Calgary unemployment drops to 6.8 per cent

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Good morning !

Calgary's job market ended 2025 with some good news as unemployment dropped to its lowest level in months. But as always with economic data, there's more to the story than the headline numbers suggest. Here's what's happening this week.

👀 In today's edition:

• Calgary runner makes Canadian history in Houston

• Construction begins on Stampede Park's first hotel

• Education minister climbs mountain to honour sister's memory

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Calgary unemployment drops to 6.8 per cent, leading major Canadian cities

Calgary's job market closed out 2025 on steadier ground, with unemployment falling to 6.8 per cent in December—the largest month-over-month drop among major Canadian cities, according to data from Calgary Economic Development. The city also continues to lead the nation with the highest labour force participation rate at 69.4 per cent.

Full-time employment decreased by 4,100 jobs in December while part-time positions increased by 6,300, and fewer people were actively looking for work as 4,200 individuals left the labour force entirely. Afiba Nyamekye, director of economic intelligence at Calgary Economic Development, said that with fewer people looking for work and more gains in part-time roles, it's too early to call this a turning point.

The city added approximately 30,000 jobs between December 2024 and December 2025, marking three per cent employment growth year-over-year—the second-highest job growth in Alberta behind Edmonton. Public administration saw the largest gains with 14,400 new positions, followed by professional, scientific and technical services at 12,800 jobs. Construction experienced the steepest decline, shedding 13,000 positions over the year.

Calgary Economic Development noted the organization will monitor how ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainty affect business confidence and investment heading into 2026.

Need to know

💧 Mayor Jeromy Farkas warned that repairs to Calgary's Bearspaw feeder main aren't guaranteed to prevent future breaks, calling the aging pipe "sick" and urging continued water conservation as crews slowly refill the seven-kilometre section with 22 million litres of water.

🏃 Calgary runner Rory Linkletter became the first Canadian to break one hour in the half marathon, finishing Houston's race in 59 minutes 49 seconds to beat former record holder Cam Levins by 69 seconds and lower the national mark for the second time in four years.

⚖️ Calgary police charged a 52-year-old woman with second-degree murder following the death of her 83-year-old mother in the southwest community of Canyon Meadows, marking the city's first homicide case of 2026.

⛰️ Alberta Education Minister Demetrios Nicolaides will climb Mount Kilimanjaro starting January 14 to honour his sister Melanie, who was murdered by her ex-partner two years ago, with the trek raising funds for a domestic violence prevention program through FearIsNotLove.

🏨 Construction officially began on Stampede Park's first-ever hotel, a 13-storey Autograph Collection property with 320 rooms set to open in 2028 as part of Calgary's Culture and Entertainment District expansion, representing a $330 million investment by developer Truman.

🚌 A two-day Calgary police operation targeting crime on south transit routes led to 72 summons, 73 warrants executed, and charges including weapon and drug possession, though the transit union president says year-round police presence would be more effective than periodic blitzes.

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National Music Centre opens applications for Indigenous recording bursary

The National Music Centre has launched its call for applications for the 2026 OHSOTO'KINO Recording Bursary, inviting First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists across Canada to apply for week-long recording sessions at Studio Bell in Calgary.

Two selected recipients will gain access to the centre's world-class studios and its collection of musical instruments spanning over 450 years of music history. Artists working in all musical genres are welcome to apply, with selections made by NMC's National Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee. Applications close March 1 at 11:59 p.m. MT.

The bursary has supported Indigenous musicians since 2022 through funding from TD Bank Group, which recently renewed its support for an additional three years. Past recipients include JUNO Award-winning powwow and round dance artist Joel Wood, Inuit-style throat singing duo PIQSIQ, country singer Chelsie Young, and traditional groups Blackfoot Singers and Warscout.

David McLeod, chair of NMC's National Indigenous Programming Advisory Committee, said the bursary provides artists with the creative tools to make their dreams possible through access to recording studios, instruments, and expert guidance. The program is part of the broader OHSOTO'KINO Indigenous Programming Initiative, which also includes artist development through an incubator program and the annually updated Speak Up! exhibition.

Where to eat and drink

🍴 The Himalayan: Authentic Nepali cuisine brings the flavours of the Himalayas to 17th Avenue SW with traditional dishes in a cosy dine-in or take-out setting.

🍴 Bow Valley Ranche Restaurant: This historic landmark nestled in Fish Creek Provincial Park offers fine dining with seasonally-revolving menus featuring fresh, locally-sourced Canadian and wild game-inspired fare, complete with an award-winning veranda.

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

Things to do

🎟️ Calgary Mac & Cheese Festival: Calgary restaurants compete for the title of best mac and cheese during this two-week celebration of comfort food, with creations ranging from lobster seafood mac to jalapeño popper calzones stuffed with mac and cheese. January 15-31, participating locations across Calgary, vote for your favourite.

🎟️ Singers @ Snowfall: StoryBook Theatre artists perform music from Broadway's biggest hits in this fundraiser concert series supporting the Ellie Tims Project, which helps families who belong to the community but struggle financially. Book ahead for January 26 and February 9.

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

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