On November 25, the Calgary Chamber hosted Mayor Jyoti Gondek for a keynote address and fireside chat with Calgary Chamber President & CEO Deborah Yedlin. This discussion covered several topics, including Mayor Gondek’s vision for a vibrant, productive and world-class city.
Mayor Gondek began her remarks by highlighting how she views her role as Mayor—a champion for Calgarians, fighting for the opportunities that will drive our city into the future. Mayor Gondek briefly touched on some of the challenges our city has faced, from booming population growth to the water main break in June.
Mayor Gondek then discussed her strategic priorities for the coming year. Addressing downtown safety, and the recommendations made by the Downtown Safety Leadership Table, positioning Calgary as an inland port through the Prairies Economic Gateway Project and advocating to the provincial and federal governments to receive funding support for infrastructure that our rapidly growing city needs.
Mayor Gondek provided an update on some of the large-scale infrastr ucture projects that are proposed or ongoing throughout the city. The Blue Line link to the airport, the Foothills Multisport Fieldhouse and the Green Line project are all supported by City Council, and the Mayor continues to advocate to other orders of government for the support needed on these important files.
The fireside chat with Calgary Chamber President & CEO Deborah Yedlin covered some of the top concerns for the business community, including:
- Affordability, and the role of the City in addressing these concerns – from municipal taxes to licensing and permit fees and housing affordability.
- Calgary’s quickly growing tech sector, its ties to the energy industry and what supports the City can offer for businesses in the tech space.
- Alternative revenue generation, and the municipal fiscal gap that has widened in the last four years.
- The need for improved infrastructure across the city – from hotels to roads, to sports facilities and water infrastructure.
- The value of the Arts and Culture industries, and what key investments are required to support this sector.
- The need to address downtown safety, vibrancy and the revitalization of downtown’s west end.
Mayor Gondek closed with a promise to continue championing the business community, advocating to other orders of government for needed supports and listening to Calgarians.
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