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Why Calgary?
GDP
Calgary has the highest GDP per capita of major Canadian cities (ranked 23rd globally!)
HIGH TECH WORKERS
Calgary has the highest concentration of high-tech workers of Canadian cities
HEAD OFFICES
Calgary has the highest head office concentration per capita in Canada
#49
RANKED #49 OF TOP GLOBAL CITIES TO LIVE, WORK AND INVEST
Although Toronto is Canada’s business heart, it’s Calgary—featuring the country’s youngest population and home to its oil industry-forged entrepreneurialism—that’s always been the challenger. People here walk with the velocity of New Yorkers and cut to the chase like Texans.
The challenge in this city of risk-takers has always been to even things out by diversifying away from fossil fuels, building an economically resilient hometown for a place that ranks #13 globally in our People category, including #17 for Educational Attainment and #22 for Foreign-Born Population (up two spots from last year). New projects, like the recently opened Central Library in the burgeoning cultural hub of East Village, reinforce the city’s long-lauded quality of life.
Calgary, Alberta has small-town heart and big-city diversions. Between street festivals, nightlife and all the things to do outside, the work-hard, play-hard approach is in this city's veins.
Calgary has long been known as an energy city. Alberta is Canada's largest oil and gas producer and is hope to vast oil sands deposits. Calgary is the epicenter of the energy industry in Canada with head offices of every major company in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors located in the city.
- The Calgary Metropolitan Area has a population of 1.51 million as of 2019, which makes it Alberta’s Largest City
- Canada is both the fifth-largest producer of crude oil and the fifth-largest producer of natural gas in the world – with Alberta home to about three-quarters of the country’s production. Alberta’s oil sands are the third-largest crude oil reserves in the world.
- Calgary energy companies have been leaders in advancing technology in areas from hydraulic fracturing to thermal oil sands production to pipeline integrity. In today’s energy sector, clean energy technology is a major driving force in the industry. Striving to compete in a lower carbon economy globally, the industry is investing heavily to incorporate clean technology solutions in oil and gas while also developing renewable energy sources.
- With a history as an energy-focused city, Calgary is home to a highly skilled workforce experienced in the energy industry. Calgary’s seven post-secondary institutions offer programming tailored to the industry, feeding a workforce that has the second highest level of educational attainment in Canada.
POINTS OF INTEREST
- Calgary Tower - The city's most recognizable landmark - 1 191-metre observations tower with the highest 360 degree observation deck in the world. Find more information here.
- Fort Calgary - The confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers has been a historical and cultural gathering place from the first Indigenous people thousands of years ago to the arrival of the North-West Mounted Police in 1875. Find more information here.
- Stephen Avenue - Stephen Avenue features a year-round pedestrian experience featuring shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues. Find more information here.
- Devonian Gardens - Step into a garden of tropical plants and natural light. Experience the 10,000 shrubs, 1.5 million pounds of soil and 550 trees. This "urban oasis" is Calgary's only indoor public park. Find more information here.
- Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre - Spanning over 450 years of music history and innovation, National Music Centre's collection is comprised of more than 2,000 pieces, as well as four Canadian Music Halls of Fame, that help tell the stories of music in Canada. Find more information here.
- Canada's Sports Hall of Fame - Dedicated to preserving and celebrating Canada's impressive sports history. Find more information here.
- Spruce Meadows - A world-class showjumping venue. Find more information here.
- Heritage Park - Canada's largest living historical village. Find more information here.
- Banff National Park - Calgary is 1 1/2 hour drive to the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Find more information here.
QUICK FACTS
- Calgary is Canada’s sunniest major city, with 333 days of sunshine per year.
- The Economist Intelligence Unit ranks Calgary fifth globally and number one in North America with perfect scores in stability, health care, education, and infrastructure.
- Calgary companies will lead the $20 billion spend on digital transformation in Alberta from 2021 to 2024.
