On a summer day in July 2006, shortly past midnight, Dashiell Waite was born at Rockyview Hospital, weighing nine pounds and eight ounces. While his weight placed him in the 96th percentile for boys, it was not his weight that made him stand out. At birth, he was recognized as the one-millionth resident of Calgary, marking a significant milestone for the city after 122 years since its incorporation as a town.
Calgary’s rapid population growth is surpassing expectations, with projections suggesting it may welcome its two-millionth resident by the mid-2020s. As the city grapples with the challenges of accommodating this growth, issues such as affordable housing, transit expansion, infrastructure development, taxation, homelessness, and public safety have come to the forefront of the municipal election discussions.
Various candidates vying for mayoral and council positions are making promises to address the implications of Calgary’s expanding population. Campaign pledges include enhancing recreational facilities, prioritizing transit expansion, building new fire halls, and planning for urban growth to meet the demands of a burgeoning city.
However, the pace of growth in Alberta has been tempered by slower immigration rates, impacting the projected population milestones. Despite this, Calgary continues to grow steadily, with estimates suggesting it could reach a population of two million by the early 2030s and potentially three million by mid-century.
The city’s evolving demographics have necessitated a reevaluation of urban planning strategies, with a focus on densification within existing communities and new suburban developments. The need for robust infrastructure, sustainable planning, and effective governance to manage the city’s growth remains a key priority for Calgary’s future leaders.
As Calgary navigates its transformation into a major metropolitan hub, the incoming council faces the crucial task of ensuring that the city is well-equipped to accommodate its expanding population and address the associated challenges that come with rapid growth.