As Calgary prepares to welcome its two-millionth resident, I’ve been reflecting on what we must do to ensure our city remains vibrant, welcoming and connected. The answer is simple: focus on people, experience and place.
First and foremost, vibrancy begins with people. They are the heart of every interaction and the soul of every neighbourhood. Our community is rich with diversity — competitors and colleagues, lifelong friends and new arrivals. What binds us together is not sameness, but our willingness to lean in, to listen and to celebrate both our shared strengths and our unique differences.
We build connection by gathering. Fortunately, Calgary offers countless places that invite us to come together. We can listen to an elder at the Calgary Central Library, experience music and culture at Studio Bell, stroll through the Devonian Gardens, or explore history at Lougheed House. We can spend an afternoon in Bowness Park, walk along the river pathways, cross the Peace Bridge or the King George Pedestrian Bridge, and take in the sweeping views from Nose Hill Park. Families gather at the Calgary Zoo, explore innovation at Telus Spark Science Centre, visit the Military Museum (which allows us to better understand our past and those who have sacrificed for all of us, then and now), or spend time at many more places rich with opportunities to learn.
Our celebrations further reflect who we are. From the energy of the Calgary Stampede to the vibrant Nagar Kirtan parade, the POW parade, the Pride parade and beyond, these moments of shared joy strengthen our collective spirit. We rally behind our teams — the Calgary Flames, Calgary Roughnecks, Calgary Stampeders, Wild FC and Cavalry FC — and celebrate world-class show jumping at Spruce Meadows, the sports and entertainment venue in south Calgary. Each gathering, large or small, weaves stronger threads into the fabric of our city.
By celebrating the places where we come together, we nurture a stronger community. It requires us to reach over the fence — literally and figuratively — and commit to tolerance, generosity and unconditional support for one another. That spirit is what makes Calgary extraordinary.
I also believe that Calgary offers something rare: the luxury of experience. True luxury is not defined by material things, but by moments that move us — laughter shared with friends, the shiver of a winter festival, knowledge gained through dialogue, even tears shed in empathy. These experiences shape us and deepen our connection to this place.
We face meaningful challenges together: the ongoing journey toward reconciliation, the resilience shown by fellow Albertans during devastating wildfires, and the collective highs and lows of cheering for our teams. In these moments, we learn, we grow, and we strengthen our sense of belonging. This is Calgary at its truest.
Our landscape grounds us — the vast prairie skies, morning fog drifting through the valley, and the Rocky Mountains rising on the horizon. This setting reminds us that exploration, perseverance, and optimism define who we are. We may stumble, but we rise, laugh, and move forward together.
As we mark this milestone, let us set aside differences and wholeheartedly welcome the people who call Calgary home. Let us explore its neighbourhoods, gather in its public spaces and celebrate its diversity.
Leadership is situational. Let’s be guided by thoughtful leadership and inspired by engaged citizens so that we can proclaim with confidence that Calgary’s spirit is strong and thriving. This is not only a great Canadian city — it is the place to live, grow, and belong.
Linda Southern-Heathcott is president and CEO of Spruce Meadows.
As part of our special Postmedia Calgary series Countdown to 2 Million, we created a virtual think tank of three dozen community leaders who are sharing their thoughts on how to build the best Calgary. Find more columns and related videos at calgaryherald.com/countdown-to-2-million .
We’d like to hear and publish your ideas, too. What should Calgarians be doing and thinking about, as our city’s population heads towards 2 million? Email us at reply2@calgaryherald.com .