- Calgary has more large corporate head offices per capita than any other Canadian city: Total of 102 head offices
- Calgary has the second highest small business concentration of major cities in Canada
- 33 venture capital investments in Calgary in 2020, totaling $353M
- Calgary is a leader in STEM grads among major Canadian cities
- There are direct flights to 88 cities worldwide from Calgary and has connections to 100 destinations
- Calgary was ranked Top 5 "Most Liveable City in North America" 2009-2019
- Calgary is home to ~1,000 km of regional pathways and 96 km of trails
- Calgary has over 8,000 hectares of parkland and natural areas, more than 1,100 playgrounds and over 430 base ball diamonds
- Calgary is the third most diverse major city in Canada, with more than 120 languages spoken in the city
AWARDS
5th Largest Oil and Gas Producer in the World
Investing News 2018
3rd in Top 10 Large North American Cities of the Future for Business Friendliness
FDI Magazine 2017/18
2nd of Major Cities in Canada for Healthy Lifestyle and Life Satisfaction and Grade “A” Overall
Coty Health Monitor, Conference Board of Canada, 2016
Most Beautiful Countries in the World
Condé Nast Traveller 2017
Top Cleanest Cities in the World
CITI.IO 2018
Best Places to Visit, Top Travel Destination
Travel + Leisure 2018
3rd Best Country to Live In
Best Countries Report, 2019
20th of 52 Places to Travel in 2019
New York Times 52 Places to Go in 2019
Hospitality & Comfort
The city’s hospitality industry has come together to ensure coordination and synergy in its initiatives to promote, welcome and serve the Global Energy Show. Calgary is able to provide over 5,000 hotel rooms including our exclusive rooms through HotelMap.
The city’s hospitality industry has come together to ensure coordination and synergy in its initiatives to promote, welcome and serve the Global Energy Show. Calgary is able to provide over 5,000 hotel rooms including our exclusive rooms through HotelMap.
Calgary Air Access
Calgary’s modern and efficient YYC Calgary International Airport is located just 20 minutes from the city center. Consistently ranked by passengers as one of the best airports in North America and 4th busiest airport in Canada is the best for overall passenger convenience. Calgary’s International Airport saw 16.3 million passengers in 2017 with 75 non-stop destinations. Calgary is ranked fourth in the country for a number of flights and total available seat capacity. The airlines serving Calgary through alliances include Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld. A wide variety of services such as shuttles, tour buses, motor coaches, limousines and taxis can be found on the arrivals level of the Calgary International Airport, while rental car services can be found across from the departures level. A combination of bus services, integrated with a light-rail system (LRT) known as the C-Train, provide effective and efficient transportation options throughout all four quadrants of the city.
National and international airline connections, well-maintained and easily navigated highways and comfortable and eco-friendly public transportation options make traveling to and within Calgary easy and efficient.
As one of the country’s fastest-growing airports, the YYC Calgary International Airport has doubled in size and passenger volume over the past 15 years, including the construction of Canada’s longest runway at 14,000 ft (4,267 m), and a new International Terminal. Calgary’s modern and efficient YYC Calgary International Airport is located just 20 minutes from the city center. Consistently ranked by passengers as one of the best airports in North America for overall passenger convenience, the YYC Calgary International Airport saw 16.3 million passengers in 2017 with 75 non-stop destinations. Calgary is ranked fourth in the country for a number of flights and total available seat capacity. The airlines serving Calgary through alliances include Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld.
Direct Flight Service
U.S. DESTINATIONS
Atlanta, Georgia Chicago, Illinois Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas Denver, Colorado Fort Lauderdale, Florida Houston, Texas Las Vegas, Nevada Los Angeles, California Minneapolis, Minnesota Nashville, Tennessee Newark, New Jersey New York City, New York Orlando, Florida Palm Springs, California Phoenix, Arizona Portland, Oregon San Diego, California San Francisco, California Salt Lake City, Utah Seattle, Washington
INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS
Amsterdam, Netherlands Beijing, China Frankfurt, Germany London (GB) Gatwick, UK London (GB) Heathrow, UK Mexico City, Mexico Paris, France Tokyo, Japan Zurich, Switzerland
Airlines serving YYC Calgary International Airport
Transportation
The downtown area is known as the Free Fare Zone, along which it is free for passengers to ride the C-Train. Rush hour service has a five-minute frequency, while off-peak service is every ten minutes. Information on local transit can be found at the Calgary Transit website.
Calgary’s modern and efficient YYC Calgary International Airport is located just 20 minutes from the city center. Consistently ranked by passengers as one of the best airports in North America and 4th busiest airport in Canada is the best for overall passenger convenience. Calgary’s International Airport saw 16.3 million passengers in 2017 with 75 non-stop destinations. Calgary is ranked fourth in the country for a number of flights and total available seat capacity. The airlines serving Calgary through alliances include Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld. A wide variety of services such as shuttles, tour buses, motor coaches, limousines and taxis can be found on the arrivals level of the Calgary International Airport, while rental car services can be found across from the departures level. A combination of bus services, integrated with a light-rail system (LRT) known as the C-Train, provide effective and efficient transportation options throughout all four quadrants of the city.
