calgary economic development strategy [implementation update] 2010

June 15, 2010

.ca | call 3-1-1 An economic development strategy to make a global city – competitive, successful and unique.

I executive summary...... 5

II implementation update...... 21

2 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update message from mayor dave bronconnier

Economic development is a significant City priority that contributes to Calgary’s vibrancy, quality of life and sustainability. I see Calgary as a place that continues to prosper with opportunity, talent and economic activity of all kinds. A clean and affordable city where children can grow up safely and where people want to live and do business.

Over the past two years, while many cities struggled during the global economic downturn and a period of extraordinary change and uncertainty, Calgary has been poised to thrive. While Calgary stands at the threshold of a new economic era, the city continues to compete in the global marketplace and our advantages are many. Calgary has a universally lauded quality of life. This year, Calgary was ranked as the fifth most livable city in the world by The Economist magazine. This quality of life continues to attract the entrepreneurial talent that Calgary is renowned for. It is also critical in maintaining a dynamic local economy in the face of a recovering global economy. Calgary also maintains the unrivaled title as the energy capital of and has made great advances including becoming a burgeoning centre of financial services amongst other industries.

Many of these achievements could have not been possible without the impressive efforts and contributions made by the Calgary business community. I would also like to thank my fellow members of for their vision and commitment. In addition, I must express my thanks to the many other stakeholders who take great pride in our city and have supported our progress to date. I feel privileged to be part of this collective effort.

In the “business of attracting business,” our priority is to continue to build a Great City. Calgary’s success is based on a strong vision, setting goals, developing strategies and implementing them. Calgary’s “can do” attitude not only means that it is entrepreneurial and creative, but also has a willingness to do things differently – and do different things.

This document is a two-year review on the performance of the Economic Development Strategy for Calgary. It is meant to evaluate if the implementation plan aimed at leading our city to economic prosperity continues to showcase and build on our inherent strengths. Further implementation priorities will be assessed against the world of today and the expected world of tomorrow. The approach will continue to be flexible and responsive so that Calgary can adapt and evolve in order to advance. Whatever the current economic difficulties, I have no doubt that with its growing population, comprehensive economic development strategy and astonishing base of skills and resources, Calgary will continue to lengthen its lead as a prominent business centre.

Sincerely,

Dave Bronconnier MAYOR

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 3 4 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update I

executive summary

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 5 introduction.

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on the implementation plan of the Calgary Economic Development Strategy 2008–2018 and offer a comprehensive review of the progress made since the Strategy was endorsed by Calgary City Council in 2008.

6 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update The Economic Development Strategy 2008-2018 (“the Strategy”), is a guiding document for The City of Calgary, City-funded economic development agencies, and many other key economic development stakeholders. It is meant to serve as a rallying point for collective action to support the ongoing prosperity for Calgarians and Calgary companies.

The Strategy proposes what can be done now, and into the future, to stimulate necessary growth in Calgary’s economy, improve the health and vitality of our community and put Calgary further down the path to a sustainable future.

The creation of the Strategy, forged by a culture of partnership, was the result of an inclusive and collective input by many stakeholders. It ultimately led to the creation of a roadmap that described what was essential to achieving sustainable economic growth and a plan of what should be done to further improve Calgary’s quality of life.

The 2009–2011 implementation plan approved by City Council identifies specific projects to be executed by City Business Units, Civic Partners and external organizations.

The Strategy has been a practical reality for two years. In addition to assessing performance on specific actions, a review is timely to determine whether the goals and actions contained within the ten-year strategy are still relevant and appropriate under current economic conditions.

The Strategy was originally crafted and launched in a time of strong economic performance - only one year before the global economic collapse. Today, the economy is much slower and labour markets are less constrained. Given the trajectory of global economic recovery, the selection of actions for future implementation should be assessed against the context of the future global situation.

Given the trajectory of global economic recovery, the selection of actions for future implementation should be assessed against the context of the future global situation.

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 7 background.

In July of 2008, City Council approved an implementation plan that supported the focus on 40 of the 68 total actions contained within the Economic Development Strategy. This implementation coincided with The City of Calgary’s 2009- 2011 budget cycle.

In 2002, Mayor Bronconnier invited one of Canada’s top business leaders, Murray Edwards, President of EDCO Financial Holdings, to chair a task force made up of representatives from the public, non-profit and private sectors to review Calgary’s economic development model.

One of the objectives that the Edwards Task Force identified was the need to develop a comprehensive economic development strategy for Calgary.

The strategy was meant to guide the activities of all three levels of government within the Calgary region as they related to Calgary’s four economic development agencies: Calgary Economic Development, Tourism Calgary, Calgary Technologies Inc. and the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre.

In addition to serving as a guide for the four City-funded economic development agencies, it was hoped that other economic development partners, senior levels of government and the private sector would align their priorities with the overall Calgary Economic Development Strategy.

The Strategy was the culmination of the recommendations made by the Edwards Task Force. It identified those strategic sectors and drivers that Calgary should focus its resources on in order to ensure that it remains at the peak of competitiveness amongst global jurisdictions.

8 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update Currently, the Strategy is being used in three key ways:

1. As a guide for making long-term planning decisions. Endorsed and influenced by Calgary City Council, many of the actions and priorities of the Strategy have been embedded within Calgary’s Council Priorities for 2009-2011 so that economic impact considerations are included in municipal decision-making;

2. As direction for the development of economic development agency plans, projects and budgets. Calgary’s four economic development agencies incorporate the actions of the Strategy into their annual plans and budgets; and

3. As the source of ideas and inspiration for community action and collaboration. Many of the priorities have brought together Calgary companies and Calgarians to achieve the Strategy goals, including a series of new and innovative initiatives.

The identified actions were deemed to be timely and well positioned for success within a three-year time frame. Some of the projects may transition into the budget cycles of 2012 and beyond while other additional projects will commence beyond 2011. This report only addresses the implementation of those projects approved for implementation in the 2009-2011 budget cycle.

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 9 goals.

The Strategy is built on three high level goals that anchor and qualify all of the initiatives and actions, and support the overall vision of a greater level of prosperity for Calgary and Calgarians. To achieve these goals, specific objectives were identified along with long-term and short-term strategies and actions.

The Strategy is a unique tool for Calgary in two key ways: first it recognizes the importance of people for Calgary’s future prosperity and, secondly, it recognizes and builds off of the strengths and importance of the energy sector.

The powerful combination of Calgary’s reputation, its unrivaled quality of life and the capacity for offering an attractive business environment creates a tremendous opportunity for the city to simultaneously expand into high-growth markets, create jobs and further enhance its standard of living.

While unemployment rates may be higher in the first half of 2010 than they have been in over ten years, demographic shifts alone will result in a return to labour shortage conditions within the next three to five years. Calgary, and more specifically Calgary companies, will once again be facing global competition for talent, and given the magnitude of global labour imbalances, people will have great choice as to where they locate and work. It will therefore be imperative that Calgary continue to be a great city for all to live in. We must continue to provide a high quality of life, extensive services and the ability to immigrate and settle with ease and support. The need to enhance and expand Calgary’s labour force and ensure that all residents have equitable access to the benefits of Calgary’s enhanced economic competitiveness and growth is paramount. The makeup of Calgary’s economy, the size and quality of its labour force, and its reputation as both a creative and livable city, makes it an attractive choice to highly mobile talent and investment.

