As Calgary stands on the brink of a significant demographic milestone, with its population projected to reach two million within the next decade, the Hon. Lois Mitchell, a prominent think-tank member, emphasizes that the city's future success hinges not merely on physical expansion but on cultivating a community defined by character. Mitchell, who helps oversee the annual Global Business Forum, is among dozens of community leaders contributing to the Countdown to 2 Million think-tank, sharing insights in guest columns over an eight-week period.
The Essence of Growth: People Over Numbers
This anticipated growth symbolizes more than just statistical increase; it represents a surge of energy, potential, and, most importantly, people. Each new resident brings a unique blend of hopes, talents, ideas, and expectations about the kind of home they desire. Mitchell contends that the central question in building the "best" Calgary is not solely about what structures we erect but about the collective identity we forge as we expand.
Moving Beyond Narrow Discourse on Immigration
Public discussions surrounding urban growth often become narrowly focused, with headlines questioning whether immigration poses challenges to housing, infrastructure, or services. While these are valid concerns requiring careful planning and open dialogue, Mitchell warns against framing people as problems. She highlights that immigration has consistently served as a cornerstone of Calgary's historical achievements.
The city was fundamentally built by individuals who arrived from elsewhere, whether decades ago or recently, bringing the courage to start anew and contribute meaningfully. Calgary's prosperity has never stemmed from uniformity but from a rich diversity of thought, skill, background, and perspective. This multifaceted input is what fuels innovation and resilience.
Addressing Growth Challenges Through Collaborative Efforts
Undoubtedly, growth will test existing systems, pressing issues like housing affordability, transportation networks, healthcare access, and social supports to the forefront. These demand innovative solutions and substantial investment. However, Mitchell points to history as evidence that Calgary excels when facing major challenges through collaborative efforts that span sectors, cultures, and political divides.
Rooting Collaboration in Personal Values
The spirit of collaboration, Mitchell believes, is deeply embedded in personal values. It raises critical questions about leadership: Who do we want to govern us, lead our institutions, educate our children, coach our teams, and shape public discourse? She advocates for selecting individuals who prioritize truth over falsehoods, love over hate, and hope over despair. True leadership, in her view, is not about winning arguments but about building and maintaining trust, which forms the bedrock of any thriving urban center.
Investing in Culture and Youth for a Vibrant Future
One of the most telling indicators of a city's vitality is its cultural landscape, where sports play a distinctive role. At their best, athletic activities teach essential values such as teamwork, adaptability, respect, and fair play, uniting people across linguistic, economic, and social backgrounds.
As Calgary continues to grow, Mitchell stresses the necessity of investing not only in tangible infrastructure like roads and buildings but also in people, particularly the younger generation. Inspiring future leaders involves creating visible pathways to belonging, leadership, and success. This entails robust support for arts and culture, community sports programs, mentorship initiatives, and accessible education. It means ensuring that young Calgarians can look at the city's institutions and see their own reflections, fostering a sense of inclusion and opportunity.
In summary, building the best Calgary requires a holistic approach that values diversity, encourages collaborative problem-solving, and prioritizes human investment, ensuring the city's character evolves positively alongside its population.
