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atb.com/businessbeat helped us with our facts. Visit atb.com/wegrowalberta for more information. Trademarks of Alberta Treasury Branches.

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Offers available for a limited time and subject to change without notice. *Taxes extra. Roam Like Home daily fee is a Pay-Per-Use rate and subject to change without notice. Fee is charged per line (in addition to your Share Everything for business plan monthly service fee) and applies for 24 hours from fi rst use while in the U.S. See rogers.com/terms for full terms and conditions. 1 Data: Usage exceeding your plan allotment charged in increments rounded up to the next MB or GB (as applicable based on your plan). Standard roaming charges apply when outside Canada/U.S. Texts: Includes texts while in the U.S. to a Canadian/U.S. wireless number. Sent/received premium texts, sent international texts outside the U.S. and messages sent while roaming outside of U.S. not included and charged at applicable rates. Calls: While in the U.S., includes unlimited calls within the U.S. or back to Canada. International long distance and roaming charges outside the U.S. extra. 2015 Rogers Communications.

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DDB CanaDa 1600 777 HornBy Street, VanCoUVer, BC, CanaDa V6Z 2t3 t 604 687 7911 F 604 640 4344

Feel good about your money.Personal | Mortgages | Investments | Loans | Insurance | Business

Isnt it time to think outside the banks?servus.ca

* 100% deposit guarantee provided by Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation of Alberta.

When we think about banks we think about squares. Safe and solid, but not all that flexible. Theyre

good places to keep your money, but not necessarily places that will adjust to suit your needs.

At Servus, we guarantee 100% of your deposits*, so we keep you safe and sound too. But we roll

differently after that. Our members are owners which means you get advice thats best-for-you,

a say in how the business operates, and even a share of the profits. Banks dont do all that. Theyll

likely never do all that. So yeah, if banks are squares, it just makes sense that Servus is a circle.

Studio

Retoucher

Proofreader

Print Mgr.

Art Director

Copywriter

Creative Dir.

Acct. Mgmt.

Client

BY DATEAPPROVALS

ROGERS14_Q4_STRIPESRGW 140067NONE100%1 = 17.875 X 10.756.875 X 9.75

1-7-2015 4:55 PMPREPRESS

LASER%Typesetting: Optic Nerve

This advertisement prepared by PUBLICIS

Art Director:Copywriter:Print Mgr:

Client Serv:Colour:Fonts:

BILL NEWBERY/JUDY TIMMSNONECHERIE RUDY/RACHEL JUNKERCHRISTINE MALEK4CTT SLUG OTF, FRUTIGER LT STD

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NOW A SHARE EVERYTHING FOR BUSINESS PLAN COVERS THE U.S. WITH ROAM ...BUSINESS IN CALGARY, EDMONTON

RoamTM

NOW A SHARE EVERYTHING FOR BUSINESS PLAN COVERS THE U.S.

WITH ROAM LIKE HOMETM

TM

RoamTM

with Rogers. To learn more, visit rogers.com/roamforbiz

Offers available for a limited time and subject to change without notice. *Taxes extra. Roam Like Home daily fee is a Pay-Per-Use rate and subject to change without notice. Fee is charged per line (in addition to your Share Everything for business plan monthly service fee) and applies for 24 hours from fi rst use while in the U.S. See rogers.com/terms for full terms and conditions. 1 Data: Usage exceeding your plan allotment charged in increments rounded up to the next MB or GB (as applicable based on your plan). Standard roaming charges apply when outside Canada/U.S. Texts: Includes texts while in the U.S. to a Canadian/U.S. wireless number. Sent/received premium texts, sent international texts outside the U.S. and messages sent while roaming outside of U.S. not included and charged at applicable rates. Calls: While in the U.S., includes unlimited calls within the U.S. or back to Canada. International long distance and roaming charges outside the U.S. extra. 2015 Rogers Communications.

Go ahead, use the data and unlimited talk and text from your Share Everything for Business Plan in the U.S. just like you would at home1. Youll only be charged for the days when you use

your phone in the U.S. Text travel to 222 to enroll.

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Were very proud of our 64 successful writers of the 2014 Uniform Evaluation for Chartered Professional Accountants in Calgary, including our four tax writers. We cant wait to see what theyll achieve next.

High performance at its best

www.pwc.com/ca

2015 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. All rights reserved. 4240-04 0215

Back row: Adrian Chan, Caitlin Spitzke, BilalAmin, Jeffrey Myers, Tim Topping, ThomasJayatunge, Vicky Wang

Middle row: Brian Lau, Jana Verhaeghe, GillianWoolstencroft, Chelsea Bruneau, NatalieBrown, Mandy Novak

Front row: Ali Arnell, Amber Lick, June An, AshleyLee, Christina Ren, Francesca Fehr

Absent: AK Okuboyejo, Aliya Makhmudova, ArthurSamusz, Avjeet Bhambra, BradleyKirkhope, Brea Meadows, ChamSanSo, Charmayne Rojas, CristinaPimienta, DallasGreene, DanielJeong, Daniel To, IanJennings, IreneSo, Jennifer Lin, KaileeStobart, Karlyn Mercier, Ken Ng, LauraOlsen, Leah Sherstan, LynseySwanson, Madhav Shorey, ManreetGrewal, MichelAudet, MichelleClay, MunaHaji, Prektsha Tamang, RebeccaJones, ReeseHilland, Reid Bloomer, RichlynNaoe, RobertHendricks, SabreenaBraich, ShawnHuycke, Sherry Thang, Stephanie Brons, Surya Rana, TaraRooprai, TasheelJeerh, TaylorSmith, TommyBrown, Tracy Lo, Victor Trac, XinZhang, ZacharyCampbell

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2Advertorial

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SAIT Polytechnic and the Canada-Alberta Job Grant are ready to meet the needs of todays most demanding industries. Designed to reduce skill-based employment barriers, this combination of leading-edge training and purpose-built subsidies can open almost unlimited opportunities for employers and employees alike.

SAIT LEADS THE WAY

As one of Canadas leading providers of hands-on learning and workforce development, SAIT Polytechnic provides solutions to address emerging employment demands. Across the full spectrum of business, technology and trades, SAIT has the skill-based training and program diversity needed to produce qualified staff before major shortages occur.

$34 MILLION PER YEAR

Launched in the fall of 2014, the Canada-Alberta Job Grant is designed to help Alberta businesses hire and retain top employees by making education costs more affordable. This funding gives employers the opportunity to increase organizational productivity, invest in the skill development of their current and future workforce, and lower employee turnover.

When fully implemented, the program will deliver $34 million annually until March 31, 2020. This will provide up to $10,000 in direct course fees and supplies for each student, saving employers up to two-thirds of training costs. In addition, each employer can receive up to $300,000 in grants per year.

INDUSTRY-ALIGNED LEARNING

From school faculty to government representatives, the new program is synchronized to provide the best possible training opportunities for Alberta.

