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.
“A thriving downtown core sends a strong signal to Calgarians, industry and outside investors that Alberta is where you want to do business. 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. 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.
Working group members
- Doug Schweitzer, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation (co-chair)
- Nicholas Milliken, MLA for Calgary-Currie (co-chair)
- Desiree Bombenon, vice-chair, Calgary Chamber Board of Directors
- John Brown, dean, University of Calgary School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape
- Greg Guatto, president & CEO, Aspen Properties
- Abed Itani, CEO, Cidex Developments
- Martina Jileckova, CEO, Horizon Housing
- Patricia Jones, president & CEO, Calgary Homeless Foundation
- Adam Legge, president, Business Council of Alberta
- Andrew Mosker, president & CEO, National Music Centre
- Bobbie Racette, founder & CEO, Virtual Gurus
- Terry Rock, president & CEO, Platform Calgary
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.
- The working group co-chairs will hold town halls over the spring and summer where Calgarians can share their ideas.
- Committee members will be reimbursed for eligible expenses in accordance with the Travel, Meal and Hospitality Expenses Directive.