For much of the past several years, Alberta has carried an unemployment rate above the national average despite leading the country in population growth and economic expansion. That gap is beginning to close. Statistics Canada's May labour force data show Alberta's unemployment rate declined to 6.6%, matching the national rate and improving from 7.4% one year ago. The province added approximately 14,000 jobs during the month, continuing a trend of strengthening labour market

Major homebuilders continue to position themselves for Calgary's long-term expansion. Mattamy Homes has announced plans for a new master-planned community in southeast Calgary, representing another significant investment in the city's growth. The project represents a long-term investment in Calgary's future growth, with development expected to progress in phases over the next decade. These projects are about more than new homes. They reflect continued confidence in Calgary's

A proposed downtown office conversion is reportedly pursuing a partnership with Waldorf Astoria as part of a vision to transform underutilized office space into a luxury hotel and residential destination. While the Waldorf Astoria affiliation remains unconfirmed, the broader trend is already underway. The announcement of a JW Marriott, W Hotel, and a second Calgary Fairmont signals growing confidence from global hospitality brands in Calgary's long-term growth story. These in

Calgary saw a decline in housing starts in April, following several years of record-setting residential construction activity across the city. While the slowdown reflects a moderation from exceptionally high levels of development, Calgary continues to remain one of Canada’s most active housing markets. Recent CMHC data showed Calgary leading major Canadian municipalities in housing starts, driven largely by apartment and purpose-built rental construction. The latest figures s

Calgary City Council has delayed a final decision on the future of the downtown CTrain Free Fare Zone, with the discussion now expected to continue into 2027. The Free Fare Zone has operated along 7 Avenue since the launch of Calgary’s original CTrain system, allowing riders to travel through the downtown core without paying a fare. Recent reviews have examined whether the program should remain in place, with discussions focused on safety, transit operations, ridership, and t

A new concept plan has been unveiled for The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland, outlining a long-term vision for the 42-acre site at the meeting point of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. The plan proposes a significant expansion of year-round public programming and cultural infrastructure, including: A 2,500-person Pow Wow Arbour as a central gathering space A covered event stage and concert lawn with capacity for major festivals and community events New gardens, interpretive path

Following the loss of its Inglewood taproom to a fire in 2024, Calgary-based Ol’ Beautiful Brewing is moving forward with plans to rebuild, while continuing operations through its production facility and new downtown concept, Sound Room. From a real estate perspective, the story highlights something increasingly important in Calgary’s urban districts: successful hospitality and retail businesses are often tied as much to place as they are to product. Ol’ Beautiful’s original

Mount Royal University is set to anchor a new transportation and logistics initiative aimed at strengthening Calgary’s role in regional and global supply chains. A joint investment from multiple government funding partners will support the creation of the Alberta Logistics Centre of Excellence. The initiative is expected to deliver workforce training, generate new skilled employment, and provide direct support to local businesses navigating supply chain and operational challe

Calgary council has voted 10-1 in support of a business-friendly construction policy aimed at addressing the disruption and revenue loss businesses can face during city-led construction projects. Rather than centring on direct compensation, the policy shifts toward strategies that help businesses stay visible, accessible and supported throughout construction, with the goal of encouraging continued customer patronage during periods of disruption. This approach reflects a broad

The March CFIB Business Barometer shows a modest decline in overall business confidence, despite this pullback, hiring intentions remain in positive territory: 19% of businesses plan to hire, compared to 13% planning layoffs, maintaining net-positive employment expectations. Hiring sentiment has improved relative to much of 2025, when layoffs often outpaced hiring. The March confidence dip reflects renewed caution, particularly tied to demand uncertainty and ongoing cost pres

Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Dancehall will be relocating from its long-standing Macleod Trail S. location, opening the door for a new phase of redevelopment on the property. The transition reflects broader change along this established south Calgary corridor, where older entertainment and retail sites are being reconsidered for more intensive, mixed-use formats. Early concepts for the property indicate a residential-led project designed with active ground-floor commercial space an

Alberta’s 2026 provincial budget outlines more than $6 billion in capital investment directed toward Calgary. $1.1 billion for LRT expansion, including airport connector development $266 million for Deerfoot Trail improvements Support for 45 active and 14 new school projects $160 million for the University of Calgary Multi-Disciplinary Hub $83 million to expand enrolment at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine $808 million for municipal infrastructure an

Calgary City Council will hold a public hearing beginning March 23 to consider a proposed amendment to Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 that would repeal the citywide residential rezoning introduced in 2024 and restore previous low-density residential districts. The hearing, scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. in Council Chamber at the Municipal Building, is expected to run multiple days due to significant public participation. Written submissions must be filed by March 16 at noon through t

Alberta’s 2026-27 budget confirms higher provincial education property taxes and a series of fee adjustments that will affect commercial property owners and businesses across the province. Non-residential ratepayers will see a 4.25% increase in the provincial education property tax levy. Non-residential education property tax rising to $4.17 per $1,000 of assessed value (up from $4.00 in 2025 and $3.76 in 2024). Residential rate increasing to $2.84 per $1,000 of assessed valu