The job grant program is closely aligned to SAITs real-world, hands-on training and weve identified dozens of SAIT programs that meet the funding criteria, says Rod Miller, SAIT Associate Vice President of Corporate Training. Were also well-positioned to customize training to an employers specific needs. SAIT wants to help employers and their staff take advantage of this program.

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, adds, Our governments top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. With employers skin in the game, the Canada Job Grant will lead to a guaranteed job. Helping employers train Canadians for jobs that need to be filled will help their business grow and succeed. And that is good news for the Alberta economy.

Whether youre looking to enhance your own skills or upgrade your employees qualifications, SAIT Polytechnic and the Canada-Alberta Job Grant have the solution.

For complete details and eligible programs, visit sait-training.com

HIGH DEMAND, GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZED TRAINING FROM SAIT

NEW STAFF SOLUTIONS

SAME EMPLOYEES

SAIT Polytechnic and the Canada-Alberta Job Grant can help employees improve their skills while providing up to two-thirds of the training costs for eligible programs.

For program details, visit sait-training.com

Advertorial

Were very proud of our 64 successful writers of the 2014 Uniform Evaluation for Chartered Professional Accountants in Calgary, including our four tax writers. We cant wait to see what theyll achieve next.

High performance at its best

www.pwc.com/ca

2015 PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an Ontario limited liability partnership. All rights reserved. 4240-04 0215

Back row: Adrian Chan, Caitlin Spitzke, BilalAmin, Jeffrey Myers, Tim Topping, ThomasJayatunge, Vicky Wang

Middle row: Brian Lau, Jana Verhaeghe, GillianWoolstencroft, Chelsea Bruneau, NatalieBrown, Mandy Novak

Front row: Ali Arnell, Amber Lick, June An, AshleyLee, Christina Ren, Francesca Fehr

Absent: AK Okuboyejo, Aliya Makhmudova, ArthurSamusz, Avjeet Bhambra, BradleyKirkhope, Brea Meadows, ChamSanSo, Charmayne Rojas, CristinaPimienta, DallasGreene, DanielJeong, Daniel To, IanJennings, IreneSo, Jennifer Lin, KaileeStobart, Karlyn Mercier, Ken Ng, LauraOlsen, Leah Sherstan, LynseySwanson, Madhav Shorey, ManreetGrewal, MichelAudet, MichelleClay, MunaHaji, Prektsha Tamang, RebeccaJones, ReeseHilland, Reid Bloomer, RichlynNaoe, RobertHendricks, SabreenaBraich, ShawnHuycke, Sherry Thang, Stephanie Brons, Surya Rana, TaraRooprai, TasheelJeerh, TaylorSmith, TommyBrown, Tracy Lo, Victor Trac, XinZhang, ZacharyCampbell

SAI10270113_CAJG_AD_104.indd None

1GRACoL

7.875 x 10.757.875 x 10.75

6.875 x 9.758.375 x 11.25100%

Regan.FraserLynn.Skinner

Sean.MitchellNoneDavid.Vickers

SAITSAI10270113

1-28-2015 2:17 PM1-28-2015 2:17 PM

Mia.Yung

Production:Volumes:Product...s:SAI10270113_CAJG_AD_104.inddBusiness Calgary

--

--

--

--

--

2Advertorial

Interstate

Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black

S:6.875S:9.75

T:7.875T:10.75

B:8.375B:11.25

SAIT Polytechnic and the Canada-Alberta Job Grant are ready to meet the needs of todays most demanding industries. Designed to reduce skill-based employment barriers, this combination of leading-edge training and purpose-built subsidies can open almost unlimited opportunities for employers and employees alike.

SAIT LEADS THE WAY

As one of Canadas leading providers of hands-on learning and workforce development, SAIT Polytechnic provides solutions to address emerging employment demands. Across the full spectrum of business, technology and trades, SAIT has the skill-based training and program diversity needed to produce qualified staff before major shortages occur.

$34 MILLION PER YEAR

Launched in the fall of 2014, the Canada-Alberta Job Grant is designed to help Alberta businesses hire and retain top employees by making education costs more affordable. This funding gives employers the opportunity to increase organizational productivity, invest in the skill development of their current and future workforce, and lower employee turnover.

When fully implemented, the program will deliver $34 million annually until March 31, 2020. This will provide up to $10,000 in direct course fees and supplies for each student, saving employers up to two-thirds of training costs. In addition, each employer can receive up to $300,000 in grants per year.

INDUSTRY-ALIGNED LEARNING

From school faculty to government representatives, the new program is synchronized to provide the best possible training opportunities for Alberta.

The job grant program is closely aligned to SAITs real-world, hands-on training and weve identified dozens of SAIT programs that meet the funding criteria, says Rod Miller, SAIT Associate Vice President of Corporate Training. Were also well-positioned to customize training to an employers specific needs. SAIT wants to help employers and their staff take advantage of this program.

The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Employment and Social Development, adds, Our governments top priorities are creating jobs, economic growth and long-term prosperity. With employers skin in the game, the Canada Job Grant will lead to a guaranteed job. Helping employers train Canadians for jobs that need to be filled will help their business grow and succeed. And that is good news for the Alberta economy.

Whether youre looking to enhance your own skills or upgrade your employees qualifications, SAIT Polytechnic and the Canada-Alberta Job Grant have the solution.

For complete details and eligible programs, visit sait-training.com

HIGH DEMAND, GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIZED TRAINING FROM SAIT

NEW STAFF SOLUTIONS

SAME EMPLOYEES

SAIT Polytechnic and the Canada-Alberta Job Grant can help employees improve their skills while providing up to two-thirds of the training costs for eligible programs.

For program details, visit sait-training.com

Advertorial

10 March 2015 BUSINESS IN CALGARY | businessincalgary.com

www.businessincalgary.com

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to circulation dept.1025 101 6th Ave. SW Calgary, AB T2P [email protected]

Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time

Business in Calgary @BusinessinYYC

Find us online!

Contents | Volume 25 | Number 3

PUBLIShErSPat Ottmann & Tim Ottmann

EDITOrJohn Hardy

cOPY EDITOrSLisa Johnston & Nikki Mullett

arT DIrEcTOrCher Compton

[email protected]

cONTrIBUTING DESIGNErAaron Jackson

aDMINISTraTIONNancy Bielecki

[email protected] Arthur

[email protected] Templeton

[email protected]

rEGULar cONTrIBUTOrSRichard Bronstein

Frank Atkins David ParkerLonnie Tate

ThIS ISSUES cONTrIBUTOrSDan Cooper

Colleen WallaceTiffany Burns

Cassandra McAuleyMegan ZimmermanAndrea Mendizabal

PhOTOGraPhYCover photo courtesy of

Bookstrucker Photography

aDVErTISING SaLESEvelyn Dehner

[email protected] Neil

[email protected] Williams

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DIrEcTOr Of cUSTOM PUBLIShINGKelsi Vescarelli

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Business in Calgary is delivered to over 33,500 business people every month including all registered business owners in Calgary, Banff, Canmore, Airdrie, Okotoks and the Calgary Chamber members.

