Calgary leads in housing starts, but chamber says affordability still needs work

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👀 In today's edition:

• A parasite outbreak at a Calgary-area restaurant

• More funding for the Alberta arts sector

• A Calgary murderer is finally jailed

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Calgary leads in housing starts, but chamber says affordability still needs work

A new report from the Calgary Chamber of Commerce says Alberta is ahead of the pack when it comes to new home construction—but warns the job’s not done. So far in 2025, the province has seen over 68,000 housing starts, far outpacing the national average, and Calgary hit its housing supply target a year early.

But as more people move to the province—Calgary alone has grown by nearly 220,000 residents since 2020—housing pressure continues to build. While rental rates and home prices are starting to level out, the chamber says long-term affordability needs more support. Earlier this month, the province and Ottawa committed over $203 million to build 2,300 affordable units across Alberta, including several projects in Calgary.

The chamber is calling on all levels of government to keep the momentum going: speed up approvals, train more tradespeople, and expand funding for housing and infrastructure. “When people can afford to live where they work, businesses can attract talent, communities thrive and the economy grows,” said chamber president Deborah Yedlin.

Need to know

🐛 Health officials identified a rare parasite outbreak linked to a popular Calgary restaurant, affecting diners who had recently eaten there.

💔 A Calgary couple is recovering from serious injuries after a truck travelling in the wrong direction struck their vehicle last week.

🎵 Thirty Canadian classical musicians under the age of 30, including Calgarian cellist Luka Coetzee, were featured in a national spotlight recognizing rising stars in the 2025 music scene.

🚴 A Calgary initiative helped local youth and their families by providing affordable options to trade in old bicycles for newer models.

💔 The Siksika Nation community mourned after a hit-and-run collision resulted in two fatalities, and police launched a search for the driver involved.

🏥 Medical professionals in Calgary prepared for a potential surge in measles infections as Alberta continued to experience ongoing outbreaks.

🚨 Christopher Dunlop was found guilty of murder by a jury in a high-profile Calgary case, with sentencing scheduled to follow.

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Alberta keeps arts funding at record high in 2025 budget

Alberta is holding steady on record-level support for the arts, with $36.1 million committed in the 2025 budget. That includes a $4.5 million boost for the Alberta Foundation for the Arts (AFA).

The AFA says this increase will help more than 400 arts organizations this year—building on support given to over 700 individual artists last year. Last year, the AFA also raised the cap on project grants to $18,000, giving artists more room to grow their practice.

Arts leaders say this investment reaches beyond major stages. “It’s an investment in creativity, in cultural heritage, and in the people who bring stories to life,” said Tasha Orysiuk of the Shumka Dancers. Since April, the AFA has already approved $19.1 million in grants to hundreds of artists and groups.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 The Wednesday Room: This retro-inspired lounge combines 1960s sophistication with quirky basement charm, offering a chef-led menu shaped by fine dining experience, sustainability, and top-quality ingredients.

🍴 Tonic Kitchen + Bar: Nestled in an airport hotel, this upbeat spot shakes up classic gin & tonics with local tonic syrup and serves up seasonal, chef-crafted comfort food with a tasty twist.

Have a food or drink suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

Things to do

🎟️ University District Night Market: The night market is a lively monthly event every summer in Central Commons Park that brings together local vendors, live music, and a vibrant community atmosphere.

🎟️ Casablanca Movie Night: Experience the timeless romance and drama of Casablanca at The Grand's Summer Movie Night, featuring classic cocktails, gourmet snacks, and a vintage cinema atmosphere.

Have an event suggestion? Message us and we might share it!

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