-scenes heavy lifting that isn’t accomplished by grandstanding or engaging in populism.  

I have been busy working on public-private collaborations that build a sustainable economic base, ensuring that we drive innovative new enterprises while we support those working in traditional industries like energy and agriculture.  

The work we have done includes: 

ONE: Downtown revitalization that delivers housing and increases our tax base. We’ve created homes and a downtown core that people and corporations alike continue to choose as their home base. 

TWO: Through Prairie Economic Gateway, we’ve found a way to increase our industrial tax base by partnering with Rocky View County and developing land in the southeast that is attractive to investors as the country’s strongest inland port. As I said, this initiative will bring about $7 billion in investment and create an expected 30,000 jobs. 

THREE: Calgary is quickly becoming a hub for technology and film, recently ranked as the fifth most desirable location in North America for film makers to live and work. It’s amazing to see celebrities like Pedro Pascal highlight Calgary on international platforms, enhancing our global reputation. 

FOUR: Last year, I was privileged to be appointed as vice-president of the World Energy Cities Partnership. This role has allowed me to champion Calgary on the global stage, advocating for both traditional and alternative energy initiatives. 

We are demonstrating the innovative spirit of Calgary to the world and reassuring them that Canada is the number one choice for a safe, certain and affordable energy supply. 

FIVE: As mentioned, to safeguard our local economy from the impacts of tariffs, I initiated the Mayor’s Tariff Advisory Group. This group works diligently behind the scenes to strategize protective measures for our energy and agricultural sectors, as well as for manufacturing and small businesses. It also allows me to advocate effectively at both provincial and federal levels. 

As Mayor of Calgary, I understand that municipalities are the first line of connection to the people we serve, and I view this as a major responsibility. As Calgary undergoes rapid growth, with more than 250 people moving here each day, I recognize the expanding needs and the concerns that come with our new arrivals.  

We cherish our past, the nostalgic memories of growing up on the prairies, lacing up the skates on the neighbourhood outdoor rink, and enjoying sunny afternoons at the local pool. Building on our strong history, Calgary today is the economic powerhouse of the country, on the brink of surpassing two million residents in the coming decade. We must continue to adapt while not losing sight of the value of community. 

This explosive growth brings complex challenges, and although our decisions might not always be perfect, my commitment to the right kind of progress is unwavering. 

To those who have voiced dissatisfaction, know that your concerns are heard. A city expanding at our pace will inevitably face growing pains, but it’s essential that we continue to move forward, ensuring that our actions today build a better tomorrow. 

This is why I am deeply committed to supporting our communities and those who volunteer for local community associations. These groups are the lifeblood of our city, keeping our neighbourhoods vibrant and connected, the true backbone of Calgary’s spirit. They preserve the character and vitality of our city, and their role cannot be overstated. In 2025, I have pledged to collaborate with City Council and City staff to find ways to restore and even increase funding to these crucial organizations. 

Our plan includes enhancing support for maintaining community centers, outdoor rinks, and other community programming, ensuring that as Calgary grows, so too does our support network.  

These community associations are the grassroots embodiment of our resilience and sense of belonging.  

Going forward, I will work with all orders of government and local organizations to secure the necessary resources for these groups, helping them continue their invaluable work. 

By doing so, we can ensure that while Calgary grows, it also maintains its heart and soul – staying true to the community spirit that makes this city a great place to live. 

Together, let’s build a future for Calgary that honours our roots while fostering a thriving, dynamic urban environment. We are committed to a vision of Calgary that champions its communities and embraces the challenges of growth with innovative and accessible solutions. 

Over the last three years, our efforts to expand Calgary’s tax base and enhance city infrastructure have been about more than just growth for growth’s sake. We’ve done the hard work so that we can make life better for every Calgarian.  

We’re working to ensure that our growth is sustainable, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of both longstanding residents and newcomers alike. 

Building the tax base means more money for all. Dollars that can support Calgarians and their priorities. Yes, we’ll pave the roads and ensure our water infrastructure is taken care of, and we’ll also make sure our communities have amenities, that we have affordable housing available for everyone who chooses our city, that transit moves people through the city to their everyday destinations. 

We’ll also ensure access to swimming lessons, soccer fields and outdoor rinks, and support our community association volunteers, and invest in the maintenance of the beloved community facilities throughout our city. 

Because these are the places where neighbours meet, where lifelong friendships are built, and volunteers come together to support others.   

Through these efforts, we’ve demonstrated that Calgary’s growth is not just about an increase in population or economic output. It’s a thoughtful, measured advancement that respects our past while boldly embracing our future. My commitment is firm to creating a city that grows in a way that benefits all who call Calgary home.  

Let me end by saying this:  

Calgary is not just growing. We are becoming. We are becoming a city of purpose, of imagination, of impact.   

And while others may still debate whether cities matter – I know that cities are the engines of the economy. Cities are where innovation happens. 

Thank you for believing in our city. Thank you for the work you do every day. And thank you for being the kind of leaders who don’t just dream big but do the hard work of making big things happen for the benefit of all. 

I am glad you are here and that you will be joining me and all Calgarians as we step confidently into the future.   

Together, we are more than resilient. Together, our future has no limits. Together, we are Calgary.