The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement, and all representations of warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not of the publisher. No portion of this publication may be reproduced, in all or in part, without the written permission of the publisher. Canadian publications mail sales product agreement No. 41126516.

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Midas Touch Midas Touch Midas Touch Britt Lands

2015 Calgary International Auto and Truck Show | Construction - The $90-billion Industry

On our coverBrittney Ramsay, and her father,

Ray Ramsay, of Britt Land Services

2015 Calgary International Auto and Truck Show | Construction - The $90-billion Industry2015 Calgary International Auto and Truck Show | Construction - The $90-billion Industry2015 Calgary International Auto and Truck Show | Construction - The $90-billion Industry

85

53

59 64

COVER FEatuRE 53 Britt Lands Midas Touch

Success in the people business of oil and gas By John Hardy

While others may have seen nothing,you see potential .

At AFSC, every idea has a place to grow.AFSC is Albertas Business Lender, and we have the financial solutions to help you reach your goals.

AFSC Commercial Loans Offer: Loans up to $5 million (per connected borrower) Personalized service and acceptance No early payment penalty Competitive interest rates

1-877-899-AFSC (2372)www.AFSC.ca

Business in Calgary @BusinessinYYC

Find us online!

While others may have seen nothing,you see potential .

At AFSC, every idea has a place to grow.AFSC is Albertas Business Lender, and we have the financial solutions to help you reach your goals.

AFSC Commercial Loans Offer: Loans up to $5 million (per connected borrower) Personalized service and acceptance No early payment penalty Competitive interest rates

1-877-899-AFSC (2372)www.AFSC.ca


Supporting the visions of entrepreneurs one story at a time

Contents | Volume 25 | Number 3

this MOnths FEatuREs 28 Urbanomics | Urban Development Discussion: Home Ownership Wish List What DO homeowners want? | By John Hardy

34 The Slump Professional hunches versus gloom and doom By John Hardy

42 2015 House-Hunting Calgary-Style Stats, numbers and moods By Colleen Wallace

48 Online Contests are a Win-Win! Calgary ingenuity clicks into the thrill

59 2015 Calgary International Auto and Truck Show: Browsing, Dreams and Wishful Thinking Raising $10 million for Calgary causes

64 The $90-billion Industry Office towers, luxury highrises, sewers and interchanges By Dan Cooper

69 BOMA Calgary News Spring 2015

COMpany pROFiLEs 79 Wesure Celebrates 40 Years

64

59

48REguLaR COLuMns 14 Living in an Age of Insecurity By Richard Bronstein

16 Business Cycles and the Public-Sector Employees

By Frank Atkins

18 An Open Letter to Premier Prentice By Lonnie Tate

85 Leading Business 89 The Calgary Report Current developments for Calgary Telus Convention Centre,

Tourism Calgary, Calgary Economic Development, and Innovate Calgary

94 Marketing Matters By David Parker

2015 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved.

Are you an entrepreneurial star? Its your time to shine! Canadas top entrepreneurs are true business stars. Join us in celebrating their achievements. Nominations close 30 April 2015. Submit your nomination today!

ey.com/ca/eoy | @EYCanada #EOY

EY is a proud supporter of entrepreneurship

National silver sponsor

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2015 Ernst & Young LLP. All Rights Reserved.

Are you an entrepreneurial star? Its your time to shine! Canadas top entrepreneurs are true business stars. Join us in celebrating their achievements. Nominations close 30 April 2015. Submit your nomination today!

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EY is a proud supporter of entrepreneurship

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Living in an Age of Insecurity Richard Bronstein

By rIcharD BrONSTEIN

Living in the world today you can never have too much security. Parents are fearful of letting children play unsupervised in a park. You cant bring more than a thimble full of liquids past airport screeners. Most businesses and institutions operate behind layers of safeguards. We make great efforts and spend huge resources trying to make society safer. Because of that we put up with a lot of inconveniences.

We do all this even though Canada is a relatively peaceful country. Despite a few horrible incidents from time to time, violent crime is trending down in our society. We have had very few terrorist events since 9/11. But the thing is you dont need a lot of bad things to happen to make people worried.

In such a context, the Harper governments Bill C-51 to enhance the powers of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is something that appears to have wide support in the country so long as the measures are seen to be reasonably necessary, are conducted in a lawful way, and are properly supervised by an independent authority.

The Liberals and New Democrats seem to be reading these same currents. They have not flayed Prime Minister Harper for introducing new security measures, but they will in all likelihood seek to improve and clarify any weak provisions in the legislation. Most civil liberties groups in Canada have also taken a responsible approach by not condemning Bill C-51 outright, but by making reasonable suggestions to safeguard habeas corpus and individual rights.

This approach is in stark contrast to some national commentators and public intellectuals who have proclaimed that Bill C-51 is proof the Harper government is turning Canada into a police state.

Really? Do they even know what a police state is like?This is exactly the same type of argument used by the

anti-vaxxers. Without a shred of evidence they invent the great hoax that the measles vaccine causes autism. And you cant argue their position because they do not accept facts as proof.

Some of our opinion leaders show the same stunning insularity regarding national security. How do they know Canada is becoming a police state? Because they say so, not because there is any actual evidence.

On the contrary, there is much evidence that we cannot become a police state. For one thing, Canadian people are not stupid and we have a well-ingrained sense of justice. We also have trustworthy, accountable institutions. We are also a nation of laws, the highest law being our Constitution that is protected by independent high courts across the country. We have a freely-elected Parliament. And we have a free press. So long as we remain a liberal democratic society, no prime minister has a snowballs chance in hell of creating a police state here.

Here is an interesting piece of history. Why do we have CSIS today? Years ago the RCMP was in charge of national security. But in the aftermath of the FLQ crisis in Quebec, the Mounties got overzealous and resorted to dirty tricks (i.e. a barn burning and other black operations). The RCMP was found out by the press and publicly disgraced. That led directly to the creation of CSIS.

So lets all unwind a little and look at C-51 in a rational light without hyperbole. I want to hear what Parliamentarians have to say when they study the bill clause by clause. I also want to hear what law professors and civil liberties groups have to say. We have a process to deal with these things so lets use it.

One criticism I would offer on the Harper security agenda relates to where the prime minister doesnt like going sociology.

Radicalization of Canadian youth seems to be a real security issue. But not everyone has crossed the line yet into becoming a criminal. What plan does the government have of talking to these kids to steer them on a better path.

If there are alienated individuals out there that self-radicalize through social media lone wolves then how is the government supporting the right mix of mental health and addictions services for these people to prevent tragedy?

Many immigrants to Canada feel culturally isolated and some drift to the violent side. How well are we providing opportunity and inclusion?

