Calgary's Future: Are Young Entrepreneurs Being Heard in City Planning?
As Calgary approaches the significant milestone of 2 million residents, conversations about the city's future are intensifying among established community leaders. However, Guy Levesque, executive director at the Hunter Hub for Entrepreneurial Thinking at University of Calgary, raises a crucial question that often goes unasked: who else should be invited to help design that future?
The Unheard Voices in Calgary's Growth Conversation
Across what's known as the Blue Sky City, emerging entrepreneurs, students, and early-career founders are actively building solutions to community challenges and creating new economic opportunities. Despite their innovative work, their perspectives frequently remain outside the rooms where long-term decisions about Calgary's development are made.
"In my role at the Hunter Hub, I have the immense privilege of being at the epicenter of all things entrepreneurial at the University of Calgary," Levesque explains. "I witness changemakers actioning their dreams and aspirations – whether it's an undergraduate student focusing on a local community challenge, a Ph.D. student exploring how to become a founder, or an alumnus growing their startup."
The Entrepreneurial Spirit Already Shaping Tomorrow
Levesque emphasizes that the future isn't merely approaching – it's already unfolding through the work of Calgary's entrepreneurial community. These builders share an unshakable belief that they can succeed in Calgary because they see growth all around them, what Levesque describes as the city's "secret sauce."
Calgary has developed into a world-class community where successful changemakers and founders who began their journeys here now generously contribute their time, advice, and financial support to nurture the next generation. This ecosystem represents a powerful foundation, but Levesque questions whether this model alone will suffice for what comes next as the city grows.
Creating Space for the Next Generation
As part of the "Countdown to 2 Million" initiative, Levesque contemplates whether Calgary is creating meaningful space for young residents to contribute to the city's future. "The real question is not whether Calgary has the next generation of builders – it does!" he asserts. "The question is whether we are truly listening to them."
Research and experience show that young people tend to stay in cities where:
- Ambition is genuinely welcomed
- Risk-taking receives meaningful support
- Their agency and contributions matter
While Calgary benefits from deeply generous, experienced founders, mentors, and civic leaders, Levesque argues that generosity alone is insufficient. The essential next step must be co-creation. Without this collaborative approach, the city risks developing tomorrow's solutions using today's thinking.
The Power of Third Spaces in City Building
Some of the most significant city building today occurs in what urban planners call "third spaces" – environments outside of home and work where people gather to test ideas, form communities, and collaborate. The Hunter Hub serves as one such space where individuals feel a deep sense of belonging and connection.
"People come to the Hunter Hub because they feel a special connection to the space where each day they experiment, try, fail, learn, and grow," Levesque observes. "The impact of these environments extends far beyond university walls. The ideas formed in third spaces become the social, political, and technological realities that shape our lived experiences."
These collaborative environments help participants better understand the world they inhabit and effect positive change. As Calgary continues its growth toward 2 million residents, the inclusion of diverse voices – particularly those of emerging entrepreneurs and young leaders – will be crucial for designing a future that reflects the needs and aspirations of all community members.
