Calgary Construction Association Hosts Inaugural Economic Summit

February 6, 2025 - The Calgary Construction Association's inaugural Economic Summit brought together industry leaders, economists, and policymakers for a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities shaping Calgary’s construction sector in 2025.

From government perspectives on economic growth to insights on Calgary’s labour market, downtown revitalization strategies, contract law, and the economic forecast ahead, the discussions provided valuable takeaways for businesses navigating an evolving landscape.

The event kicked off with remarks from Matt Jones, CFA, Minister of Jobs, who emphasized the province’s commitment to fostering economic growth, job creation, and a strong construction sector. Minister Jones also underscored the importance of collaboration between industry and government to address labour shortages, support skilled trades development, and create a regulatory environment that encourages innovation and investment.

Kate Koplovich from Calgary Economic Development provided valuable insights into labour market trends, particularly as they relate to the construction industry. She highlighted the ongoing demand for skilled trades, driven by major infrastructure projects, downtown revitalization efforts, and population growth. With shifting demographics and evolving workforce expectations, she emphasized the need for industry collaboration in attracting and retaining talent, upskilling workers, and fostering career pathways in construction

Steve Wirzba and Patrick McMahon discussed Calgary’s leadership in office-to-residential conversions and broader downtown revitalization efforts. They highlighted the opportunities these projects create for the construction industry while acknowledging challenges such as zoning, financing, and infrastructure adaptation. Their insights reinforced the critical role of innovation and collaboration in reshaping Calgary’s downtown core for long-term economic resilience.

Adrianna Worman provided key legal insights on contract law and tariffs, emphasizing their impact on construction projects. She highlighted the importance of clear contract terms, risk management, and staying informed on regulatory changes to navigate challenges in an evolving market.

Finally, our keynote Robert Roach from ATB provided a comprehensive economic outlook, analyzing the key factors shaping Calgary and Alberta’s economy in 2025. He discussed inflation trends, interest rates, and economic growth projections, providing insights into how these factors will impact the construction industry.?

The event reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation in strengthening Calgary’s construction industry and the broader economy. A sincere thank you to our speakers, attendees, and partners who made this event a success!

As we move forward, the Calgary Construction Association remains committed to fostering conversations that drive growth, resilience, and opportunity for our industry and city.