There is more to our problems than just law and order. The prime minister needs to sometimes talk about improving life for the growing pool of marginalized and misguided Canadians, where murderers and terrorists usually come from. BiC

Living in an age of Insecurity

Anything can happen at Advantage Ford

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One word best describes the 2015 F-150: revolutionary. Todays all new F-150 is engineered lighter than its predecessor, yet its stronger than ever and delivers best-in-class payload and tow ratings. Featuring high-strength aluminum alloy for the body and bed and a high-strength steel frame that is stronger and more rigid than ever, the F-150 is the future of tough. Theres no better place to find your perfect truck than Advantage Ford. Our dedicated sales team features some of the top 10 percent sales performers in the Western region. When youre ready for a new ride, give us a call.

W O O D R I D G E

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12800 MACLEOD TRAIL SE (403) 225-3636 ADVANTAGEFORD.CA

Anything can happen at Advantage Ford

Calgarys #1 Ford SVT Dealer

One word best describes the 2015 F-150: revolutionary. Todays all new F-150 is engineered lighter than its predecessor, yet its stronger than ever and delivers best-in-class payload and tow ratings. Featuring high-strength aluminum alloy for the body and bed and a high-strength steel frame that is stronger and more rigid than ever, the F-150 is the future of tough. Theres no better place to find your perfect truck than Advantage Ford. Our dedicated sales team features some of the top 10 percent sales performers in the Western region. When youre ready for a new ride, give us a call.

W O O D R I D G E

W O O D R I D G E

12800 MACLEOD TRAIL SE (403) 225-3636 ADVANTAGEFORD.CA


Business Cycles and the Public-Sector Employees Frank Atkins

By fraNk aTkINS

In Alberta we may be entering another business cycle phase. In early February, the world price of oil appears to have stabilized in the low US$50 range. It is difficult to predict the future movements of this price, but it may be the case that it has at least stabilized and stopped falling. We have been here before, and we will likely be here again in the future. Business cycles like this are a fact of life, and given that we are a resource-extracting economy, they will always be a little bit worse in Alberta. As I wrote in last months column, we always seem to be a little bit surprised every time this happens.

Now we are getting the response to this downturn in the world price of oil, which is too low for some oilsands projects, so we have entered a phase of cutting spending and reducing our workforce. In the private sector this is happening very quickly. I found it very interesting that the pundits did not know what to say when the January employment numbers released by Statistics Canada did not show large workforce reductions in Alberta. This even leads some CBC commentators to say that this must mean that the layoffs were not that bad. What these commentators did not seem to realize is that many of the individuals who lost their jobs received large severance packages, some as much as one or two years salary. These individuals cannot

be counted as unemployed until the severance period expires.

What is most interesting about this is the reaction of the public-sector employees relative to the private-sector

employees. The private-sector employees clearly do not like this, but they appear to get on with their lives as best they can. The reaction of the public-sector employees is some kind of righteous indignation. At the time of writing this article in early February, nothing has even happened yet in the public sector. There are rumblings of wage cuts from the Prentice administration. In response to this we get the ridiculous statements

from public-sector union leaders that it is not their responsibility to bear the cost of bad fiscal planning on the part of the government. I can never understand why the public-sector employees think that they are so much different than private-sector employees. Some of these individuals, at least the vocal ones, appear to have a high-paid-job-for-life kind of mentality. I see no reason why, in times of economic downturns, the public sector should not bear the brunt of cost cutting in the same manner that the private sector does.

Further, it is very clear that in Alberta we have a high-cost public service. It is also clear that this is the result of some bargaining mistakes on the part of past governments in Alberta. However, this is no reason why public-sector employees should not be part of cutbacks. As a matter of fact, the high-cost public service is a good reason to take a long hard look at what we pay our public-sector employees. Now is the time, let the bargaining begin. BiC

FrAnk AtkInS IS An ASSoCIAtE ProFESSor oF EConoMICS At thE UnIvErSIty oF

CALgAry And rESEArCh ChAIr, FInAnCE And CAPItAL MArkEtS, At thE FrontIEr

CEntrE For PUBLIC PoLICy.

Business cycles and the Public-Sector Employees

I see no reason why,

in times of economic

downturns, the public

sector should not bear

the brunt of cost

cutting in the same

manner that the

private sector does.

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Britannia Crossing boasts great Britannia Crossing boasts great amenities and a superior location amenities and a superior location only minutes from the downtown only minutes from the downtown core making it a premier leasing core making it a premier leasing opportunity.opportunity.

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An open Letter to Premier Prentice Lonnie Tate

By LONNIE TaTE

If those who read political tea leaves are correct, you are about to call a provincial election. The law says the election will be in 2016; but what the heck political opportunism is always a good reason to trump the law.

You will win the election. I dont think there is any series of events or acts that you and your cabinet could do to blow your electorate away. And certainly, there are no opposition parties in a position to effectively challenge your leadership and seize provincial power.

As well, the provincial economy is on its side and you are not to blame. Those nasty Arabs and Americans have caused the price of oil to drop by nearly half and the province has been caught with its proverbial pants down. If you were to do something progressive, you would only be injecting funds into an economy that is going sideways. That is one of the jobs of government.

So we know you are a political opportunist, and we know there is a modest economic need. What are you waiting for? Jump in with both feet to effect real change. Albertas future is in your hands and you can be a hero. If you do it right, you can break the cult of handwringing, backroom PC executives who think they own you.

As for the future (and your legacy) here are my suggestions: Dont actively raise big-ticket campaign contributions.

You do not need the funds to win. You certainly do not need the patronage required to raise funds in some circles. This is a great opportunity to get rid of the handwringers that populate the upper echelons of your party.

Reduce the civil service. Target a 20% reduction. There are enough fat cats in the service who will take early retirement to eat-up a great deal of the 20%. And their pay in retirement is already funded. It is a double win-win situation.

Commit to major funding to build schools. In addition to capital expenditures, make additional funds available for teachers and curriculum. School budgets have been an easy target. School boards have made some poor decisions. The result has been a decline in education. Our children are our future you should be investing in them.

Commit to a better health care system. Make sure the 20% reduction in civil service administration applies to health care. There isnt a person in this province who thinks our health care services are all right. They are much worse than that. Without health, there is no future. At present, it seems your party has missed that point.

Spend money on infrastructure. Again, every person in this province understands the need for better transportation systems. If you ask where, your problem will be prioritizing suggestions in an order that makes sense. Road systems as they currently exist are problematic; and, they get worse every day.

Commit to affordable housing. This can be done in an innocuous way. Partnering with private industry, your government can be a catalyst for affordable housing. Perhaps with modest tax breaks, interest breaks (or whatever), your government can advantage lower income citizens caught in an advancing economy.

Now I am aware Im recommending spending when you are worried about balancing a budget. With respect, you are thinking short-term. I am thinking long-term. If you dont get on a long-term track, you will be short-term thinking forever.

