Calgary stands firmly on a clear trajectory toward reaching a population of two million people, a significant milestone that naturally evokes mixed feelings among residents. According to University of Calgary chancellor Jon Cornish, recently appointed to Mayor Jeromy Farkas' advisory council, these emotional responses are merely outputs of the established systems within the city. Systems, he emphasizes, do not respond to vibes or feelings—they respond solely to clarity and rational decision-making.
The Foundation of Calgary's Success
Drawing from his extensive experience in football, financial markets, and civic institutions, Cornish highlights a crucial lesson: growth itself does not break systems. Instead, it is misaligned systems that crumble under the pressure of expansion. Calgary's true advantage, he argues, lies not in its abundant land, energy resources, or affordability, but in its inherent rationality. This city has consistently demonstrated a proven habit of swiftly deciding what needs to be done, reaching consensus, and taking decisive action.
Historical Evidence of Alignment
This alignment was vividly showcased during critical moments such as the 2013 floods and subsequent water crises, where Calgary's collective response was swift and effective. The city's ability to punch above its weight in sectors like sports, energy, and applied research further underscores this strength. When alignment exists, Calgary moves forward without unnecessary debate; when it fractures, progress slows not due to a lack of ideas, funding, or ambition, but because the shared reality among citizens becomes fragmented.
If Calgary is serious about becoming the premier global destination for living, working, and playing—a goal Cornish passionately advocates—rationality must be more than just a value; it must remain the cornerstone of the city's continued success. The influx of two million people will not alter Calgary's core identity but will undoubtedly amplify it, for better or worse.
Amplifying Advantages or Magnifying Frictions
In a fragmented state, growth risks magnifying existing frictions, leading to housing shortages, infrastructure strain, polarization, and institutional distrust. Conversely, with alignment, growth can compound Calgary's advantages, enhancing productivity, cultural depth, economic resilience, and upward mobility. Take housing as a prime example: endless debates over density, aesthetics, zoning, and neighborhood character often obscure the mechanical truth that more residents necessitate more living spaces. Delays in addressing this need merely convert scarcity into suffering, offloading costs onto future generations.
Systems as Load-Bearing Structures
The same principle applies to critical infrastructure, transit, healthcare, and education. These are not ideological battlegrounds but load-bearing systems that respond to engineering, timelines, and incentives—not to outrage or wishful thinking. One of Calgary's quiet strengths has always been its nuanced relationship with risk. As a hub for Canada's leadership in energy, entrepreneurship, and elite sports, Calgarians understand that uncertainty cannot be eliminated; it must be priced, prepared for, and navigated decisively.
As the city continues to grow, volatility is inevitable. However, the real threat lies in mistaking comfort for stability and narrative for reality. While Calgary will undoubtedly mature, its citizens must adapt proactively to keep pace with this evolution. By maintaining clarity and rational alignment, the city can ensure that growth leads to a comprehensive systems upgrade, solidifying its position as a model of urban excellence.