Previous economic development strategies have often focused on diversifying beyond the energy sector which was seen as dominating Calgary’s economy. The energy sector continues to be strong and growing in Calgary despite diversification efforts. It continues to be one of the driving forces behind the emergence of new technologies, new products and services, and it is largely responsible for Calgary’s continued prosperity. The Strategy takes a different approach - build off our strengths in energy to become THE global energy centre. Building on our strengths is the only way to be successful long term.

The Strategy is a unique tool for Calgary in two key ways: first it recognizes the importance of people for Calgary’s future prosperity and, secondly, it recognizes and builds off of the strengths and importance of the energy sector.

10 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update The powerful combination of Calgary’s reputation, its unrivaled quality of life and the capacity for offering an attractive business environment creates a tremendous opportunity for the city to simultaneously expand into high-growth markets, create jobs and further enhance its standard of living.

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 11 Three goals were identified within the Economic Development Strategy:

12 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 1. Goal one: Focus on people and community

Why is it important? Demographic changes and global competition for talent will continue to make people the main factor of competition for cities. The current and ongoing trends of globalization, urbanization, and location matter more than ever in attracting increasingly mobile talent and capital. Not only do cities need to offer a high quality of life for all, but they must also invest in education and be welcoming to new citizens.

How is implementation progressing? Clearly, Calgary’s advantages as a location of choice to live and do business have not gone unnoticed. To address an explosive population growth over the past several years, The City of Calgary continues to work on improvements to infrastructure and affordable housing, while other partner agencies work to address priorities that will support the attraction, retention and development of local talent. Labour force development is both a major challenge and tremendous opportunity for Calgary. Calgary continues to seize the opportunity to better utilize the local labour force, in addition to relying on those business and strategic institutions that facilitate the advancement into new markets and developing regions. As the unemployment rate drops, a greater focus will be needed towards international attraction with appropriate credential policies and a focus on the settlement of immigrants. Calgary has also made great strides in advocating for additional educational investment with other levels of government. It is only through the application of “global know how” that Calgary can flourish in an era of global trade and position itself as a recognized centre for art, culture and design. In 2009, MacLean’s magazine named Calgary, “Canada’s Smartest, Most Active and Most Cultured City” based on studies completed by the Canadian Council on Learning.

• labour force development • educational investment [ • centre for art, culture and design

To address an explosive population growth over the past several years, The City of Calgary continues to work on improvements to infrastructure and affordable housing, while other partner agencies work to address priorities that will support the attraction, retention and development of local talent.

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 13 2. Goal two: Focus on Business and Enterprise

Why is it important? Economic development does not happen without companies and organizations making investments in jobs, projects and operations. We need to target our strengths in energy, financial services, manufacturing and other sectors, while ensuring that we have an attractive business environment.

How is implementation progressing? Calgary provides an environment of certainty for businesses by establishing a clear and consistent framework within which to operate. Activities are underway across all of Calgary’s key economic sectors including a study to create an action plan for achieving the target of becoming THE global energy centre. In addition, a Financial Services Advisory Committee, WORKshift - a telework program, expansion of facilities at Calgary Technologies Inc. and many other initiatives have been launched to achieve this goal. A renewed level of financial investment in our city together with a greater degree of co-operation among industry, labour, educators and orders of government will enhance competitiveness and continue to stimulate sustained economic growth in the city.

• Financial Services Advisory Committee • WORKshift – a telework program [ • target of becoming THE global energy centre

14 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 3. Goal three: Focus on International Reach

Why is it important? In a world of ever-increasing connectivity, the impact that trade and foreign direct investment, tourism and international knowledge and research exchanges have on long-term prosperity becomes more and more obvious. Calgary is taking action to ensure that it will define its place in a globalized world. Calgary needs to continue to diversify its international portfolio by substantially increasing economic activity with cities beyond North America. With much of the global business growth taking place in China, Brazil, India and the Middle East, a focus on emerging markets must be a priority. Calgary and Calgary companies need to be ready for international context and to be known increasingly around the world as a key energy and business centre.

How is implementation progressing? With the global recession, international business efforts have been deferred to some degree, particularly larger scale projects. However, with Calgary’s social, cultural and economic diversity richly embedded in our companies, entrepreneurs and labour force, we have the know-how and the connections to succeed in the international market. Calgary’s many strategic assets, such as the , and The Global Business Centre are poised to contribute to Calgary’s presence internationally. Other substantial projects and investments by economic development partners, including the Calgary Airport Authority’s $1.8 billion International Facilities expansion, are also being undertaken to meet international demand enabling the world to come to Calgary and Calgary to present itself to the world.

• Global Business Centre • University of Calgary’s international activity [ • Calgary Airport Authority’s $1.8 billion International Facilities expansion

In a world of ever-increasing connectivity, the impact that trade and foreign direct investment, tourism and international knowledge and research exchanges have on long-term prosperity becomes more and more obvious.

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 15 performance summary – implementation assessment

Calgary City Council approved the implementation of 40 actions and flagship concepts resulting from the Strategy to commence during the 2009-2011 budget cycle.

This section addresses the performance of implementation of those 40 actions specific to each of the three goals identified within the Strategy.

Overall, the majority of projects are advancing very well.

Green – advancing well, in progress 33 (83%)

Yellow – commenced but progress has stalled 2 (5%)

Red – not yet commenced 5 (12%)

16 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update Economic Development Strategy for Calgary Implementation Plan 2009-2011 — Status of Progress of Initiatives

Goal 1 Goal 2 Goal 3 Focus on People Focus on Business Focus on and Community and Enterprise International Reach Increasing Public Transit Increasing Signage Affordable Housing Service for Tourism Intensification and Transit Completion of Major Oriented Development Transportation Projects Sustainable Land Development Implementation of City and Complete Communities Services On-line Cultural and Commercial Increased Industrial District Enhancement Strategy Land Supply

The City of Calgary Increased Urban Design Increased Arts Space

Planning for Strategic Increased Architectural Focus Economic Nodes City Commitment to Creation of a Business Environmental Design Environmental Strategy Creation of a Water Centre of Excellence Becoming a Leader in the Permitting Process Digital Strategy and Tools for Development and launch of The Global Energy Institute Workforce Attraction Calgary brand Calgary Economic Calgary Telework program The Global Business Centre Development and infrastructure Calgary Digital and Creative Hub Tourism Digital Media enhancement Tourism Calgary Tourism Kiosk Deployment

Expansion of the Alastair Ross Technology Centre Development of a Biotech Calgary Technologies Inc. Incubator University Innovation Park Detailed Business Plan Calgary TELUS Expand the Calgary TELUS Convention Centre Convention Centre

Calgary Centre for Dialogue

Redevelopment of Other Agencies and Implementation of Civic Partners ArtSpace project Investing in the Extraordinary for the Arts Redevelopment of the Central Library Urban Campus in Calgary International Global Capital Epicentre Calgary Airport Expansion Calgary Health and International Business External Wellness Centre Development Offices Global Centre for Securing Cyberspace

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 17 beyond 2011

Calgary’s success is based on a strong vision, setting goals, developing strategies and implementing them.

— Mayor Dave Bronconnier

Some of the actions that commenced during the 2009-2011 cycle will extend past the specified time frame, therefore some will require additional efforts beyond 2011.

The subsequent implementation of the Strategy actions that will be deferred to 2012 will depend upon City Council priorities of the day. Implementation of the Strategy does not lay solely in the domain of The City of Calgary. Those external stakeholders, businesses and individuals who wish to take a leadership role in the economic health and well-being of their city may consider doing so. The continued successful implementation of the Strategy, now and beyond, will require assistance from all of these parties within the community.