National and international airline connections, well-maintained and easily navigated highways and comfortable and eco-friendly public transportation options make traveling to and within Calgary easy and efficient.
As one of the country’s fastest-growing airports, the YYC Calgary International Airport has doubled in size and passenger volume over the past 15 years, including the construction of Canada’s longest runway at 14,000 ft (4,267 m), and a new International Terminal. Calgary’s modern and efficient YYC Calgary International Airport is located just 20 minutes from the city center. Consistently ranked by passengers as one of the best airports in North America for overall passenger convenience, the YYC Calgary International Airport saw 16.3 million passengers in 2017 with 75 non-stop destinations. Calgary is ranked fourth in the country for a number of flights and total available seat capacity. The airlines serving Calgary through alliances include Star Alliance, SkyTeam, and Oneworld.
Direct Flight Service
U.S. DESTINATIONS
Atlanta, Georgia Chicago, Illinois Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas Denver, Colorado Fort Lauderdale, Florida Houston, Texas Las Vegas, Nevada Los Angeles, California Minneapolis, Minnesota Nashville, Tennessee Newark, New Jersey New York City, New York Orlando, Florida Palm Springs, California Phoenix, Arizona Portland, Oregon San Diego, California San Francisco, California Salt Lake City, Utah Seattle, Washington
INTERNATIONAL DESTINATIONS
Amsterdam, Netherlands Beijing, China Frankfurt, Germany London (GB) Gatwick, UK London (GB) Heathrow, UK Mexico City, Mexico Paris, France Tokyo, Japan Zurich, Switzerland
Airlines serving YYC Calgary International Airport
Transportation
The downtown area is known as the Free Fare Zone, along which it is free for passengers to ride the C-Train. Rush hour service has a five-minute frequency, while off-peak service is every ten minutes. Information on local transit can be found at the Calgary Transit website.
Currency
The currency used in Calgary is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Calgary accepts all major credit cards.
If you prefer to use cash, most banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9am–5pm, though specific branches may vary. Some banks are open on the weekends with shorter hours. Automated teller machines (ATMs) are available at many branches 24 hours a day.
Shopping
There are many places to shop in Calgary, from small boutiques to large malls. Major shopping streets include 17th Avenue, Stephen Walk. Along with typical weekday hours, most shopping locations are also open on weekends and public holidays, typically around 12pm–5pm.
Chinook Centre Mall
CF Chinook Centre boasts over 250 stores, including top retailers and unique choices you won’t find anywhere else in Calgary. Home to major department and flagship stores exclusive to Chinook Centre, we take pride in being Calgary’s premier shopping, dining & entertainment destination.
CORE Mall
It’s never been easier to Find Yourself Downtown. The CORE is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Calgary with easy access to the C-train, bus, and just steps away from your downtown hotel and conference centre.
Market Mall
CF Market Mall offers services and amenities for the entire family to enjoy. With over 200 retailers and one of Calgary’s best time-out places – “Monkey Around/Playground”, the shopping experience at CF Market Mall is truly unique.
Gratuity
Restaurant tipping is left to the customer’s discretion, but the customary amount is 15%. Many restaurants automatically add a tip or gratuity to the bill for groups larger than 6 or 8 people. It is also customary to tip bellhops, luggage handlers and taxi drivers, at your discretion.
The currency used in Calgary is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Calgary accepts all major credit cards.
If you prefer to use cash, most banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9am–5pm, though specific branches may vary. Some banks are open on the weekends with shorter hours. Automated teller machines (ATMs) are available at many branches 24 hours a day.
Shopping
There are many places to shop in Calgary, from small boutiques to large malls. Major shopping streets include 17th Avenue, Stephen Walk. Along with typical weekday hours, most shopping locations are also open on weekends and public holidays, typically around 12pm–5pm.
Chinook Centre Mall
CF Chinook Centre boasts over 250 stores, including top retailers and unique choices you won’t find anywhere else in Calgary. Home to major department and flagship stores exclusive to Chinook Centre, we take pride in being Calgary’s premier shopping, dining & entertainment destination.
CORE Mall
It’s never been easier to Find Yourself Downtown. The CORE is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Calgary with easy access to the C-train, bus, and just steps away from your downtown hotel and conference centre.
Market Mall
CF Market Mall offers services and amenities for the entire family to enjoy. With over 200 retailers and one of Calgary’s best time-out places – “Monkey Around/Playground”, the shopping experience at CF Market Mall is truly unique.