Have a look at your partys record over the past 20 years. Virtually every significant news piece deals with budgets. Not enough money for this; not enough money for that. You can substitute whatever you want for this and that the message is still the same.

The price of oil declines, you announce all options are on the table. No they are not your options only cover this and that. You missed all the options that might affect our future. Importantly, you even missed the option of injecting funds into the economy to cover the lull in otherwise good times.

Im back to where I started. You have a chance to make a big difference to our future.

Please take it. BiC

an Open Letter to Premier Prentice

Grades 1-12 Alberta curriculum International Baccalaureate

Renowned for our long-standing tradition in education, STS values exceptional teachers and supports their growth and development.

Our teachers were the inspiration for the new STS Experts in Education Speaker Series, coming soon.

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LASTING RELATIONSHIPS

Mr. Prentice:

Grades 1-12 Alberta curriculum International Baccalaureate

Renowned for our long-standing tradition in education, STS values exceptional teachers and supports their growth and development.

Our teachers were the inspiration for the new STS Experts in Education Speaker Series, coming soon.

sts.ab.ca/admissions

What is different about Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School?

OUR TEACHERS.

SMALL CLASS SIZES

PASSIONATE FACULTY

INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING

LASTING RELATIONSHIPS

RESOLVE is a partnership of nine leading social service agencies with one simple goal: building affordable rental housing for 3,000 homeless and vulnerable Calgarians. Were working directly with government, business and community leaders to put roofs over heads and end homelessness in Calgary.

Learn more at RESOLVECalgary.ca

Wed like to recognize our Cabinet of business and community leaders for helping make RESOLVE a reality.

Honorary Patrons:

Dick & Lois Haskayne Steve SnyderBetty Ann Smith

Alan Norris, Chair John Brussa Trevor Daroux Stephanie FeleskyRandy Findlay Charlie Fischer Jim Gray

Bob Hamilton Tim HearnCraig Hill Ken King Sam Kolias Ann McCaigGrit McCreath

Bill Sembo Michelle ThrushMac Van WielingenChris Wallace Jay Westman

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PROFILE

To some they are just statistics, but to the members of the Calgary Police Service, the people behind the 130,000 social disorder calls attended each year are real people with real stories.

The sad reality is that when officers respond to complaints of public intoxication, urination or panhandling, they often find themselves speaking with the same individuals over and over. Individuals who lack the ability, or opportunity, to improve their situations.

The pattern is predictable, whether the cause is a tragic incident, or an undiagnosed mental health issue, we find individuals often self-medicate to ease the pain. This self-medicating leads to addictions, supporting addictions often leads to criminality, criminality then falls into the justice system, and the cycle continues unless we find a way out, we will continue to deal with the problem in a manner that doesnt serve our vulnerable, nor create a lasting solution. Predictable is preventable, says Calgary Police Service Deputy Chief Trevor Daroux.

Thats why Deputy Chief Daroux got behind the Housing First model and became an active member of the RESOLVE Cabinet, a group of community leaders who are intent on helping to create affordable housing for 3,000 vulnerable and homeless citizens.

Isolated programs of care will not solve the problem. We need a comprehensive system of care to resolve homelessness, and police are only one part of that system.

Weve seen the successes through the Housing First model already, Daroux says.

Data collected through Calgarys 10 Year Plan to End Homelessness has shown that clients have decreased public system use, which results in not only financial savings but also serves to reduce victimization and enhances quality of life:

* 63.3% reduction in interactions with EMS* 67% reduction in emergency room visits* 82% reduction in days in hospital* 63% reduction in interactions with police* 81% reduction in days in jail

RESOLVE is a unique, made-in-Calgary collaboration of community and business leaders committed to making a difference in the lives of our less fortunate.

The RESOLVE partnership is made up of nine leading social service agencies to raise funds to create affordable and supported rental housing. This critical response to solving the multitude of relatively minor offences will have a big impact on the perception of public safety and the cost to policing.

Each of the 80,000 public-generated calls for service, and 30,000 officer-generated calls for service related to social disorder, requires a police response. This is a cost that can be mitigated when the root cause of the problems are addressed.

Housing is the first and most critical step to resolving the costs, issues and concerns around homelessness. Together we can make a difference.

RESOLVECalgary.ca

Housing First leads to financial savingsBy David Parker

Calgary Police Service Deputy Chief Trevor Daroux

Born and raised in Rexton, New Brunswick, Shannon Warren moved to Vancouver in the late 1990s to work as a house framer. A few years later, in the early 2000s, he relocated to Calgary for something the city is famous for job opportunities. Today, job opportunities form the framework of Warrens business, Matrix Labour Leasing Ltd., a full-service human resource company.

Founded in 2002, Matrix grew from the ground up. Warren was working on the SAIT Polytechnic Heritage Hall project when his employer asked him to source more local carpenters. Having lived in Calgary for a couple of years at that time, I knew a few guys, says Warren. When the workers I recruited came on to the project, the company asked me to handle the billing for their hours. It was a new experience for Warren, but it didnt take him long to recognize the need for such a service for other construction companies. It just made sense to turn the concept into a business, he adds.

Nearly 13 years later, Matrix has become a trusted source of skilled trades for firms across Canada. The company has connected workers with contractors for iconic projects such as the West LRT Calgary transit line, the southeast leg of the Calgary Ring Road, and the BHP Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan.

Now, Matrix has launched a powerful, robust, online community called Matrix Connect. Its a social media-like platform that has streamlined the way employers and jobseekers can connect, with a simplified one-click application process, improving engagement and accessibility, and reducing costs for employers, who are increasingly reporting that theyre hiring the right candidate for the right job.

Matrixs success stems from its its full-service approach, taking care of human resource matters from end to end, including payroll, workers compensation management, wage negotiation and benefits. Our business model is very appealing to clients, says Warren. They may not have time to worry about HR details for large or concurrent projects.

Matrix primarily focuses on the construction industry, but recently the company saw opportunities to expand into the prolific Alberta oil and gas sector, giving rise to Align Staffing. We are fully set up to service oil and gas clients, Warren explains. We have tried-and-true quality controls in place to ensure the employees we send to clients meet their exact needs. Aligns approach is focused on safety and training for employees, and establishing quality communication channels between staff and employers. Whats more, Align is a proud member of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business and the Northeastern Alberta Aboriginal Business Association. Of equal importance, Align has established relationships with key opinion leaders and First Nation members of influence across Canada to recruit, train and place First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in progressive apprenticeships and professional disciplines.

Matrixs internal database includes more than 10,000 skilled tradespeople and the company handles background checks, safety training and whatever else employees need to perfectly match clients requirements. We are big on safety, training and technology, says Warren. Workers can come to us and find job opportunities and education in one place. Matrix is innovative in its approach to attracting and retaining the very best staff, offering incentives such as RRSP programs and tuition reimbursements through Merit Contractors Association.

