Throughout 2025, the Calgary Herald's Changemakers project has highlighted dozens of local innovators dedicated to improving the city. As the year drew to a close, the publication posed a critical question to these leaders: What is one thing that could be done to build a better community? Their collective answers, gathered and published on December 25, 2025, provide a compelling blueprint for Calgary's future.
Investing in People and Places
The responses underscored a strong focus on nurturing Calgary's human capital and physical infrastructure. Marg Southern, founder of Spruce Meadows, emphasized the irreplaceable role of young people. She advocated for increased investment in sports facilities and recreational spaces to encourage participation in soccer, basketball, baseball, skiing, and swimming, stating that such infrastructure is a fundamental need for the city.
Echoing the theme of empowerment, Ken Lima-Coelho, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Calgary and Area, championed the value of internships. He argued for expanding real-world, practical experiences not just for youth, but for everyone. "We should all be interns," Lima-Coelho suggested, highlighting how challenging assumptions and continuous learning in new settings can fuel innovation across business, government, and industry.
Fostering Unity and Global Ambition
Another prominent theme was the call for greater social cohesion and international recognition. Actor and creator Julian Black Antelope envisioned Calgary as a unified whole, where residents tend to each other like family. He stressed the importance of learning about different cultures, showing empathy, and collaborating to create an inclusive space where everyone feels valued.
Looking outward, Nancy Southern, CEO of ATCO, urged Calgary to pursue more major international events. Whether sporting competitions or gatherings like the Invictus Games, she believes such events would showcase Calgary's incredible community to the world while reminding locals of their own identity and pride.
Building a Vibrant, Walkable Urban Core
The vision for Calgary's physical development and cultural vitality was also clear. Nicholas R. Bell, President and CEO of Glenbow, pointed to the benefits of Calgary's ongoing urban renewal, noting that many new projects are within walking distance of each other. "Walk more," he encouraged, describing a pedestrian-friendly city as the ideal place to live.
This sentiment aligns with the perspective of Robert Hayes, president and CEO of Calgary Sports and Entertainment Corporation. He highlighted the importance of world-class facilities like the new Scotia Place event centre and the BMO Centre in creating a desirable community. Hayes noted that having an NHL team and top-tier venues puts Calgary on the world stage, enabling it to host and entertain at the highest level.
Finally, Tad Milmine, a Calgary Police Service member and anti-bullying advocate, reminded citizens of the power of individual voice. He emphasized that using one's voice responsibly to share stories is a cornerstone of building stronger, more connected communities.
The insights from these changemakers collectively paint a picture of a forward-looking Calgary—one that invests in its youth, embraces lifelong learning, champions inclusivity, strives for global prominence, and designs a vibrant, connected urban experience for all its residents.
