On a July night in 2006, shortly past midnight, Dashiell Waite was born at Rockyview Hospital, weighing nine pounds and eight ounces. While his size placed him in the 96th percentile for boys, it wasn’t his weight that drew attention. Dashiell was celebrated as the one-millionth resident of Calgary, a significant milestone for a city that had experienced multiple periods of growth and decline over its history.
The rapid population growth in Calgary suggests that the city could welcome its two-millionth resident by the middle of the next decade, before Dashiell turns 30. This growth trend has significant implications for various aspects of city life, including affordable housing, neighborhood development, transportation, infrastructure, taxes, homelessness, addiction, and public safety.
Candidates in the upcoming election are addressing the challenges posed by the city’s flourishing population. Campaign promises revolve around expanding amenities like recreation facilities, libraries, and parks to accommodate the growing populace. Transit expansion, road improvements, and sustainable urban planning are also key focal points for many candidates.
Projections indicate that Calgary may reach a population of two million by 2034 if the current growth rate of 2.46% per year continues. Some candidates even envision the city reaching three million residents within the next decade. However, recent data suggests that immigration rates may slow down the pace of growth in Alberta, affecting Calgary’s population projections.
City officials are preparing for continued growth, with forecasts suggesting a population of around 1.75 million by the end of the 2020s. Despite challenges related to infrastructure and urban planning, Calgary aims to strike a balance between accommodating new residents and maintaining the city’s livability.
Efforts to densify existing communities and develop new suburban areas are being emphasized to manage growth effectively. The influx of people into Calgary is evident through ongoing residential construction activities, encompassing new communities, urban apartment complexes, and various development projects throughout the city.
As Calgary moves towards a future with a burgeoning population, city leaders face the critical task of ensuring that the city is equipped to handle the demands and challenges that come with growth. The next wave of elected officials will play a vital role in shaping Calgary’s future development and sustainability.