The City, along with the governments of and Canada, economic development partners, local businesses and leaders have played a critical role in implementing the actions contained within the Strategy to date.

There will be a continued need for leadership from the new Calgary City Council. Having a clear vision, and remaining committed to a solid strategy, will deliver results in building on a great city and making it more attractive place to live and work.

The plan we have implemented has set our city on the right track for the future, but more challenges lay ahead. By taking action now, through renewed private and public sector interest and investment, Calgary will be bold, energetic, connected and collaborative as we all continue to aspire and align towards a clear and achievable vision.

18 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update By taking action now, through renewed private and public sector interest and investment, Calgary will be bold, energetic, connected and collaborative as we all continue to aspire and align towards a clear and achievable vision.

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 19 20 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update II

implementation update

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 21 two-year implementation update

Goal one: Focus on people and community

i. Objective: Educate and Engage

Initiative: Redevelopment of Central Library

Description: Development of a new iconic Central Library.

i.i.1 The land exchange for Block 40 between The City of Calgary and Bow Valley College for the phase 2 campus has been completed. This facilitates the availability of a site for the new Central Library redevelopment once Calgary Police Services relocates. Bow Valley College is constructing the first phase of the underground infrastructure, on behalf of all partners, planned to be shared with the new Central Library. This includes parking ramps on 6th Ave S.E, a loading dock and a waste management system. Design is proceeding on the LRT platform to be relocated to Block 40 shortly. The Library continues to work to advance this key civic project.

Initiative: Urban Campus in

Description: Fully develop the urban campus downtown, creating a vibrant mixed-use district of education, institutional, residential and commercial amenities. i.i.3 Bow Valley College is approaching the completion an $81.2 M renovation to the North Building of the campus. The south site, located directly north of City Hall, is well underway and will include a seven story structure and three levels of underground parking - a $192.2 million Leeds Silver project. The collaborative design respects the principles of the City Centre Plan and other major developments in the surrounding area. The project will serve as a gateway to East Village and is expected to be completed in December 2010. The University of Calgary is working on its downtown campus at 8th and 8th which will offer 127,000 sq ft of space. It is scheduled to open in September 2010.

Initiative: for Dialogue

Description: Establish a central location through space and programs to support increased dialogue, discussion, presentations and public lectures. i.i.6 This project has not formally commenced but has been discussed as a potential aspect of the Global Energy Centre or the new Central Library.

ii. Objective: Remove Barriers to Meaningful Employment

Initiative: Digital Strategy and Tools for Workforce Attraction

Description: Creation of digital and non-digital infrastructure in support of workforce attraction.

ii.i.1 An authoritative website for people attraction, www.liveincalgary.com, was launched by Calgary Economic Development (CED) in February 2010. The website was very well received in market and has already been recognized by Canadian economic development experts. The marketing and distribution strategy is currently under development. Calgarypedia is ongoing and maintenance of the Calgary e-brochure is also ongoing.

22 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update ii. Objective: Remove Barriers to Meaningful Employment

Initiative: Affordable Housing

Description: Create sufficient and affordable housing for all Calgarians that includes a broad mix of housing forms and options by creating innovative tools and approaches. The Office of Land Service and Housing (OLSH) has targeted the creation of 200 units of affordable housing per year. Planning, Development and Assessment (PDA) continues to enhance the processes, tools and communications that contribute to the successful implementation of affordable housing. PlanIt’s emphasis is on housing diversity and choice. Examining specific incentive systems for affordable housing is currently underway. The objective is to meet The City’s contribution (90 units/yr) to the 10-Year Plan (total of 11,500 units). The program requires the inclusion of City-owned land at book value and will include a Provincial contribution of $30M per year to meet 150 target units). ii.i.3 In 2009, City Council approved the funding for a total of 2,998 units (comprised of affordable housing units, affordable housing incentives, rental subsidies and home ownership units).The City acquired 129 additional units and partnered with Karas Corporation, The Calgary Homeless Foundation, LaCaille Group, amongst others to provide hundreds of affordable housing units across the city.

A series of open houses were held for the Secondary Suites Grant Pilot Program and successful grant applicants received up to $25,000 to upgrade, legalize or create new suites. The Financial Incentives Pilot Program (FIPP) was created to assist the non-profit and private sectors with the development of affordable housing by providing fee rebates and start-up grants of up to $10,000 per project.

The Office of Land Servicing & Housing (OLSH) provided transitional administrative support to the Attainable Home Ownership Program prior to its official launch. The program is now administered by Attainable Homes Calgary Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The City of Calgary whose mandate is to develop 1,000 home ownership units.

Administration led on-going consultations with stakeholders regarding strengthening and sustaining the development of affordable housing in Calgary. City Administration also shared a leadership role in the organization of the fifth annual National Housing Day breakfast in November 2009 with the theme of encouraging private sector participation in creating affordable housing. The City will continue to apply a comprehensive approach to developing affordable housing, work to secure long-term funding arrangements; and develop a sustainable operating and real estate program.

 Guided through Council direction, affordable housing units are being implemented through conditions on outline plans for appropriate new communities. Development and Building Approvals administers the Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP), an important affordable housing initiative that provides grants to low income families to do much needed repairs to their houses.

The West Village Area Redevelopment Plan will provide the provision of a broad range of housing types for different types of households, income levels, age groups and lifestyles that are also expected to assist in addressing the affordable housing issue in Calgary.

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 23 iii. Objective: Enhance the City’s Sense Of Place and Experience

Initiative: Redevelopment of Olympic Plaza

Description: Redesign and redevelopment of Olympic Plaza.

iii.i.3 No plans currently exist to redesign and redevelop Olympic Plaza.

Initiative: Implementation of ArtSpace project

Description: Completion of a range of projects supporting cultural and creative capacity in Calgary. iii.ii.2 Calgary Arts Development Authority (CADA) is facilitating the process of turning the 100 block of 7th Ave SW into a “cultural corridor”. During the Fall of 2009, CADA requested Expressions of Interest (EOI) for entities interested in taking the lead in developing the 100 block of 7th Ave SW in partnership with Heritage Properties Corp, the Calgary Foundation and CADA. Two non-profit arts organizations responded to the EOI, and work is underway to define and clarify the parameters (space available, condition of buildings) and opportunities surrounding 7th Ave SW as a “cultural corridor.” A project plan to advance this vision is nearing completion.

Operational funding is now in place for CADA to become more proactive in working with the private sector to develop new spaces for the arts. Calgary Municipal Land Corporation and CADA have announced the intention to work together to provide Calgary-based artists and non-profit arts organizations or collectives the ability to use vacant buildings in the East Village for a variety of arts uses. Though some buildings are slated for eventual demolition, the creative use of an existing vacant building is part of a long term initiative to integrate the arts community into East Village.

Projects that have been recommended for support through CADA processes and have moved through The City’s process for funding include: Folk Festival Hall ($1.8M), Cantos at the King Eddy’s National Music Centre ($25M, The City of Calgary is the first public investor), Nickel Arts Museum ($3.2M), Pumphouse Theatre ($4M, The City of Calgary is the first public investor). Two other projects are moving through the process with Council dates expected in late 2010.

