This Week
$330 million to revitalize downtown Calgary: This week, the Government of Alberta’s commitment to invest $330 million into the City of Calgary was approved by cabinet and Treasury Board. The investment is targeting improvements in the Calgary arena and entertainment district that are estimated to result in four million square feet of mixed-use development. Once complete, the new development is expected to create 1,500 permanent jobs, welcome 8,000 new residents, and host three million visitors annually. Notably, the project includes the demolition of the existing Saddledome and the construction of a new community rink.
New ag capital grant: A new $2.5 million capital grant will help ag societies update their facilities. The grant, called the Agricultural Societies Infrastructure Revitalization Program, will provide funds annually to address the aging infrastructure of community buildings. Applications for the program opened October 5 and the 2023/24 application period will remain open until February 15, 2024.
Investments in post-secondary education: Alberta’s government announced several investments in post-secondary education. Keyano College is receiving $6.9 million to upgrade its facility by replacing HVAC equipment on campus. Northern Lakes College is receiving $1.9 million to upgrade its HVAC systems and will offer a 16-week pre-employment plumber program for students preparing to become an apprentice plumber. Portage College is receiving $900,000 to modernize classrooms and improve students’ learning experience with the view of bringing back the steamfitter-pipefitter program at the college.
Building Indigenous affordable housing: $5.7 million is being invested in an Indigenous-led housing projectthrough the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary. The investment will help create Calgary’s first urban Indigenous seniors housing facility that will feature 12 affordable housing units.
What’s Next
MLAs Getson and Rowswell travel to Germany: MLAs Shane Getson and Garth Rowswell will travel to Germany to learn about their energy transition plans and promote Alberta’s energy capabilities.
Legislative calendar: MLAs will return to the Legislature on October 30 for the Speech from the Throne.
UCP AGM: The United Conservative Party will be holding their next AGM on November 3-4 in Calgary.
Announcements
- Investing for future growth at Keyano College
- New Indigenous housing in Calgary
- UPDATED*: Update on respiratory virus dashboard: Minister LaGrange
- Investing for future growth at Portage College
- Investing for future growth at Northern Lakes College
- Orders in Council
- Enhancing Alberta’s courthouses
- Investing in ag societies and local communities
- Revitalizing downtown Calgary
- Alberta joins binational climate study trip to Germany
Key Resources