Gratuity
Restaurant tipping is left to the customer’s discretion, but the customary amount is 15%. Many restaurants automatically add a tip or gratuity to the bill for groups larger than 6 or 8 people. It is also customary to tip bellhops, luggage handlers and taxi drivers, at your discretion.
Getting Around
By Foot
The downtown core is very walkable, with plenty of wayfinding signage to guide you to attractions, restaurants, and public art.
The +15 corridors connect several hotels, attractions, shopping centres, and buildings to allow pedestrians to travel indoors throughout the city centre. The City of Calgary provides updated information on the +15 system, including construction notices and maps.
By Car
Calgary is an easy city to drive in, and traveling by car can be a great way to explore the city.
By Taxi
At every curb, there are taxi-cabs and limousines at your service. From YYC, it’s a simple 20-minute connection to your downtown hotel.
By Transit
Calgary operates an extensive light rail transit system.
By Foot
The downtown core is very walkable, with plenty of wayfinding signage to guide you to attractions, restaurants, and public art.
The +15 corridors connect several hotels, attractions, shopping centres, and buildings to allow pedestrians to travel indoors throughout the city centre. The City of Calgary provides updated information on the +15 system, including construction notices and maps.
By Car
Calgary is an easy city to drive in, and traveling by car can be a great way to explore the city.
By Taxi
At every curb, there are taxi-cabs and limousines at your service. From YYC, it’s a simple 20-minute connection to your downtown hotel.
By Transit
Calgary operates an extensive light rail transit system.
Safety
Safe, Clean, & Healthy
Calgary is a safe, clean and healthy city. In fact, Calgary was ranked the Cleanest City in the World by Miratel in 2013. And in a North American quality of living survey done by Mercer, Calgary also ranked the 16th highest city for personal safety and security. The city has made, and continues to make, a significant investment in personnel, equipment, and technology for Calgary’s security and protective services (including fire, police, emergency medical services and STARS Air Ambulance). The emphasis on personal security shows. Calgary has been ranked as one of the top 35 cities in the world for overall quality of living.
City and Region
The Calgary Police Service (CPS) Major Event and Emergency Management Section (MEEMS), develops a yearly Strategic Emergency Management Plan that supports the MEEMS mission to Maximize safety during major events and emergencies. The Strategic Emergency Management Plan clarifies the risk environment in which MEEMS creates operational plans and prepares for events through the identification and prioritization
of threats and risks. Planning that is conducted for major events is driven by ongoing risk assessment with a focus on mitigating identified risk factors identified for each event. The tools for mitigation encompass all of the resources within
CPS as well as the resources of partner agencies. The Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), Calgary Fire Department (CFD) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) are all key partners that are involved in the planning, prevention, response and recovery for major events. While CEMA is the coordinating agency for complex events, the nature of each event determines the agencies that will be involved. In the case of the World Petroleum Congress, MEEMS would author a robust risk assessment and build an operational plan that would support the event. With regard to natural disasters or political unrest, existing Emergency Response Plans within each agency would be initiated as needed.
Safe, Clean, & Healthy
Calgary is a safe, clean and healthy city. In fact, Calgary was ranked the Cleanest City in the World by Miratel in 2013. And in a North American quality of living survey done by Mercer, Calgary also ranked the 16th highest city for personal safety and security. The city has made, and continues to make, a significant investment in personnel, equipment, and technology for Calgary’s security and protective services (including fire, police, emergency medical services and STARS Air Ambulance). The emphasis on personal security shows. Calgary has been ranked as one of the top 35 cities in the world for overall quality of living.
City and Region
The Calgary Police Service (CPS) Major Event and Emergency Management Section (MEEMS), develops a yearly Strategic Emergency Management Plan that supports the MEEMS mission to Maximize safety during major events and emergencies. The Strategic Emergency Management Plan clarifies the risk environment in which MEEMS creates operational plans and prepares for events through the identification and prioritization
of threats and risks. Planning that is conducted for major events is driven by ongoing risk assessment with a focus on mitigating identified risk factors identified for each event. The tools for mitigation encompass all of the resources within
CPS as well as the resources of partner agencies. The Calgary Emergency Management Agency (CEMA), Calgary Fire Department (CFD) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) are all key partners that are involved in the planning, prevention, response and recovery for major events. While CEMA is the coordinating agency for complex events, the nature of each event determines the agencies that will be involved. In the case of the World Petroleum Congress, MEEMS would author a robust risk assessment and build an operational plan that would support the event. With regard to natural disasters or political unrest, existing Emergency Response Plans within each agency would be initiated as needed.