24 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update iii. Objective: Enhance the City’s Sense Of Place and Experience

Initiative: Intensification Of Transit Oriented Development

Description: Planning, Development and Assessment (PDA): Preparation of a strategy and prioritization system for the intensification in inner city and established communities based on PlanIt. Centre City: active investigation and analysis of intensification opportunities, including site/area specific urban design studies, development constraint/ opportunity analysis, e.g. identifying “landmark” sites without height restrictions for shadow protection. Transportation Infrastructure (TI), Office of Land Service and Housing (OLSH): Projects meeting the TOD mandate include: Manchester North, Westbrook Station, Anderson Station, Louise Station. Transportation Infrastructure (TI): In September 2009, Calgary City Council approved a new Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Calgary Transportation Plan (CTP) that were created through the Plan It Calgary process. These plans describe the vision for a long-term pattern of growth and development in Calgary over the next 60 years and provide policies that will start to create that form of city over the next 30 years. These policies will guide decisions that will continue to integrate social, economic and environmental objectives. The integrated MDP and CTP focuses on intensifying and diversifying urban activities around transit stations and premium transit routes, in urban activity centres and along corridors with housing choice, mixed land-uses, strong local employment bases, and comfortable, safe, walkable streets, public spaces and amenities. iii.i.1 Planning, Development and Assessment (PDA): SE 17 Corridor Study – This is a land use and urban design concept for the future redevelopment of lands along the 17 Avenue SE Corridor between and the CN Rail Line. The Concept Plan implements the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) for this “Urban Corridor” typology with a target of completion of July 2010.

Anderson Station Area Plan – This Station Area Redevelopment Plan includes lands both east and west of in the vicinity of the Anderson LRT Station with a target of completion of mid-2010.

Banff Trail Station Area Plan – This is a Station Area Redevelopment Plan that includes the triangle of lands known as “Motel Village” near the Banff Trail LRT Station. Completion is targeted for early 2011.

The Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Strategic Plan – This is a city-wide policy document that will address overall design guidelines for development around all LRT stations as well as a strategy for future plan development and prioritization of municipal investment. This plan is also being reviewed within the context of strategic growth management initiatives stemming from the approval of the new Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and the Calgary Transportation Plan (CTP).

West Village Area Redevelopment Plan is moving forward with a target of mid-2010.

East Village ARP amendment and Land Use Redesignations have been moving forward with a target of mid-2010.

PDA & Transportation Infrastructure: Plan It Calgary Project –The Plan It Calgary Implementation Committee was formed to address implementation needs and to establish protocols around definition and interpretation. A report on Plan It Calgary Implementation was approved by Council in February 2010. Calgary City Council also approved the Terms of Reference for a new MDP/CTP Sustainment Committee, to include a range of community and industry stakeholders, with a mandate to provide an on-going forum for strategic and technical issues arising from the implementation of both the MDP and CTP. There was a unanimous Council approval of the MDP Bylaw and the CTP.

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 25 iii.i.1 Plan It Calgary Implementation Committee was established in November 2009 and will have had over 15 meetings by the end of 2010. The updated Implementation Program and Report was also prepared and included: • Identification of key issues around clarification, interpretation and process alignment • Approve Terms of Reference for MDP/CTP Sustainment Committee • Administration Implementation Program identifying short, medium and long-term implementation

Some implementation has already commenced (e.g. Low impact Development Steering Committee and Directors for Sustainability)

Office of Land Service and Housing (OLSH): Manchester North Affordable Housing - affordable housing in a mixed market development on former Manchester school site. Target is for 180 units of affordable housing. The building was designed as a LEEDS Platinum development. Manchester North three tower site project will offer affordable and market units, both for rental & ownership. This first phase of the project (Lumino) will see construction of 88 affordable rental units. The development, located at 55th Avenue and 2nd Street SW, is a collaborative effort between The City, The Province and private developer, Kanas Corporation. Funding for the project comes from both The Province of Alberta and The City of Calgary. The building is designed as a LEED Platinum development.

 Also being championed by Office of Land Service and Housing (OLSH) are the following projects: • Westbrook station project - 13 ac parcels for mixed use and project is moving forward • Anderson Station - 20 ac parcel for mixed use. Station Area plan approved and project is moving forward • Louise Station - a multi-purpose complex with emergency response, affordable housing (88 units), market housing and commercial usage is moving forward.

Initiative: Sustainable Land Development and Complete Communities

Description: Planning, Development and Assessment (PDA): Work towards achieving the long range targets set out by imagineCALGARY. Create an imagineCALGARY sustainment group with Land Use Planning & Policy (LUPP) for ongoing monitoring and reporting of progress. Transportation Infrastructure (TI): Infrastructure implementation focus on smart growth principles, transit oriented development. Urban design studies/strategies for major commercial areas/BRZ’s. iii.i.2 Planning, Development and Assessment (PDA): Relevant targets from imagineCALGARY have been incorporated into the approved Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Calgary Transportation Plan (CTP). A monitoring and reporting framework will ensure that progress towards these targets are reported to Council and Calgarians at regular intervals and aligned with key decision making timeframes for City work programs and budgets. Centre City Implementation promoted the development of complete streets to enhance pedestrian and bicycle movement, together with public realm improvements to reduce the use of cars.

  2010 Centre City Plan Implementation Update - Centre City Implementation and its partners have spent the last year exploring the city’s core’s late night economy. From exploring pedestrian activity, to public transit access, to safety in bars – the team has collected important data to create action plans and strategies to insure the Centre City stays a livable, thriving and caring place.

Ongoing collaborations with business units to coordinate efforts for capital projects: • 13th Avenue Heritage Greenway - Phase 1 near completion • 11th Avenue ENMAX power duct upgrade has resulted in an upgrade of the streetscape including street trees and upgraded sidewalks • Development of a shared data base of all current projects complete for 2010 work program • Analysis and discussions underway to determine big win projects resulting in complete thoughts and multi- business unit projects for the next budget cycle • Phase 1 Centre City way finding study completed. Phase 2 pilot discussions are underway • Late Night Economy study underway to provide a governance structure to address entertainment establishments, safety, transportation opportunities and economic benefits and costs • Ongoing collaborations through Clean To The Core and Safety Impact team and, through pilot projects, have realized significant decreases in social disorder and property crimes.

26 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update iii.i.2 Centre City Implementation and Urban Design working with other business units on various beautification and redesign initiatives celebrating Chinatown’s 100 year anniversary. The current bridge banners are being profiled online.

Transportation Infrastructure: Calgary City Council approved $10M for walking and cycling facilities and an additional $61M for pedestrian overpasses in 2009-2011. There has been increased planning, funding, implementation and maintenance of facilities for pedestrians and bicycles. Council approved the 2009 Calgary Transportation Plan, Sunalta ARP, Brentwood TOD MAP and West LRT MAPs for 6 station areas (including complete street design for 17 AV SW and 33 ST SW in the area). On-street bike routes improved: 2 ST NW, 19 ST NW and 5 AV NW in West Hillhurst, 29 ST NW, 52 ST NW, across Barlow TR at 4 AV NE; pedestrian overpass over McKnight at 47 ST NE; pathways completed in Crestmont and through Optimist Park. The development will continue for the Complete Streets guidelines and focus on project prioritization in the Centre City. Also, Brentwood TOD MAP and the University of Calgary area-wide pedestrian and bicycle improvement project; 13 Avenue Greenway; 11 AV SW streetscape; 10 AV / 14 ST SW intersection; pedestrian overpass over Stoney TR between Arbour Lake and Royal Oak; Strathcona and Mayland Heights Community Traffic Studies; build missing sidewalks in Alyth / Bonnybrook industrial area; West LRT construction begins; extensions of the NW and NE LRT.

