Calgary's Collaborative Spirit Drives Growth and Innovation, Says Think-Tank Leader
When people around the world learn that Heather Culbert is from Calgary, they often ask the same question: Why Calgary? What draws people to this city and makes them stay? According to Culbert, a community leader and member of a virtual think-tank created with Postmedia's Calgary project Countdown to 2 Million, the answer lies not in a single industry or policy, but in the city's unique culture.
The Culture of Execution
Calgary works because of its culture, built on hard work, collaboration, and an unspoken expectation that if something needs doing, Calgarians will step up and do it. This mindset has made the city resilient and attractive, as evidenced by its rapid population growth. Between 2021 and 2025, Calgary's population grew by roughly 19 percent, outpacing other major Canadian cities like Edmonton, Vancouver, Toronto-region cities, and Montreal.
People are voting with their feet, and they're doing so intentionally, Culbert notes. This growth reflects a desire to be part of a community where ambition is practical, not performative. Ideas are judged less by how they sound and more by whether they get done, a philosophy shaped by the city's history of ranchers, farmers, and entrepreneurs.
Economic Diversification and Tech Boom
While energy built Calgary and remains central to its identity, the city understood early that long-term prosperity required diversification. Over the past decade, strategic investments from private and public sources have transformed Calgary into one of North America's fastest-growing tech hubs. The tech workforce expanded by approximately 60 percent in just five years, and Alberta's digital economy now contributes billions to provincial GDP, supporting tens of thousands of jobs.
This evolution was not luck, Culbert emphasizes. It was a deliberate focus to lessen our dependence solely on oil and gas revenues. This proactive approach showcases Calgary's ability to execute on big ambitions, a trait that has defined the city for decades.
Historical Examples of Success
Calgary has proven its execution capabilities before, most notably with the 1988 Winter Olympics. The Games put the city on the world stage not because of spectacle, but because of delivery. They were run with discipline, deep community involvement, and one of the most dedicated volunteer bases ever seen. Calgary showed the world then what still defines it today: Calgary dreams big and executes, Culbert writes.
This same spirit has been evident in times of crisis and triumph. During the devastating floods of 2013, people didn't wait for direction; they showed up. Businesses, volunteers, community organizations, and governments leaned in together. Similarly, collaborative efforts helped bring the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre to life, one of the most significant health-care investments in the country.
Generosity as a Defining Trait
Beyond collaboration, Culbert highlights Calgary's generosity as a key differentiator. The city is one of the most philanthropic in the world, not just because of its wealth, but because it believes responsibility accompanies success. When people ask about Calgary's 'secret sauce,' it's hard to name—but easy to recognize, she says. It's a shared belief that we can do better, and a willingness to work together to make that happen.
In summary, Calgary's culture of hard work, collaboration, and execution drives its growth and innovation. From population surges to tech expansion and community resilience, the city exemplifies how a collective mindset can turn big dreams into reality.
