With the Government of Alberta set to release
BUDGET 2024 ON FEBRUARY 29TH,
here’s what we’ll be looking for:
#1
STABLE AND PREDICTABLE FUNDING FOR PROVINCIAL PROJECTS:
More sustainable and predictable investments in the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of public infrastructure can ensure Calgary construction companies have access to the skilled labour, machinery, materials, and capital required to build and grow Calgary and Alberta’s economy.
OUR ASK:
Government of Alberta to achieve greater balance setting and review long-term capital budgets that reflect public need, investment in economic corridors, industry capacity, inflation, and supply chain cost escalation, and which insulate budget and timeline targets from provincial influence.
The COVID-19 Pandemic has significantly altered the economy and business landscape, necessitating a re-evaluation of budgetary considerations for construction projects.
OUR ASK:
Government of Alberta to consider the inflationary pressures, supply-chain disruptions, labour market dynamics, contingency planning and financing options that can impact the timely delivery of construction projects.
#2
FUNDING FOR NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS DEDICATED TO ADDRESSING LABOUR SHORTAGES:
According to data from Statistics Canada and analyzed by Alberta Jobs, Economy and Trade, there are 7,560 construction trades and management job vacancies in the Calgary economic region in Q3 2023, representing a staggering one-quarter of all job vacancies (30,500) in the City.
OUR CONCERN:
A lack of dedicated labour will impact the development of new homes and infrastructure, which is critical to a growing City.
OUR ASK:
Maintain and expand funding for organizations dedicated to attracting and retaining workers into the skilled trades, including but not limited to organizations like CAREERS Next Generation, Women Building Futures, Momentum, and others.
#3
SUPPORTING CALGARY THROUGH STRONG INFRASTRUCTURE.
The City of Calgary continues to grow at a rapid rate. We believe that the time is now to continue to invest in critical infrastructure.
Whether it be roads, public transportation or civic amenities, there is a role for the Government of Alberta to play in procuring construction projects that will improve the quality of life of Calgarians.
We support the GREEN LINE LRT AS A MAJOR ELEMENT
in Calgary’s continued growth and a stimulus for local industry firms.
Given that Phase 1 of the Project is well underway, the future connectivity of the line will likely be considered soon.
OUR ASK:
That the Government of Alberta partners with the City of Calgary to secure funding to build Phase 2 of the project - down to the South Calgary Health Campus in Seton as a priority, and north to the community of Carrington.
In Budget 2023, the Government of Alberta committed $5M dollars to complete engineering work and explore the feasibility of extending the Blue Line LRT to YYC International Airport.
OUR ASK:
Commit to funding the YYC International Airport LRT link.
Downtown is the cultural and economic heart of Calgary. We support Calgary’s Greater Downtown Plan to attract vibrancy and investment in our downtown core through incentives for office-to-residential conversion projects, capital projects to improve the vibrancy of downtown and large-scale projects.
OUR ASK:
Fund the Downtown Strategy and partner with the City of Calgary on Downtown Revitalization efforts.
We support the FOOTHILLS ATHLETIC PARK REDEVELOPMENT PLAN AND THE BUILD-OUT OF THE NEW FIELDHOUSE.
We’ve been talking about this project since the 1960’s – it’s time to get it built!
We’re glad to see funding for a new Event Centre and the improvements to the public realm in the Culture and Entertainment District.
OUR ASK:
Continued support for the Event Centre and development of the River’s District Culture and Entertainment area.