Initiative: Cultural and Commercial District Enhancement Strategy

Description: Recreation: working with Calgary Arts Development Authority (CADA) and Calgary Economic Development (CED) to enhance Calgary’s sense of place and experience. iii.i.3 Continue working within the Centre City Plan policies, the Economic Development Strategy and Calgary Arts Development Authority (CADA). New Event Policy was delivered in 2010. City Administration supported major national and international events in the city centre in 2009 such as the Assembly of First Nations, World Waterskiing Championships, World Skills 2009, Dalai Lama “NOW” visit, Grey Cup 2009, 2010 Torch Relay and CTV Olympic Broadcast in early 2010. New promotional tool launched in September, “Calgary Culture Month” to focus attention on all activities in the cultural sector within the downtown. Arts and Culture continues to work through Centre City Implementation to develop a “vitality strategy” for the Centre City with a delivery date of Spring 2010. Key partners involved in all initiatives include CED, CADA, CSTA, Tourism Calgary and CDA.

Initiative: Increased Urban Design

Description: Transportation Infrastructure (TI): planning a major “pedestrian gateway” project into the downtown. CCI supported by Centre City Plan policies. Council policy around design competitions for municipal projects, staff support for the management of competitions. AMCW: TOD innovative and mixed- use development. Support Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) land transactions within East Village. Municipal Plaza redevelopment and CPA City Parkade (1,000 stalls). District Energy Complex development. iii.ii.1 Transportation Infrastructure: Calgary City Council approved the construction of a pedestrian bridge () over River west of Prince’s Island Park. The location of the bridge is designed to create a convenient link for users of Calgary’s pathway system and pedestrians wishing to travel between Sunnyside, including the LRT Station, and central downtown destinations such as Eau Claire. This bridge design addresses safety and comfort for users by offering:

• A 6.2-metre wide pathway, double the width of other pedestrian bridges in the area • A clear separation between pedestrian and bicycle/wheel traffic for safety • Canopy-style glazed roof supports year round use while maintaining natural light • Lighting for night time use • Retains the downtown heliport, used by HAWKS and STARS

The Peace Bridge launch is scheduled for October 2010. Removal of the temporary bridge is scheduled for November 2010.

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 27 iii.ii.1 Transportation Infrastructure completed the construction of a sound wall along with enhanced design elements such as clear glass panels.

Municipal Plaza Redevelopment - Continuation of the conceptual designs and costing of the modernization of the Municipal Plaza. The visible aging of the Plaza provides an opportunity to move towards further contributions for larger urban gatherings. This end of downtown needs to increase its visibility and attractiveness to increase business. Creating a sense of place for after hours is an important aspect to encourage additional businesses to arrive.

District Energy - The Municipal Complex has been connected and receives heat supply from the District Energy plant during week day / business hours only. As of July 2010, the complex will receive full time heat supply from the plant. The future plan is to connect the Public Building and Andrew Davidson Building to District Energy. The Alberta Trade Centre is a possible longer term candidate.

Initiative: Investing in the Extraordinary for the Arts

Description: Creation of a strategic fund to invest in extraordinary arts projects, festivals, institutions and other high impact arts initiatives, including augmenting cultural tourism development. iii.ii.2 The launching of renewed program for municipal arts granting system. Increased accountability and a new focus on measuring public and artistic impact of annual municipal investment in the arts. Municipal art grants funding for 2010 is $3.9M, up 3% over 2009 levels. Also, CADA has introduced multi-year grants to promote stability in large organizations. Large Organizations (budgets of $1M+) have been put on a three-year Operating Grant to align with The City of Calgary’s 3-year budget cycle. Festival Organizations have been put on a two-year Operating Grant and will be re-assessed in 2011. CADA continues to engage with The City of Calgary, sister agencies that support festival and events (Tourism Calgary and Calgary Economic Development), and the sport community, to develop a process that takes advantage of CADA’s expertise in arm’s length grant assessment to deliver $900K in one-time funding (over 2 years). The funding will be used to support growth and innovation in festivals and events to realize the new festival and event policy.

A new central website, www.calgaryculture.com, is now available as a one-stop shop for arts information that can be accessed by citizens and visitors and offers a free promotional channel for arts organizations. CalgaryCulture. com builds on the current assets of our current arts promotion services, which has an opt-in subscriber base of 7,000 people who receive weekly updates on arts events in Calgary. Campaigns underway to promote festivals, arts events, exhibitions and other arts engagement opportunities are carried out in partnership with the tourism industry, civic agencies and others. These campaigns will focus on Winter Festivals, Spring & Summer Festivals & Events, the Fall Arts Season and Holiday Season Arts Events.

CADA has completed a cultural tourism benchmark study, in partnership with Tourism Calgary, and is developing a strategy to secure additional sources of revenue for arts development. It is also working to create a new cultural tourism strategy and it is collaboratively working on “September is Culture Month”. CADA is entering into the second year of a two-year service agreement with the Cultural District, aimed at providing marketing and membership services to increase awareness of Cultural District and increase traffic (visits) to the District. The planning for the launch of the new Cultural District Brand and membership programs are underway.

28 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update Initiative: Increased Architectural Focus

Description: Planning, Development and Assessment (PDA): Heritage programs, on-going emphasis on design guidelines, Mayor’s Urban Design Awards, Urban Design Panel, Centre City policies, Sustainable building design and incentives. Establish Centre of Excellence for design and sustainability, providing information and showcasing developments iii.ii.3 Ongoing emphasis on achieving Design Excellence as per Business Plan Objectives through the establishment of the Urban Design & Heritage Team. Providing increased and consistent design input throughout The City of Calgary. Urban Design staff providing expertise to planning policy studies, development application review and improvement initiatives to the public realm.

Development of an Urban Design Framework is underway as is the development of an Urban Design “family of guidelines”. Ongoing is the bridge banner program with specific focus in 2010 on the Chinatown 100 and Parks celebrations; heritage evaluations and designations in partnership with the Calgary Heritage Authority are also underway.

Initiative: Civic Commitment to Environmental Design

Description: Planning, Development and Assessment (PDA): Optimization of PDA operations with increased green focus. Development of processes, tools and communications that encourage early adoption of green focused development initiatives including LEEDS, GreenBuilt and GreenRoof and green approaches to home renovation. Manchester North will be built to a minimum Built Green Silver standard. The City of Calgary Administration Building initiatives. iii.ii.4 There has been an increased emphasis on Sustainable Design requirements through the Calgary Planning Commission and Development Approvals; Achievement of Green Initiatives through implementation of Beltline ARP bonusing provisions. Improved awareness of and achievement of sustainable design excellence; approval of significant sustainable design initiatives through Density Bonusing provisions. Water Centre received LEED Gold.

• Green Roof – 5th Floor Terrace (East Side) – CPB and IIS are looking into the viability of a green roof utilizing Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding from the Sustainable Initiatives Capital Fund.

• LEED credits for Green power - CaGBC has agreed to The City’s applications for green power credits under the LEED program.

• Community Garden at the Municipal Complex - The community garden will be located on the Civic Plaza Parkade roof. A low intensity garden is planned which will rely primarily on collected, natural rainfall and minimal irrigation. Residents of Edwards Place will receive the harvest from the garden.

• Corporate Properties & Buildings (CP&B) continues to look at options of green approaches. The community garden has received letters of support and has applied for an Alberta Health & Wellness grant.

