a thriving labour pool and job creation programs like Alberta’s Job Grant, the city is fertile ground for talent acquisition and develop- ment. “It’s been an employers’ market here for the past several years,” Phelps explains. “The downturn in the oil and gas industry created an abundance of experienced talent. As companies here continue to grow, they’re finding it relatively easy to fill their ranks.” Overall, Moran adds, “Our abundance of local STEM talent and Canada’s immigration system … allows companies to build effective teams for a short period or the long term.” Quality of life is a critical factor in an assignment’s success, and to that end, Calgary enjoys a reputation as one of the best places for employees to live. In 2017, it ranked among AIRINC’s top 10 most attractive cities for workers and it has retained its rank as The Econo- mist’s fifth most livable city in the world. Part of that sterling reputa- tion is owed to Calgary’s low cost of living, which allows incoming professionals to reside close to their work and not spend a dispro- portionate amount of their income on housing. In fact, says Phelps, “When someone is relocated to Calgary a lot of the time they’re able to upgrade in terms of their real estate purchase – especially if they’re coming from markets like Vancouver or Toronto.” It also helps that the city caters to a wide range of interests. On any given day, its residents can enjoy downtown entertainment, cheer on its many sports teams, dine at one of its renowned restaurants, or take part in one of over 150 annual festivals, the most famous being the Calgary Stampede. For outdoor lovers, adds Moran, there are scores of other options. “People can enjoy the active life here, from North America’s largest urban bike path network to a Rocky Moun- tain playground in our backyard,” he notes. Ask Phelps what makes Calgary an ideal place to work and play, and his answer is clear: “It’s the people. Calgarians tend to band together, and there’s an inherent can-do attitude here that comes from over- coming challenges like the economic downturn, the Calgary flood, and the Fort McMurray wildfire, which impacted a lot of our major oil and gas companies.” This drive for growth, continues Phelps, brings the city’s 1.5 million people together and makes them hospitable and open to newcomers, whether tourists just passing through or businesses arriving for the long haul. “There has always been that element of Western hospi- tality and resilience and that makes us a really attractive city to do business in and live in.” No argument there. CALGARY BY THE NUMBERS 1.5 MILLION:Population as of 2018 27.9%:Office space vacancy rate $420,000: Median home price in 2017 7:Post-secondary schools 55%: Increase in tech sector investment over the last four years. 27%:Graduates from STEM programs 580 MILES:Length of North America’s largest urban pathway and bikeway 10:Ski resorts located within three hours of the city 333: Average days of sun Source: Calgary Economic Development Fall 2018 PERSPECTIVES 41