The company celebrated a milestone year in 2013, ranking on both the Fast Growth 50 and PROFIT 500 lists of fastest-growing companies. To top it off, Warren was named one of Business in Calgarys Leaders of Tomorrow for 2013. The companys 12th annual Stampede party in 2014 raised $9,000 for the Childrens Wish Foundation, plus more than $10,000 the year previous. Ten thousand dollars is about the cost of granting one child a wish through the foundation, so we set that as our goal, says Warren. The company also hosts regular fundraisers during the winter holiday season.

Its our corporate culture Im most proud of, concludes Warren. We look after our clients and our workers, and we give back to our city, too.

THE EVOLUTION OF WORKFORCE PLACEMENT

Matrix Labour Leasing Ltd. the source for skilled staff

For more information, please visit www.matrixlabourleasing.com or contact Shannon Warren, President & CEO, at 403.201.9520 x 202.


off the top News

Ever since Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) unveiled the master plan for East Village in 2009, citizens have watched in awe as Calgarys newest, oldest, coolest, warmest neighbourhood has taken shape.

Between then and now, CMLC has checked a long list of achievements off of their to-do list. They elevated streets and upgraded infrastructure. They restored heritage buildings and installed public art that infuses the area with colour and intrigue. They forged links to neighbouring communities with the 4th Street Underpass, the Elbow River Traverse and the new St. Patricks Bridge. They have completed two of RiverWalks four kilometres of pathways and gathering places. They orchestrated a deal to turn the legendary King Eddy into the National Music Centre, paired the Simmons Building with a trio of local food and beverage superstars and added several enthralling chapters to the new Central Library story. They have sold land and built strategic deals

with several different developers that will open the door to around 2,400 new residential units and an exciting mix of urban-style and village-style retail. Over $2.4 billion of planned investment has been attracted to the area and more is coming.

the Momentum Continues into 2015 While most would say CMLCs achievements to date

have been impressive, the milestones planned for the year ahead will be nothing less than historic. More than any of the initiatives to date, they will bring vibrancy and human energy to a neighbourhood poised to redefine inner-city living in Calgary:

2015 will very much be The Year of the Resident in East Village as two new condominium towers welcome upwards of 800 homeowners the first big contingent among the master plan vision of 11,000 residents

Thank you to the many sponsors who supported Calgary and area youth at the November 2014 World of Choices event

Founding Sponsor

Presenting SponsorWelcome Sponsor Breakfast Sponsor

Career Sector Sponsors

Career Mentor Sponsors Media Sponsor

Event Supporters

East Village 2015 Outlook CMLC ushers the year of the resident into East village

Amphitheatre Plaza rendering. Photo courtesy of CMLC.

Thank you to the many sponsors who supported Calgary and area youth at the November 2014 World of Choices event

Founding Sponsor

Presenting SponsorWelcome Sponsor Breakfast Sponsor

Career Sector Sponsors

Career Mentor Sponsors Media Sponsor

Event Supporters

With the sale of Block R at the southeast corner of 7 Avenue and 5 Street SE, CMLC is thrilled to welcome a new development partner to East Village: Cidex Developments Ltd. will develop the neighbourhoods first residential rental project at an estimated value of $100 million

A dramatically revitalized natural treasure St. Patricks Island will open this summer after four intensive years of planning and construction

In August, a food emporium will open in the Simmons Building a major step toward creating the active waterfront area described in the East Village master plan

This fall, RioCan Investment Trust will initiate their construction program on the urban-style shopping centre that will bring Loblaws (and numerous other esteemed retailers) to East Village

East Village development partners Embassy Bosa and Knightsbridge Homes will each introduce a new residential program that expands product mix and attracts new demographics and new interest to the neighbourhood

Rapid progress on the new Central Library will continue as LRT encapsulation work is finalized, the process for the selection and integration of public art for the building is announced and, in the fall, ground is broken for the building itself

Next month, CMLC will begin a 14-month base building improvement program on the St. Louis Hotel to ready the historical asset for its future within the community

Finally, CMLC will acquire the Cecil Hotel site and will describe its future development opportunity within the framework of the communitys master plan vision.

Our ambitions for 2015 all of them fully achievable are evidence of the momentum weve created here in East Village, says Michael Brown, president and CEO, CMLC. In our early days, the East Village master plan was met with some skepticism; now, I think its safe to say that our approach has worked. The construction cranes in the neighbourhood tell a convincing story about our successful rejuvenation to this community and we are very proud of that.

Last January, CMLC described a strategy to sell a parcel of land for the purpose of building residential rental product within the community. In January the organization announced the sale of a 24,000- square-foot parcel of land to Calgary-based developer Cidex Developments Ltd. Cidex Developments Ltd. is planning the development of a 221-unit, 28-storey residential rental complex that will see the introduction of family-oriented three-bedroom apartments to the community.

This community represents the future of downtown living, says Abed Itani, president of Cidex Developments Ltd. It is inclusive, accessible and attractive to young families who want to have an urban living experience. Our project introduces three-bedroom units and childcare services to the community which I view as critical to the overall health and sustainability of the community.

Abed and his team are delivering on our marketing strategy to broaden the residential opportunities within the community, explains Susan Veres, VP marketing and communications, CMLC. This community aspires to be the most desirable of inner-city communities and for us to achieve our goal, we need to offer a range of products to appeal to all market segments: professionals, empty nesters and young families.

Imagined as a mixed-use, amenity-rich, master-planned neighbourhood in the downtown core, East Village will be home to more than 11,000 residents upon completion in 2027. With local amenities like RiverWalk, St. Patricks Island, the new Central Library, National Music Centre and an urban shopping centre, East Village has become a highly desirable neighbourhood in Calgarys downtown core. BiC

off the top News

differentin agoodway.

VictoriaVancouver

AirportBurnabyKelownaKamloops

accentinns.comaccentinns.com



What DO homeowners want? | BY JOHN HARDY

If home ownership is still the dream, then why does it sometimes seem so complicated?Unfortunately, the blunt, no-minced answer is urbanomics.

Municipal planners and officials responsible for portioning out and selling off lots and parcels of land, servicing the land with everything from sewers, water and utilities to garbage collection, granting building permits and setting property tax rates do what they have determined is best.

Developers and builders are in business and they project and calculate their costs for building the homes, the buildings and the plazas on the land and what sale price points the market will pay.

It all sounds like simple math and straightforward formulas. Of course its not. Urbanomics is often a hopeless casualty of theories versus realities, strategy versus logic, facts versus opinions, differing points of view and attitude. But theres hope!

There have been many, many meetings and communication is happening, is the cautious gut-feel, from respected Calgary executive Guy Huntingford, CEO of the Urban Development Institute (UDI), representing a vast majority of Calgarys residential developers. Differences in opinion, posturing and standoffs cant continue indefinitely. And they wont. It impacts Calgarys economy and Calgarys reputation. With about 40,000 new people coming to Calgary every year, we must not allow that to happen.