Meeting Space
Calgary is a destination like no other: a mix of big-city energy, community pride and wondrous natural beauty. An urban centre surrounded on all sides by scenic Canadian vistas, Calgary’s diversity as a meeting and convention destination is one of its greatest strengths. Along with our famous hospitality, our visitors enjoy uncompromised convenience and a meeting destination they will not forget.
Stampede Park
The official home of the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, Stampede Park is a multi-purpose group of facilities, with over 450,000 sq. ft. of flexible space. Situated on the southern shoulder of downtown Calgary, the site has two light rail transit stations and parking for more than 4,000 vehicles. Each year Stampede Park hosts over 700 trade and consumer shows, meetings, conferences, banquets, special events, concerts, and sporting events. Additional attributes: Calgary’s home to western traditions and values; Park facilities include BMO Centre, Nutrien Western Event Centre, Big Four, Boyce Theatre, Grandstand and more; On-site gourmet catering; All spaces offer advanced technical systems; Within a five to ten minute walk to several downtown hotels; Light rail transit and bus access.
Security Measures at Stampede Park
The Calgary Stampede has hosted numerous events where elevated security measures have been required, from Royal Family visits, the Aga Khan, the Canadian Prime Minister, as well as numerous celebrities, corporate leaders, politicians and foreign dignitaries. Their Security leadership team works to build relationships with local and federal policing and intelligence agencies, as well as the private security contractors
dedicated to personal security roles. Their site is conducive to providing a secure space between their perimeter and facilities, as all entries to Stampede Park are private property, which allows them to keep protesters away from the entrances to their venues. Their experience in hosting large gatherings on an
annual basis keeps their employees and management focused on the essential elements of their security planning and emergency response plans. Their centralized Security Dispatch office and Park Operations Center provide widespread CCTV monitoring and event command, control and communication abilities.
- Private Property
- Physical measures in place to control access
- Greater authority to security responders
- 24/7 Patrol and Security Operations Centre (Stampede Dispatch)
- Site Security first responders are regimented users of the police radio system
- Stampede Park Patrol is District 1 unit 1106
- Classified as an “auxiliary support unit”
- Extensive CCTV network
- Physical & electronic access control measures
- 30+ alarm systems monitored 24/7
Calgary is a destination like no other: a mix of big-city energy, community pride and wondrous natural beauty. An urban centre surrounded on all sides by scenic Canadian vistas, Calgary’s diversity as a meeting and convention destination is one of its greatest strengths. Along with our famous hospitality, our visitors enjoy uncompromised convenience and a meeting destination they will not forget.
Stampede Park
The official home of the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, Stampede Park is a multi-purpose group of facilities, with over 450,000 sq. ft. of flexible space. Situated on the southern shoulder of downtown Calgary, the site has two light rail transit stations and parking for more than 4,000 vehicles. Each year Stampede Park hosts over 700 trade and consumer shows, meetings, conferences, banquets, special events, concerts, and sporting events. Additional attributes: Calgary’s home to western traditions and values; Park facilities include BMO Centre, Nutrien Western Event Centre, Big Four, Boyce Theatre, Grandstand and more; On-site gourmet catering; All spaces offer advanced technical systems; Within a five to ten minute walk to several downtown hotels; Light rail transit and bus access.
Security Measures at Stampede Park
The Calgary Stampede has hosted numerous events where elevated security measures have been required, from Royal Family visits, the Aga Khan, the Canadian Prime Minister, as well as numerous celebrities, corporate leaders, politicians and foreign dignitaries. Their Security leadership team works to build relationships with local and federal policing and intelligence agencies, as well as the private security contractors
dedicated to personal security roles. Their site is conducive to providing a secure space between their perimeter and facilities, as all entries to Stampede Park are private property, which allows them to keep protesters away from the entrances to their venues. Their experience in hosting large gatherings on an
annual basis keeps their employees and management focused on the essential elements of their security planning and emergency response plans. Their centralized Security Dispatch office and Park Operations Center provide widespread CCTV monitoring and event command, control and communication abilities.
- Private Property
- Physical measures in place to control access
- Greater authority to security responders
- 24/7 Patrol and Security Operations Centre (Stampede Dispatch)
- Site Security first responders are regimented users of the police radio system
- Stampede Park Patrol is District 1 unit 1106
- Classified as an “auxiliary support unit”
- Extensive CCTV network
- Physical & electronic access control measures
- 30+ alarm systems monitored 24/7
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