Behind the Boom: Is Calgary's Quality of Life Truly Improving?
Is Life Really Getting Better in Calgary?
The global question of whether life is improving resonates deeply in Calgary, a city of dynamic growth. Recent surveys paint a complex picture: while 71% of Calgarians rated their overall quality of life as "good" in Fall 2025, an uptick from the previous year, this optimism isn't universal. Youth and women, in particular, express more unease about the future and safety, underscoring the varied impacts of our rapidly transforming city.
Housing Strategy Bearing Fruit
Calgary City Council has made housing affordability a cornerstone of its agenda with the "Home is Here" Strategy. Significant strides are evident: Calgary led Canadian municipalities in housing starts in Q1 2025 and exceeded 2024 targets for market and non-market housing approvals. Over $644 million in funding and a new property tax exemption for non-profits underpin these efforts.
Growth's Double-Edged Sword
Despite these efforts, Calgary's rapid population growth, among Canada's highest, fuels demand and drives up costs. Median home prices surged 13% and average rents climbed nearly 10% in 2024. A 2023 assessment revealed almost one in five households can't afford their housing. While housing starts are record-high, CMHC suggests Calgary needs 45% more homes annually for a decade to restore pre-pandemic affordability. This growth also strains infrastructure, with ENMAX reviewing 28% more development permits in 2024.
A City in Transition
Calgary exemplifies a city in dynamic transition. While significant progress is being made on critical issues like housing, the pace of growth presents ongoing challenges. The question of whether "life is getting better" holds a nuanced answer for Calgarians, reflecting both commendable achievements and the persistent need for continued, equitable development.