Eventually, developers and administrators must collaborate. It is the only solution for the community, he urges with impartial professionalism. Developers must understand and support the citys operating capital budget and the municipality must allow innovative ideas from developers.

Huntingford acknowledges valid issues on both sides. But he suggests that, from any perspective, municipalities must make their goals and objectives based on realities

Home Ownership Wish List

URBANOMICS | Urban Development Discussion

and that development is a complex and messy business.By unfair and summarized definition, the conflicting

urbanomics is about the city and its approved Municipal Development Plan (MDP) strategies and goals versus developers with exasperated concerns about land availability and the artificially inflated cost of land causing inadequate choice and unaffordable homes.

The interesting (and encouraging) factor, as Huntingford points out, is that the two factions are at least talking with each other, instead of about each other. They are meeting and starting to deal with some of the key issues.

As a strictly objective business fact, there must be access to affordable land for developers to build homes in-line with the realities of the marketplace. Why is the same lot in Edmonton $60,000 less than in Calgary? The citys growth management strategy has not worked and has caused a freeze-frame of approvals.

He grins and speaks with optimism. The situation is changing. There is more and more recognition that we need to have a carefully crafted balance. Its a basic business fact, not unique to the Calgary market, that developers will not build something that wont sell.

On the flip side is the citys commitment to the MDP/Plan It Calgary, the urban master plan passed by council in 2009, charting how the city will evolve and develop to accommodate an expected 1.5 million more Calgarians in the next 40 years. The citys stance is complex and driven by various sustainability and environmental goals and targets. While it does include some single-family, inner-city development, the prime focus is overwhelmingly on high-density development, mostly tied in to rapid-transit access.

Huntingford explains that ongoing discussions about a carefully crafted balance include all urbanomics touchy topics like building-up versus building-out, home affordability and

choice, sustainability and urban growth based on need and fiscal capacity not only planning ideology.

He points out that choice is sometimes overlooked but is a vital aspect for consumers. Like the clich about Henry Ford and the Model T! It came in your choice of colour, as long as your choice was black. When it comes to home buying, the consumer wants affordability and lifestyle choices. Its a business fact! Artificially restricting land availability and

restricting choice restricts affordability. He cites random good examples of the

carefully crafted balance in some Calgary communities where residents (consumers) live and work in the community. Its not always possible but it is the ultimate solution. Like Seton in south Calgary the booming, diverse and amenity-rich community where people can work and live. And Keystone the first Calgary area development approved under the new Municipal Development Plan that incorporates numerous sustainability objectives.

Whether its land availability, choice and affordability or sustainability targets, Guy

Huntingford, the consummate Calgary booster and savvy business realist, refers to the ultimate consumer housing factor: supply and demand.

He highlights findings of a recent RBC-Pembina Home Location Study that surveyed the top reasons why people chose where they live:

the vast majority (79 per cent) of homebuyers selected to live where they do based on the cost of the home.

54 per cent of residents still choose walkability, short commutes and access to rapid transit, even if it cost more to own or rent and they had to trade off size for convenience.

44 per cent preferred a more spacious home and yard for a lower home price despite having to drive to most destinations.

And Calgary developers and the city are talking about it BiC

The answer may be for the city being more open and moving forward with approvals and allowing additional lands to be serviced in all quadrants.

~ Cam Hart

Guy Huntingford

The situation is changing. There is more and more recognition

that we need to have a carefully crafted balance. Its a basic

business fact, not unique to the Calgary market, that developers

will not build something that wont sell.

~Guy Huntingford

businessincalgary.com | BUSINESS IN CALGARY March 2015 29

What DO homeowners want? | BY JOHN HARDY

If home ownership is still the dream, then why does it sometimes seem so complicated?Unfortunately, the blunt, no-minced answer is urbanomics.

Municipal planners and officials responsible for portioning out and selling off lots and parcels of land, servicing the land with everything from sewers, water and utilities to garbage collection, granting building permits and setting property tax rates do what they have determined is best.

Developers and builders are in business and they project and calculate their costs for building the homes, the buildings and the plazas on the land and what sale price points the market will pay.

It all sounds like simple math and straightforward formulas. Of course its not. Urbanomics is often a hopeless casualty of theories versus realities, strategy versus logic, facts versus opinions, differing points of view and attitude. But theres hope!

There have been many, many meetings and communication is happening, is the cautious gut-feel, from respected Calgary executive Guy Huntingford, CEO of the Urban Development Institute (UDI), representing a vast majority of Calgarys residential developers. Differences in opinion, posturing and standoffs cant continue indefinitely. And they wont. It impacts Calgarys economy and Calgarys reputation. With about 40,000 new people coming to Calgary every year, we must not allow that to happen.

Eventually, developers and administrators must collaborate. It is the only solution for the community, he urges with impartial professionalism. Developers must understand and support the citys operating capital budget and the municipality must allow innovative ideas from developers.

Huntingford acknowledges valid issues on both sides. But he suggests that, from any perspective, municipalities must make their goals and objectives based on realities

Home Ownership Wish List

URBANOMICS | Urban Development Discussion

and that development is a complex and messy business.By unfair and summarized definition, the conflicting

urbanomics is about the city and its approved Municipal Development Plan (MDP) strategies and goals versus developers with exasperated concerns about land availability and the artificially inflated cost of land causing inadequate choice and unaffordable homes.

The interesting (and encouraging) factor, as Huntingford points out, is that the two factions are at least talking with each other, instead of about each other. They are meeting and starting to deal with some of the key issues.

As a strictly objective business fact, there must be access to affordable land for developers to build homes in-line with the realities of the marketplace. Why is the same lot in Edmonton $60,000 less than in Calgary? The citys growth management strategy has not worked and has caused a freeze-frame of approvals.

He grins and speaks with optimism. The situation is changing. There is more and more recognition that we need to have a carefully crafted balance. Its a basic business fact, not unique to the Calgary market, that developers will not build something that wont sell.

On the flip side is the citys commitment to the MDP/Plan It Calgary, the urban master plan passed by council in 2009, charting how the city will evolve and develop to accommodate an expected 1.5 million more Calgarians in the next 40 years. The citys stance is complex and driven by various sustainability and environmental goals and targets. While it does include some single-family, inner-city development, the prime focus is overwhelmingly on high-density development, mostly tied in to rapid-transit access.

Huntingford explains that ongoing discussions about a carefully crafted balance include all urbanomics touchy topics like building-up versus building-out, home affordability and

choice, sustainability and urban growth based on need and fiscal capacity not only planning ideology.