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 29 Goal TWO: Focus on Business and Enterprise

i. Objective: Develop Calgary’s Economy Strategically

Initiative: Global Capital Epicentre

Description: Establishment of Calgary as a global capital epicentre for both sell and buy side firms, transactions and recognition as a key global location for sourcing capital Calgary Economic Development (CED), Private sector partners i.i.1 Calgary Economic Development has launched a Financial Services Advisory Committee to develop strategies to grow Calgary’s base of financial services firms. A report was completed by PwC funded by The Government of Alberta highlighted potential investment attraction targets from within the Canadian Banking Sector. Meetings were held with senior Government of Alberta representatives to discuss potential next steps. Updated sector profile completed with assistance from the Financial Services Advisory Committee (FSAC) members. Financial Workshop planned in London for early September 2010 to put Calgary alongside London, an already established Financial Centre; working with the London Business School to host and promote this event. Calgary successfully included on the Global Financial Centre Index. Working with the CFA to co-host a Carbon Finance Conference in Calgary. Actively engaged in developing the Canadian Private Sector Day for the Inter-American Development Bank conference which will be held in Calgary in March 2011.

Initiative: Global Centre for Securing Cyberspace

Description: Creation of an international centre for the advancement of public safety, intelligence gathering and government response related to cybercrime. i.i.1 The Global Centre for Securing Cyberspace (GCSC) initiative has garnered much international support from individuals and organizations representing a variety of private and public organizations. However, this project remains unfunded at the present time.

Initiative: The Global Energy Centre

Description: Creation of the world’s pre-eminent institute focused on energy policy, research, showcasing and education. i.i.1-5 Calgary Economic Development (CED) is project managing the Global Energy Centre Study to define an action plan for Calgary to become THE global energy centre. Research commenced with the Centre for Energy Information. An Advisory Committee was struck with members from the public, the private sector, as well as key associations and institutes. Anticipate completion in July 2010. Global Energy Centre facility included in West Village development concept. Additionally, CED is launching a Sustainable and Renewable Energy (SURE) sector group to build cohesion and collaboration amongst smaller SURE companies.

Initiative: Calgary Health and Wellness Centre

Description: Develop an integrated centre of excellence for clinical and wellness services, medical education and research. i.ii.1 The South Health Campus, well under construction and taking shape in the community of Seton, is planned to open in early 2012. Construction commenced on site in August 2007. The superstructure and exterior skin have been completed, making the building weather tight and allowing construction of the interiors to commence. Drywall partitioning is well underway in most of the interior spaces. Interior painting has also commenced and shortly, installation of flooring and finished cabinetry will be installed in the more finished areas. The project is at the construction stage where medical equipment is also being installed and connected. Generally, construction is progressing well, on schedule and on budget. There are over 1,100 workers on site on a daily basis, and will peak at 1,300-1,400 in the Spring/Summer of 2010.

30 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update ii. Objective: Provide Smart Infrastructure

Initiative: Increasing Public Transit Service

Description: : reviewing increased transit service hours.

ii.i.1 City Council approved the allocation of an additional 290,000 service hours in 2009-2011 (150,000 in 2009 and 140,000 in 2011) as part of the three-year business plan and budget. Calgary Transit has implemented phases one and two of ‘Closing the Gap’, a strategy to catch up with the increase in ridership experienced over the past several years and the need to address transit operator recruitment and retention. The gap is being closed in three ways: higher capacity buses/increased frequency; refinement of schedules to maintain schedule adherence; and service in new locations/ time periods. Phase two of the Closing the Gap initiative has been implemented includes a focus on supporting weekend travel, the introduction of service in new time periods and a number of additional improvements to mainline routes and feeder buses connecting with the LRT at suburban stations. An extension of phase two was also implemented when revenue service began at in the northwest. After extensive community consultation, the new feeder bus network provides quicker and more frequent trips to the LRT. Travel times were reduced between nine and twenty minutes for customers using the feeder buses to access the LRT and overall trip travel times to downtown were reduced. In 2010 work continues on the NE and NW LRT extensions and West LRT. Southeast BRT (bus rapid transit) was introduced in 2009. This new service provides southeast customers with more travel options, improved transfers to other routes and travel time savings to some destinations. Calgary Transit continues to monitor this new service and make adjustments to improve the customer experience.

Initiative: Completion of Major Transportation Projects

Description: Transportation Infrastructure (TI) : Implementation of Transportation Infrastructure Investment Plan. ii.i.4 The Transportation Infrastructure Investment Plan (TIIP) defines the priority and timing of infrastructure projects and programs for the Transportation Department. This program of system improvements defines the overall transportation capital investment plan for a ten year period and provides information to Council to prepare capital budgets for the upcoming three year business planning cycle. The ten year program is based on projected funding from numerous sources (provincial and federal grants, transportation levies, taxes, etc). The overall plan will be updated as required when new funding forecasts are made available.

 Taking direction from the Council approved Sustainability Principles and building on the Smart Growth themes in Plan-it Calgary, the Municipal Development Plan review, and the Calgary Transportation Plan review. The TIIP program significantly improves transportation mobility by providing additions to the transit network, promoting all modes of travel, improving goods movement and fostering sustainability principles. At the same time, TIIP continues to provide strategic transportation infrastructure that eases congestion and provides safe, clean and well maintained transportation infrastructure.

 Over the past two years, Transportation Infrastructure delivered the following facilities to Calgarians: Opened a new LRT platform on 7 Avenue - 1 Street SW. Completed the reconstruction and widening of over the . Opened the Beddington Trail bridge over Country Hills Blvd. Opened the Nose Hill Drive and NW interchange. Opened the first phase of the 52 Street SE expansion south of Glenmore Trail, including the installation of a major storm water trunk line upgrade. Completed the twinning of Glenmore Trail between 52 Street and 68 Street SE. In 2009, progress continued on the extension of the NE and NW LRT lines. Reconstruction of the downtown LRT platforms continued. Road works in north central, northeast and southeast Calgary continued in response to area growth. Transportation Infrastructure completed 3 pedestrian overpasses. LRT Stations were opened at Centennial/ Crowfoot, 5th Street W, 6th Street West and 7th Street W. The Oliver Bowen LRV Maintenance facility was opened to service. Roads projects were completed along Beddington Trail NW, Shaganappi Trail NW, 52 St SE, 16 Avenue North and the second bridge on Glenmore Trail.

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 31 ii. Objective: Provide Smart Infrastructure

Initiative: Calgary Telework program and infrastructure

Description: Creation of marketing and business tool infrastructure for Calgary businesses to successfully adopt telework in the same fashion as The City of Calgary has as an employer. ii.ii.1 Calgary Economic Development launched WORKshift, a telework pilot program to encourage companies to create the policy and environment necessary to support more telework options for their staff. The program is an ongoing success with over 70 B2B meetings in year one, 12 companies in various stages of implementation and a highly publicized Telework Week (April 19-23rd) that included a press conference and inaugural Calgary Telework Charter signing by leaders including Alderman Diane Colley-Urquhart, ENMAX, SAIT, ATB Financial and TELUS, a visit by visionary founder of Sun Microsystems Scott McNealy, a guerilla marketing campaign on and a webinar linking positive environmental benefits to telework. The scope and reach of the program is increasing as additional company leaders embrace the practice and community leaders begin to understand the potential of the concept.

Initiative: Implementation of City Services On-line

Description: Corporate Services: Provision of a comprehensive and robust web presence. Identification and implementation of opportunities for e-government. ii.ii.2 The Webwave program was established to update The City’s web technology infrastructure so that it is better able to accommodate the movement of services to the online environment. In addition, the existing www.calgary.ca website will be redesigned. In conjunction with BPBC2, work was commenced to determine which additional services could be moved online. Numerous web-based initiatives were also delivered through our existing operational groups within IT and CS&C. Vendor is now in place for Phase 1 of calgary.ca revitalization project. Draft of e-Government strategy currently being circulated to key stakeholders. Report on Access to City Data and Services is also going forward. In 2009 BizPal was delivered as the first service as part of this portfolio.

