Supporting the Trades in Calgary

The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) has released their Municipal Election Platform. The CCA represents over 850 businesses in Calgary who employ over 100,000 Calgarians and support charities and not for profits with millions of dollars of funding and in-kind donations every year.​

The CCA calls for action in three areas. The Municipal Infrastructure Deficit, Placemaking and CIty Building, and Growing the Workforce. Here is how I plan to address these priorities: 

• Municipal Infrastructure Deficit

The City has started or completed a number of key projects over the last four years - Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant, Green Line, Glenmore Water Treatment plant expansion. However, it remains that limited capital spending in years prior to 2021 not matching inflation rates (with a modest spending increase near inflation from 2021-2025) has meant several important infrastructure improvements and repairs that have been delayed. Delays cost more in the long run so steady, predictable, and balanced funding in infrastructure matters to build our communities.

Near the end of this term as Councillor, I was able to support an increased budget prioritization towards capital upgrades. I will continue to work with administration to prioritize critical projects in Ward 11 and across the city to ensure we support the growth of the city while addressing life cycle upgrades for Ward 11 amenities

A couple examples of infrastructure projects finished, started, or near to be underway in Ward 11 thanks to allocated budget: Rose Kohn arena Upgrade, Southland Leisure centre pool electrical upgrade, Palliser Lift Station, Haysboro 4 Car LRT Storage expansion, Haddon Road Roads Depot upgrade

• Placemaking and City Building

The Construction Industry has identified there is enough certainty and support when it comes to building important community amenities like libraries, firehouses, and transit projects. Community amenities and services are so important to the livability of our neighborhoods, they are a big part of why we love where we live.

While the city partners and procures from over 65% Calgary based businesses, we need to support successful builders through the application process for development and building permits. We also need to ensure that policies to build critical infrastructure like fire stations, aren’t met with funding delays.

As Ward 11 is primarily established communities, I will continue to advocate for a budget to improve our parks as they are some of the most loved, cherished, and used in the City. More pathways, playground upgrades,

Great examples of placemaking projects finished, started, or near to be underway in Ward 11 as the direct result of my advocacy and championing during budget: Sue Higgins Dog park water access, Fish Creek library upgrades, Glenmore Athletic Park & Rink construction, numerous pathway and sidewalk construction projects.

• Expanding Workforce

With many projects underway and the demand to continue building our city, Calgary is facing labour shortages (over 5800 vacancies in 2024) impacting the ability for the construction industry to start, manage and complete projects on time and on budget.

If labour shortfalls continue, key infrastructure and community focused projects could be de-prioritied projects could be delayed, leading to further cost escalations that are ultimately paid by Calgarians.

To support the needed talent, Calgary needs homes that match incomes for people to live in, partnership with trades programs and training starting in high school, and for civic partners like Calgary Economic Development to include construction talent as part of their skilled attraction strategy. I also remain committed to advocating to the provincial government to expand spaces in post-secondary institutions to develop talent.


City Council has a duty to work together to support industries like construction along with with other orders of government to ensure we maintain and grow jobs for Calgarians, ensure our infrastructure works, and that Ward 11 communities have the housing and amenities needed to thrive.