As Calgary's population approaches two million and housing demand reaches unprecedented levels, city-builders are tasked with delivering bold and creative solutions to manage this growth. These solutions must address a wide range of issues, from housing and connectivity to cultural enrichment and economic opportunities. According to Kate Thompson, president and CEO of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, the foundation for these efforts lies in building strong, enduring communities.
The Core of Urban Development
Thompson, a member of a virtual think-tank created with the Postmedia Calgary project Countdown to 2 Million, argues that community-building is an incremental process with long-lasting impacts. The decisions and investments made today in land use, infrastructure, and public spaces will shape Calgary for generations to come. She stresses that the key question is how to build community that endures in a city growing at such a rapid pace.
Master Plans as Guiding Visions
Great cities and communities rely on master plans to guide their development, supported by champions who bring these plans to life. A strong master plan begins with people, asking fundamental questions: How do we want to live? How do we want to move? How do we want to feel? It then integrates systems such as streets, parks, housing, and transit to realize these aspirations. Far from being mere sketches on paper, a master plan is a powerful, future-focused vision—deeply layered, thoughtful, and crafted to connect, invite, and stand the test of time.
This approach can serve as a blueprint for Calgary's future, ensuring that growth is managed in a way that fosters community cohesion and resilience.
Connections and Catalysts
While many cities are known for their iconic skylines defined by anchoring buildings, Thompson highlights the importance of the connections between these structures. When the journey between anchors is engaging and interesting, it creates a layered and vibrant city. Public investment in destinations, infrastructure, and placemaking has proven to unlock private development, attract residents, and generate lasting value.
Examples in Calgary include major projects like the expanded BMO Centre and the adjacent 17th Avenue S.E. extension, office-to-residential conversions, and the redevelopment of downtown corridors such as 8th Street and Stephen Avenue. These initiatives demonstrate how strategic investments can spur economic growth across sectors and encourage both public and private investment.
Fostering Complete Communities
However, Thompson notes that buildings and infrastructure alone are not enough to catalyze a district's development. For a place to become a complete and compelling community, it must also create environments where people feel welcome, safe, and connected. This requires balancing density with livability, housing with public space, and privacy with vibrancy.
Thoughtful creation of public spaces, cultural destinations, and connectors is essential to cultivate a sense of belonging and foster pride of place. Imagine plazas filled with music and markets, pathways animated by public art, and parks where children play and neighbors meet. These elements are crucial for building communities that not only grow in size but also in quality of life.
In conclusion, as Calgary continues to expand, the focus must remain on community-building as the through line for all urban solutions. By prioritizing people-centered master plans and strategic public investments, the city can ensure a future that is not only larger but also more connected, vibrant, and resilient for all its residents.