 The vision is for The City to be customer centric by offering access to City goods and services quickly and efficiently. An effective web presence becomes a 24-hour service channel that is a link to the world. This program will provide an increased competitive edge to attract investments, foster new development and presents a relevant opportunity to promote municipal modernization for Calgarians and Calgary businesses. Increased efficiency and service orientation for The City of Calgary will offer new ways to meet citizens’ needs and offer transparency and participation by: providing a consistent approach to moving services to the web; improving internal business rules and processes to ensure robust services; moving all applicable PDA business to the web ; supporting on-line collaboration with our stakeholders; providing an eservice channel for our customers, available anytime, anywhere; providing a safe and secure method for customers to access and provide detailed information and pay for services. The web will be a primary way for customers to access The City of Calgary resources.

The development of a strategy to engage external stakeholders is currently underway with a target completion date of June 2010. Social media sites are under development for customer engagement and targeted to be launched in June 2010.

2010 Initiated Deliverables: BIS Explore live April 2010 , a new tool that helps business owners determine if a license is needed and what type; Web Payment – proof of concept complete. Acceptance testing with Finance and clients is underway to support BIS.

Urban Development (CLOUDS – development agreement project) is underway – production launch Q4/Q1 2011 and Trade Permits on line – application, review and payment is on track.

Several ‘micro-sites’ have been created to address specific campaigns including Capital Infrastructure and Tax Talk. Some new services have been added to calgary.ca including BizTalk, an initiative that spans three levels of government. A new City newsroom web service was created to replace the old CityBeat/CitySource/CityPSA systems. Customer Service and Communications has ramped up their use of social media such as twitter, Facebook and YouTube to reach new audiences via the web. Currently, citizens can initiate over 50 City of Calgary services from calgary.ca.

32 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update ii. Objective: Provide Smart Infrastructure

Initiative: Increased Industrial Land Supply

Description: Planning, Development and Assessment (PDA): Ongoing implementation of Land Use Planning & Policy (LUPP) work program. Corporate Properties & Buildings (CP&B): Completion of Corporate Land Inventory Program and industrial Land Strategy. CP&B completion of operational work centre - 3 centres Office of Land Service and Housing (OLSH) -3 year planned supply, 1 year serviced industrial Planning, Development and Assessment (PDA), Corporate Properties & Buildings (CP&B), Office of Land Service and Housing (OLSH) ii.iii.1 Shepard Industrial ASP has been completed and provides for a strategic industrial growth corridor in Calgary. It provides an additional 1,356 hectares (3,350 ac.) of industrial land, and 21,000 jobs at build out.

 CP & B/OLSH: Shepard Industrial ASP Policy moving forward to City Council in June 2010. NW Regional Context Study has commenced and is targeted for completion in 2010. A small component of Industrial Land Supply is anticipated in this area. Site servicing is occurring at Shepard. Site servicing plan is in development for Bearspaw. Master planning activities are underway for: Sarcee, Spring Gardens, Shepard, Manchester. Master planning was concluded for Richmond Green.; Corporate Land Inventory project is moving forward. Moving forward, there will be operational Workplace Centres. Site servicing and development of vehicle storage facility in support of the Blue Cart program is occurring at Shepard; Site servicing plan is in development for Bearspaw; Master planning activities are or will be underway in 2010 for: Sarcee, Spring Gardens, and Manchester; and Master planning was concluded for Richmond Green and Shepard. The new web-based system LInDA went live in March 2010 and is available to all City staff providing access to information on City-owned land.

OLSH: Great Plains - 218 Ac industrial park, Royal vista 134 Ac business park, Shepard 970 ac industrial park, Lincoln Park 75 ac bus.pk, East lk 52 ac industrial park to increase available industrial land.

 Great Plans IV lots for sale, Royal Vista - lots for sale, Shepard - Outline plan submitted, Lincoln Park TIA updated, lease agreements in place, East lake - lands being sold in phases. Two lots sold in Royal Vista. Moving forward, the objective will be to increase available industrial land, TOD site.

Aurora - ASP approved, Anderson - Feasibility analysis and Aurora - development pending, Anderson - Draft Station Area Plan.

Initiative: Increased Arts Space

Description: Planning, Development and Assessment (PDA): Ongoing implementation of Land Use Planning & Policy (LUPP) work program. Recreation: working with Calgary Arts Development Authority (CADA) on long-term strategic plan for performing and visual art space. Planning, Development and Assessment (PDA), Recreation ii.iii.2 Review the Land Use Bylaw, and other incentives (including but not limited to density bonusing), and bring forward recommendations to facilitate the development and provision of arts and recreation in all land use districts.

Recreation and Land Use Planning and Policy have been working collaboratively with a number of key stakeholders including CADA, CSC and the FCC to deliver a report. As a result, Land Use Planning & Policy will now be bringing forward amendments to the Land Use Bylaw to implement a city-wide density bonus option for the provision of cultural and recreational facilities.

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 33 ii. Objective: Provide Smart Infrastructure

Initiative: Planning for Strategic Economic Nodes

Description: Planning, Development and Assessment (PDA): Calgary Metropolitan Plan, Downtown Retail Strategy Planning, Development and Assessment (PDA) ii.iii.3 Following annexation, more detailed planning is now being undertaken for the annexed lands which include: North Regional Context Study: planning for this 15,000 acre area is underway. This will include mixed-use nodes and corridors, conservation of natural areas including West Nose Creek, employment and industrial areas, mixed residential areas and two C Train stations.

 West Regional Context Study: planning for this 2,200 acre area is underway and is anticipated to proceed to Council by mid-2010. This will include park areas along the Bow River, and employment node along the Trans Canada highway and residential areas.

Calgary Metropolitan Plan - Council approved the Calgary Metropolitan Plan in June 2009, containing policies and conceptual maps to distribute and encourage employment land uses into the Calgary Region along transit and servicing corridors and nodes, to achieve regional economic development. The Calgary Regional Partnership submitted the plan to the Province for Cabinet approval in order to begin implementation work. The Province is currently undertaking a cross-ministry review of the plan to ensure alignment with Provincial objectives and policies.

Initiative: Calgary Digital and Creative Hub

Description: Creation of a world-class centre for digital media production capitalizing on Calgary’s unique position to provide new media projects. Calgary Economic Development (CED) ii.iii.3 Alberta Creative Hub Corporation was established in December 2009 by Calgary Economic Development. Grant agreement is in place with the Government of Alberta for the funding of early stage costing and design work for the Creative Hub. Site selection is still underway.

Initiative: Creation of a Business Environmental Strategy

Description: Planning, Development and Assessment (PDA): Establishment of Green urban design guidelines, optimization of department’s operations with a green focus. Planning, Development and Assessment (PDA)

ii.iii.5 Programs for the Quality and Quantity of Sustainable Development and Buildings in Calgary. Project is to establish a process for developing and implementing sustainable best practices in Calgary. Council approved the use of an objective methodology in January 2010. Following that approval, City Administration worked to refine the list of best practices. Subsequently, a web-based survey instrument was developed to enable stakeholders to evaluate the full list of best practices. Prior to the electronic survey, a number of meetings were held to address stakeholder questions and discuss the list of best practices and describe the survey method. As a result of initial engagement session feedback, the need for further stakeholder engagement was identified. Following the completion of these final engagement sessions, City Administration intends to bring forward a list of best practices, classified with respect to implementation schedule, for inclusion as part of PDA/DBA Green Initiatives for 2011/2012.