He points out that choice is sometimes overlooked but is a vital aspect for consumers. Like the clich about Henry Ford and the Model T! It came in your choice of colour, as long as your choice was black. When it comes to home buying, the consumer wants affordability and lifestyle choices. Its a business fact! Artificially restricting land availability and

restricting choice restricts affordability. He cites random good examples of the

carefully crafted balance in some Calgary communities where residents (consumers) live and work in the community. Its not always possible but it is the ultimate solution. Like Seton in south Calgary the booming, diverse and amenity-rich community where people can work and live. And Keystone the first Calgary area development approved under the new Municipal Development Plan that incorporates numerous sustainability objectives.

Whether its land availability, choice and affordability or sustainability targets, Guy

Huntingford, the consummate Calgary booster and savvy business realist, refers to the ultimate consumer housing factor: supply and demand.

He highlights findings of a recent RBC-Pembina Home Location Study that surveyed the top reasons why people chose where they live:

the vast majority (79 per cent) of homebuyers selected to live where they do based on the cost of the home.

54 per cent of residents still choose walkability, short commutes and access to rapid transit, even if it cost more to own or rent and they had to trade off size for convenience.

44 per cent preferred a more spacious home and yard for a lower home price despite having to drive to most destinations.

And Calgary developers and the city are talking about it BiC

The answer may be for the city being more open and moving forward with approvals and allowing additional lands to be serviced in all quadrants.

~ Cam Hart

Guy Huntingford

The situation is changing. There is more and more recognition

that we need to have a carefully crafted balance. Its a basic

business fact, not unique to the Calgary market, that developers

will not build something that wont sell.

~Guy Huntingford

Its a massive, brilliantly designed and meticulously crafted inner-city jigsaw puzzle. Its staggeringly complex, detailed, involved and impressive. Arranging the many, many pieces and seamlessly fitting them into place is a mind-bogglingly tricky and enormous manoeuvre. And like other huge and sprawling jigsaw puzzles, its tough to judge and get a true feeling for the big picture while just random pieces are being put into place. More and more pieces fit together and gradually take shape until the intricate and detailed, complete picture starts to appear.

Thats the status of the colossal, exciting, brilliantly designed mega-project that is Calgarys East Village.

The occasional challenge is that the East Village project is so diverse and unique that it is often difficult to neatly define. It is

a vibrant, mixed-use, inner-city neighbourhood an urban village and quickly becoming one of the most dynamic areas in Calgary.

This master-planned urban community will be a dazzling, enjoyable and ultimate people place.

The 49-acre East Village project consists of four character areas: Gateway, The Crossing, Rivers Edge and Parkside. Each area has its own personality and design features, and development is occurring with each areas unique geography, history and suitability in mind.

When its all done (which is sooner than you might imagine) the combined area will boast features like the natural appeal and enjoyment of St. Patricks Island and the Bow River, the National

Music Centre, a new Calgary Central Library, a 303-room Hilton Hotel, the $70-million 4th Street SE Underpass which links East Village to the beltline communities and Stampede Park, stunning condos, restaurants, retail and the historic Simmons Building and St. Louis Hotel. East Village will be home for 11,500 residents and a popular Calgary destination for everyone.

The uniqueness of East Village is also an interesting dilemma for East Village.

Until this summer, because the exciting project is so gigantic, complex and technical from the necessary engineering, infrastructure planning, construction and other components such as tearing down dilapidated eyesores, digging up streets and sidewalks, replacing sewage pipes and upgrading utilities,

laying the foundation for a district energy system/an ecologically friendly heating system that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and provide integrated energy planning, raising roads excavating underpasses and creating pedestrian-friendly streetscapes with wide sidewalks, state-of-the-art lighting

and even public furniture the average passerby really hasnt seen a visual.

As of this summer, it is already much different in the East Village. Its still a massive work-in-progress project but, this year more than the previous eight (CMLC started East Village in 2007), more and more pieces of the giant puzzle are taking shape and the big picture is starting to appear.

People often ask me, when will it be completed? But I just smile. This was never meant to be a sprint. Its a complicated and challenging development marathon, explains Susan Veres, the upbeat and high-energy dynamo who is vice president, marketing and communications, at the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation

East Village

Calgary is strong. And so is East Village, the place where Calgary was founded and where the future of downtown living is being built today.

Since 2006, Master Developer CMLC has led the transformation of East Village, and flood-proofing was

an integral part of the master plan in the past five years, weve raised the floodplain by up to four feet.

That important investment paid off this summer: our two major residential projects sustained little or

no damage, and construction continues. Our pride at the efforts of our neighbours and our community

knows no bounds. Our commitment to delivering the master plan vision of the community is intact and

our resolve is unwavering. We look forward to welcoming you to the newest, oldest, coolest, warmest

neighbourhood in town.

Relief. Recovery. Resolve.

INSPIRING COMMUNITIES TO BUILD, GROW AND BELIEVE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT CALGARYMLC.CA OR CALL 403.718.0300.

east village is a trademark owned by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation.

Its colossal and exciting.

People often ask me, when will it be completed? But I just smile. This was never meant to be a sprint. Its a complicated and challenging marathon.

~ Susan Veres

East Village

Calgary is strong. And so is East Village, the place where Calgary was founded and where the future of downtown living is being built today.

Since 2006, Master Developer CMLC has led the transformation of East Village, and flood-proofing was

an integral part of the master plan in the past five years, weve raised the floodplain by up to four feet.

That important investment paid off this summer: our two major residential projects sustained little or

no damage, and construction continues. Our pride at the efforts of our neighbours and our community

knows no bounds. Our commitment to delivering the master plan vision of the community is intact and

our resolve is unwavering. We look forward to welcoming you to the newest, oldest, coolest, warmest

neighbourhood in town.

Relief. Recovery. Resolve.

INSPIRING COMMUNITIES TO BUILD, GROW AND BELIEVE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT CALGARYMLC.CA OR CALL 403.718.0300.

east village is a trademark owned by Calgary Municipal Land Corporation.

(CMLC), the wholly-owned land development corporation with a 20-year mandate to create and develop East Village. Its human nature. People always get excited when they see a crane, a hole, construction activity and things taking shape. But with East Village, its not that simple.

In the first two years of project start-up (2007-2009) our heads were down as we were focused entirely on cementing our vision for the community and then assembling and servicing our land parcels. We were focused entirely on infrastructure planning and construction. Now, many of the infrastructure programs that were called out as being critical to the vision are wrapping up. Around the community today, there is much activity, visible progress and construction underway; we seem to be in the stage of public announcements, openings and unveilings and community programming, Veres says with enthusiasm.

She is a passionate booster of all-things-East Village and easily cites specific examples of the exciting uniqueness that is the East Village progress. We added permanent art, built pedestrian and cyclist connectors, delivered the 4th Street Underpass, serviced and sold our land parcels to capable developers who are executing our vision.

This year we will open St Patricks Island, the Simmons Building retail project and the first two condominium projects (of the planned 15 individual projects within the area). This is a very important year for our company, and in many ways, it represents the start of a new era as we welcome new residents to the community.

Additionally, we are bre

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BIC March 2015

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