Young Calgarians Voice Concerns and Hopes for City's Future
While Calgary has experienced steady population growth over recent decades, a concerning trend has emerged among young adults. According to a report by the Canada West Foundation, the city saw a nine percent decline in residents aged 25 to 29 between 2016 and 2022. This demographic shift raises important questions about what attracts and retains younger generations in Alberta's largest city.
Youth Engagement and Economic Challenges
As part of a special series examining Calgary's approach to two million residents, Postmedia interviewed several young Calgarians and a youth counselor about their perspectives. Their insights reveal both enthusiasm for the city's potential and significant concerns about practical barriers.
Tess Wilton, a 17-year-old member of the Mayor's Youth Council, challenges the perception that young people are disengaged from civic life. "Youth are actually really excited and engaged in the future," she asserts, noting strong turnout at youth-oriented events like career fairs.
However, Wilton identifies substantial obstacles facing her generation:
- Limited job opportunities: "It's hard to get into the job market here. I have tons of friends struggling to find even a baseline job."
- Affordability concerns: "Even going to the grocery store is stressful."
- Educational gaps: "There is no financial literacy taught in school, which I think is a big problem because I am about to become an adult in a few months."
Despite these challenges, Wilton plans to return to Calgary after studying global resource systems in Vancouver, viewing time away as valuable experience rather than permanent departure.
New Residents Building Calgary's Future
Sara Hurtado, a 25-year-old recent graduate of SAIT's journalism program, represents another perspective. Having made Calgary her new home, she's actively contributing to the city's growth as co-founder of marketing company Once Social and communications director at Goodsoup Lab Inc.
Her commitment to Calgary demonstrates that while some young adults leave, others are choosing to build their lives and careers in the city. This dynamic creates a complex picture of youth migration patterns that extends beyond simple retention numbers.
Broader Implications for Urban Development
The experiences shared by young Calgarians highlight several critical areas for municipal attention:
- Economic accessibility: Creating entry-level job opportunities and addressing cost of living concerns
- Educational preparation: Incorporating practical life skills into school curricula
- Civic engagement: Developing meaningful pathways for youth participation in city planning
- Quality of life: Balancing urban growth with amenities that appeal to younger residents
As Calgary continues its growth trajectory toward two million residents, understanding and addressing the concerns of younger generations will be crucial for sustainable development. The city faces both the challenge of retaining homegrown talent and the opportunity to attract new residents like Hurtado who see potential in Calgary's future.