34 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update Initiative: Creation of a Water Centre of Excellence

Description: Water Resources ii.iii.6 Phase 1 includes the construction of the research streams and base laboratory and base experimental wastewater treatment (small scale process plant). In December 2009, The University of Calgary received $10 million in funding from the provincial government under The Alberta Science and Research Investment Program (ASRIP). This funding will support the creation of a research initiative called the ACWA (Advancing Canadian Wastewater Assets). ACWA facilities will be located at The City of Calgary’s newest wastewater treatment facility, the Pine Creek Wastewater Treatment Centre. The University has engaged their design team to reassess their project, which will consist of a laboratory facility, research streams and pilot scale treatment facilities. At this time, it is anticipated that design work will occur in 2010, with construction beginning in 2011.

Initiative: Becoming a Leader in the Permitting Process

Description: Planning, Development and Assessment (PDA): Improvement to the permitting and approval process timeline through enhanced service delivery methods and human resource tactics. ii.iii.7 Council endorsed the undertaking of an independent review of the Land Use Bylaw and its associated administrative processes (from initial application to occupancy) to ensure value-added decision making is achieved, and that there is an equitable treatment of development and redevelopment. City Administration received the report and recommendations resulting from the independent review. Generally there was considerable agreement with the findings of the report.

More review is required by City Administration to better understand impacts on integration with current systems. For each of the recommendations to amend the LUB, an engagement strategy will be required to ensure that stakeholder concerns are heard and addressed. Existing work plans will also need adjustment to accommodate the additional work.

Highlights of the anticipated customer benefits from the changes include: The total number of all use approval applications processed as Instant Approvals is anticipated to increase from 41% to approximately 55%. It will be easier for customers to compile their application requirements. In March 2010, the Explore module was soft-launched externally on the calgary.ca portal, allowing business owners to explore on their own schedule if their business can operate at a particular commercial location or, for home-based businesses and what class of Home Occupation Permit is required. The second module, ‘Register,’ will also be released in 2010 internally allowing staff to register new businesses using the web-based application.

The final module, ‘Manage,’ will allow businesses to update their business activities and information online at their convenience. This is on target for release in late 2010.

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 35 iii. Objective: Create the Environment for Smart Ideas and Innovation

Initiative: Expansion of the Alastair Ross Technology Centre

Description: Phase III expansion to create 100,000 square feet of incubation space and space for technology commercialization and program support in support of the University Innovation Park Strategy. iii.i.1 Design of development phase completed; design consultant and construction partners selected; debt financing is in place with The City of Calgary as is funding from Western Economic Diversification (WED) in the order of $8.5M.

Initiative: University Innovation Park Detailed Business Plan

Description: Creation of a detailed business plan for University Innovation Park Strategy including land acquisition, and transit-oriented-development joint development opportunity.

iii.i.1 Work in progress; draft strategic plan in place. Implementation is pending.

Initiative: Development of a Biotech Incubator

Description: Re-development of 9,000 square foot office incubator space to biotech incubator space - wet labs. iii.iii.1 This project will be initiated post completion of the Alastair Ross Technology Centre 3 (ARTC 3) expansion; currently 2-3 years out.

36 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update Goal Three: Focus on International Reach

i. Objective: Promote the Calgary Brand and Identity

Initiative: Development and launch of Calgary brand

Description: Development of a new Calgary brand together with the launch and initial implementation that will be adopted and applied in all promotional efforts. i.i.1-4 Gensler was retained to complete Phase 3 of brand study and the creation of new Calgary brand. Brand story complete and approved by Steering Committee. Gensler completed 2 visual identities for consideration and is now being reviewed by the Steering Committee.

ii. Objective: Diversify Tourism and Convention Activity

Initiative: Tourism Digital Media Enhancement

Description: Redevelopment of Tourism Calgary website to become a leading marketing and e-commerce tool to promote and sell Calgary’s many attractions and services, and promote destination awareness. ii.ii.1 Tourism Calgary upgraded its website by introducing an on-line version of its Visitor Planning Guide and Destination Planning Guide for consumers and meeting planners. In addition, Tourism Calgary hired a consulting firm to determine the path towards the integration of e-commerce into its website. Tourism Calgary’s new website is being updated with the URL - “VisitCalgary.com”. An exciting initiative that will enable Tourism Calgary to deploy the best destination website technology in the Canadian market. VisitCalgary.com will enable online transactions, dynamic packaging, customer relationship management features, social media, etc. This website will also feature enhanced photo and video imaging to prospective travelers.

Initiative: Tourism Kiosk Deployment

Description: Acquisition and deployment of interactive kiosks across a variety of locations in Calgary to support visitor information needs, bookings, and trip planning. ii.ii.1 This project has yet to commence. Will pursue funding arrangements in conjunction with next phase of new website once decision to proceed with it has been made. Tourism Calgary envisions visitor access to information moving rapidly to personal handheld devices and conveniently located kiosks that provide information and ability to book services.

Initiative: Increasing Signage for Tourism

Description: Erection of tourism signage on a cost recovery basis.

ii.ii.2 15 signs were installed for attractions such as Trico Centre, the Military Museum, and TELUS World of Science. Tourism signs installed for , 2009 WorldSkills Competition, and 2009 Grey Cup. Existing tourism signage will be replaced or changed as part of the signing upgrades for major Transportation Infrastructure Projects.

The Traffic Assessment section has been involved in the initial discussions for the way finding project for Centre City. The purpose of this project is to improve signage for attractions, transit, plus 15’s, and street names for the downtown core. Sign installation could potentially begin in late 2010.

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 37 iii. Objective: Enhance International Business Development

Initiative: The Global Business Centre

Description: Development of southern Alberta’s premier international business centre that supports the business community in accessing new markets, export development, import assistance and connects foreign investment opportunities to local businesses and projects. ii.i.4 Calgary Economic Development is nearing completion of The Global Business Centre, a one-stop trade and export development centre in downtown Calgary. The first official event held on March 1, 2010 - Doing business in China. Programming developed - country month focus March - China, May - Brazil, June - Oil and Gas linked to the Global Petroleum Show (GPS). Other potential tenants are being pursued. Official opening of the GBC scheduled for June 2010. Signage, collateral material and website to be in place by early June. In discussions with SAIT and FITT to run export classes from the GBC.

Initiative: International Business Development Offices

Description: Location of one Calgary investment, trade and tourism office abroad to identify opportunities and provide support for Calgary businesses to compete in international markets. iii.i.1 Calgary Economic Development has drafted a Global Market Strategy to be implemented through its activities in the Global Business Centre. This Strategy includes the establishment of a Calgary trade office potentially in the Middle East in partnership with The Province of Alberta. This is in the exploratory phase and no funding has been committed. No specific timeline is in place.

Initiative: Calgary International Airport Expansion

Description: Completion of a number of major infrastructure projects at Calgary International Airport (YYC) including the International Facilities expansion, new North-South runway, and an airside logistics park development. iii.ii.1 YYC is undertaking its International Facilities project for international terminal activity. Estimated at $1.8 billion, construction is expected to commence late 2010 with completion 2015. The parallel runway is another major initiative of YYC - a $500 million new runway development. An environmental assessment is currently underway, with construction expected to commence Spring 2011 and completion by 2014.

38 calgary economic development strategy | implementation update An economic development strategy to make a global city – competitive, successful and unique.

calgary economic development strategy | implementation update 39 2010-1177

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