Calgary's Downtown Vision: Can It Overcome Safety Perceptions?
The ambitious quest to redevelop downtown Calgary into a thriving, multi-dimensional urban center faces a pivotal question: will the public's perception of safety be satisfactorily addressed as this transformation unfolds? This issue lies at the heart of the city's Greater Downtown Plan, a comprehensive 10-year strategy launched in April 2021 under the leadership of Thom Mahler, director of downtown strategy.
A Shift from Office Hub to Living Destination
For much of Calgary's history, city planners prioritized creating an efficient downtown for commuters, focusing on one-way roads, ample parking, and transit systems designed for peak-hour flows. The new vision marks a radical departure, explicitly stating: "Our future success relies on downtown being a place where people want to live, visit and set up businesses." Notably, the plan emphasizes living first and business last, signaling a fundamental shift towards a 24/7 vibrant city center.
The Greater Downtown area, spanning from north of 17th Avenue S.W. to the Bow River and including neighborhoods like the Downtown Core, Beltline, and East Village, is geographically comparable to a suburban community. Backed by an initial $200 million investment—with an additional $35 million in the 2026 budget—the plan targets office vacancies, public space enhancements, and residential growth.
Infectious Optimism and Major Investments
Mahler's optimism is palpable, bolstered by significant commitments from various stakeholders. He highlights how Calgary's major downtown art groups are dedicated to establishing the core as a cultural hub for locals and tourists alike. Moreover, downtown office building ownership has evolved from conservative pension funds to innovative investors like Ursataur Capital Management, which transformed the Nexen Tower into the University of Calgary's School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape.
Other key players, including Aspen Properties, Armco Capital, and Title Properties, are investing heavily in upgrading existing buildings with enhanced amenities. Even traditional owners like Brookfield Properties are undertaking a $90 million makeover of the Suncor Energy Centre's lobby to create a modern food hall, performing arts venue, and public gathering space. Additionally, new owners such as Peoplefirst Developments and Cidex are actively converting older office buildings into residential units, further diversifying downtown living options.
Residential Growth on Fire
Residential development in the Greater Downtown has been explosive, with the population surging from 40,000 in 2016 to 54,000 in 2025—an increase equivalent to an entire suburban community. Currently, over 6,000 new homes are under construction or approved, potentially adding 10,000 more residents within the next five years. Projections suggest that by 2031, approximately 65,000 people could call the Greater Downtown home.
This growth is supported by initiatives like Attainable Homes Calgary, which works with the City to diversify housing options. Pop-up programs, such as River Hall on 8th Avenue, exemplify the dynamic, community-focused efforts under the Downtown Vision Plan.
The Critical Safety Question
As downtown Calgary transitions from a nine-to-five business district to a round-the-clock residential and recreational hub, addressing public safety concerns becomes paramount. The success of this vision hinges not only on physical transformations but also on fostering a sense of security that encourages people to live, work, and play downtown at all hours. With a dedicated team of 27 city staff and 35 Calgary Municipal Land Corp. employees focused on this mission, the coming years will test whether Calgary's greater downtown vision can truly balance ambitious growth with the community's need for safety and livability.
