The Calgary Chamber of Commerce is urging municipal leaders to prioritize business in the upcoming election, unveiling a comprehensive platform aimed at strengthening the city’s economic foundation.
Titled Business Matters, the Chamber’s vision outlines 50 recommendations for Calgary’s next mayor and council. The goal is to foster a more competitive, vibrant, and connected local economy.
“The challenges we face today are very real, and the cracks are starting to show,” said Deborah Yedlin, President and CEO of the Calgary Chamber, during the platform’s launch on Tuesday.
Among the Chamber’s proposals are calls to streamline business licensing and permitting processes, offer micro-grants to help businesses enhance security, and provide a one-time, taxable grant of $5,000 to businesses affected by construction.
Marissa, a manager at The Bro’kin Yoke, a local restaurant, said construction disruptions can be devastating for small businesses.
“When the city doesn’t give a timeline, it can be very challenging for some operations,” she said.
Yedlin also highlighted broader issues affecting Calgary’s business community, including affordability, mental health needs, infrastructure strain, and global uncertainty.
“Affordability is slipping, the need for mental health support is rising, commutes are getting longer, safety concerns are rising,” she said. “We need the next mayor and council to make the choices that allow us to do what we do best — build prosperity for Calgary.”
The platform also includes recommendations for affordable housing, reliable transit, and improved public safety — all framed as essential to a thriving business environment.
For local entrepreneurs like Marissa, the message resonates.
“We all contribute to charities, we try to give back to the community… our product is local. We’re just trying to be a part of Calgary,” she says.
Calgary’s municipal election is set for Oct. 20.