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Working group aims to breathe new life into Calgary’s downtown core

The Calgary Office Revitalization and Expansion (CORE) Working Group will make recommendations on the best path forward to fill office towers and renew the vibrancy of Calgary’s downtown core.

The CORE Working Group – co-chaired by Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation Doug Schweitzer and Calgary-Currie MLA Nicholas Milliken – includes representation from a broad cross-section of affected stakeholders.

These representatives will work together to assess the findings and recommendations brought forward by the co-chairs, engage with Calgarians and provide a road map for returning Calgary’s downtown core to a healthy and energetic place to live and work, according to a news release.

“A thriving downtown core sends a strong signal to Calgarians, industry and outside investors that Alberta is where you want to do business,” said Schweitzer.

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“I look forward to seeing this working group’s recommendations on how we can take advantage of the many opportunities that exist for Calgary’s downtown core.”

Organizations across Calgary, including the city council, have undertaken research and planning initiatives that seek to address the issues facing the downtown core. The working group’s key mandate is to assess existing findings and recommendations, determine their feasibility and provide a clear path forward for all three levels of government and the private sector.

“Calgary’s downtown core has faced a number of hardships, but there is endless opportunity in front of us to recreate a vibrant and thriving downtown,” said Milliken.

“A lot of work has already been done to address this – including investments into flood mitigation and construction of the new Court of Appeal – and I look forward to working with the members of CORE to determine how the provincial government can help set the best path forward to revitalize this city’s downtown core.”

The working group is expected to submit a final report to the government by Sept. 30.

Quick facts

• During the first quarter of 2021, Calgary’s downtown vacancy rate was 32.3 per cent.
• A healthy downtown vacancy rate is approximately eight per cent, according to the release.
• The working group co-chairs will hold town halls over the spring and summer where Calgarians can share their ideas.