Shaping a greater downtown

Downtown is Calgary’s economic and cultural heart. It’s a vibrant place where people come to live, explore, express themselves, and imagine what’s possible. When you’re downtown, you’re part of a welcoming community with active streets, dynamic public spaces and exciting experiences.

A strong downtown lifts the whole city

What happens downtown directly impacts the entire city—a strong core fuels our economy, creates jobs, and helps fund essential City services we rely on every day.

The City of Calgary’s Downtown Strategy is reimagining downtown to spark new ideas, new jobs, and new energy. This forward-looking plan tackles today’s challenges while planning for the future. The goal is a downtown that’s vibrant, resilient, innovative, and ready for what comes next.

Where daily life happens in new ways

Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan guides how Calgary will grow and thrive over time. Backed by a $325 million public investment, it supports new housing, businesses, and exciting public spaces. These changes build lively neighbourhoods that attract residents, visitors, and talent – creating a downtown that feels rewarding and alive.

Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan

Culture, sport and entertainment powerhouse

We’re boldly going from business district to a living, breathing 24/7 destination. Come downtown for the one-of-a-kind experiences, unexpected activities, and events that unite arts, culture, dining, shopping, sports and nature in an exciting urban atmosphere.

The downtown arts and culture landscape is evolving through new projects at The Werklund Centre, Glenbow, and Contemporary Calgary. Scotia Place is building the next chapter for sports and entertainment. New parks and vibrant public spaces are open, including the renewed Eau Claire Plaza. Revitalization efforts at Olympic Plaza, Stephen Avenue, and 8 Street S.W. are adding fresh energy to the core.

Underutilized buildings – new life

The City of Calgary is working with downtown partners to turn empty office buildings into homes, schools and creative spaces. Underutilized buildings are being converted and renewed with fresh ideas that add value to the community. These projects bring more residents downtown, including students, artists, families, and entrepreneurs, making neighbourhoods stronger and more diverse.

Downtown incentive programs

The mathematics of change

Through the downtown incentive programs, The City is encouraging meaningful, people-focused redevelopment. These programs help convert old offices, build partnerships, attract investment and support residential and institutional growth.

The goal:
  • Remove 6 million square feet of underutilized office space by 2031

The investment:
  • $805 partner investment in conversion projects
  • Every $1 invested by The City generates over $4 in private investment
  • $1.4B in total economic impact

The progress (Q4 2025):
  • 21 office conversion projects (six complete)
  • 2,655 residential units (490 complete)
  • 4,200 new downtown residents (780 already downtown)
  • 2.68 million square feet office space converted (660,000 complete)

See it all in 3D

The 3D Downtown Revitalization Viewer is an interactive way to explore how downtown is changing. You can explore neighbourhood updates, learn about upcoming projects, and see how each initiative fits into the bigger picture.

3D Downtown Revitalization Viewer

Connect to what’s happening

Follow new developments, events, and opportunities through The City of Calgary’s Downtown Strategy Newsletter and social channels. Explore, share with #ExploreDowntownYYC, and be part of Calgary’s next chapter.

Stay connected