FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Calgary’s Next Wave of City-Building Is Here – But Delivering It Will Take a Bigger Skilled Trades Workforce

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Calgary’s Next Wave of City-Building Is Here – But Delivering It Will Take a Bigger Skilled Trades Workforce

Calgary, AB – January 28, 2026 – Calgary’s construction and skilled trades industry continues to play a central role in building the homes, infrastructure, and community spaces that support one of Canada’s fastest-growing cities. New labour market data shows strong demand for trades and related occupations: highlighting both the opportunity ahead and the workforce challenge that must be addressed to keep Calgary building.

According to data by Statistics Canada, in Q3 2025, the Calgary Economic Region reported 5,300 job vacancies in Trades, Transport and Equipment Operators and Related Occupations, out of 22,290 total job vacancies across the region. This means 23.8 percent of all job vacancies in Calgary, nearly 1 in 4 were in this broad occupational category.

This demand comes at a time when Calgary is entering a major period of investment and growth. The Calgary Construction Association estimates at least $20 billion in major commercial projects are expected to come online over the next three to five years, without the traditional driver of an oil and gas boom. At the same time, the City of Calgary is investing more in its capital budget than ever before, with $3.7 billion committed as part of a multi-year plan to build, repair, and modernize the infrastructure Calgarians rely on every day – from fire stations and recreation centres to major mobility projects.

This momentum is a strong signal of confidence in Calgary’s future, but it will also increase pressure on labour availability – an issue now recognized for the first time in the City’s corporate risk profile.

“Calgary is in a true city-building moment, and that’s something to be proud of – and optimistic about,” said Bill Black, President and CEO of the Calgary Construction Association. “But delivering the housing, schools, healthcare facilities, and infrastructure our communities need will require more skilled workers. When nearly one in four job vacancies are in trades and related occupations, it’s a clear signal that we need to keep investing in workforce development, training, and pathways into the skilled trades.”

The Calgary Construction Association will continue working with government, industry partners, and training providers to strengthen the talent pipeline and ensure Calgary has the workforce capacity needed to deliver the projects that support growth, competitiveness, and quality of life.

For more information or media inquiries, please contact:
Frano Cavar
Director of Public Affairs and External Relations
Calgary Construction Association
franocavar@cgyca.com

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