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The City of Calgary

Calgary Conversations

A Government podcast

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About the show

Welcome to Calgary Conversations – your exclusive gateway to the heartbeat of our city. Dive deep into the pulse of Calgary with our brand-new municipal podcast. In each monthly episode, we peel back the layers of our vibrant community, shedding light on the priority areas that shape our city's future. From public safety to housing, downtown revitalization, and beyond, we're here to uncover the stories that matter most to you. Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the untold narratives that weave the fabric of our city.

Newest episodes

Keep moving: Calgary Parking’s role in a connected city

18 min

Parking affects how we move through Calgary whether we’re heading downtown, visiting a business, attending an event or parking near home.  Our host Jose Rodriguez sat down with Chris Blaschuk, Manager of Calgary Parking, to talk about how Calgary Parking supports a safe, accessible and affordable parking system across the city.   You will hear about how parking revenue is reinvested back into our communities, common misconceptions, how enforcement evolved, affordable options and much more.    Additional Resources:   Calgary Parking 

Building trust through action: how Council’s Priorities will shape Calgary’s next chapter

38 min

In this episode of Calgary Conversations, we sit down with Mayor Jeromy Farkas to unpack how Council’s Strategic Priorities will shape the city’s next four years. From trust, transparency and accountability to affordability, public safety and essential infrastructure, the conversation explores what it takes to move from campaign aspirations to measurable action.  As we prepare for the 2027-2030 budget and to be a city of two million residents, this timely conversation invites Calgarians to understand how priorities become investments and why public input helps guide Calgary’s next chapter.   Additional Resources:   Council's Strategic Priorities 

Have a voice in shaping Calgary

17 min

Calgarians have a long history of stepping up for their community. One of the most impactful ways to get involved is by serving on one of The City’s Boards, Commissions and Committees (BCCs). In this episode of Calgary Conversations, host Jose Rodriguez speaks with Jeremy Fraser, Deputy City Clerk, about how these groups help inform decisions, provide oversight and connect community voices with local government.  From planning and accessibility to community standards and civic engagement, there are opportunities for people from all backgrounds, experiences and areas of expertise. Whether you bring professional knowledge, lived experience or simply a passion for making life better every day for Calgarians, your perspective matters.  Additional Resources:   Boards, Commissions and Committees (BCCs)  BCCs list  Volunteer 

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All episodes

Keep moving: Calgary Parking’s role in a connected city

18 min

Parking affects how we move through Calgary whether we’re heading downtown, visiting a business, attending an event or parking near home.  Our host Jose Rodriguez sat down with Chris Blaschuk, Manager of Calgary Parking, to talk about how Calgary Parking supports a safe, accessible and affordable parking system across the city.   You will hear about how parking revenue is reinvested back into our communities, common misconceptions, how enforcement evolved, affordable options and much more.    Additional Resources:   Calgary Parking 

Building trust through action: how Council’s Priorities will shape Calgary’s next chapter

38 min

In this episode of Calgary Conversations, we sit down with Mayor Jeromy Farkas to unpack how Council’s Strategic Priorities will shape the city’s next four years. From trust, transparency and accountability to affordability, public safety and essential infrastructure, the conversation explores what it takes to move from campaign aspirations to measurable action.  As we prepare for the 2027-2030 budget and to be a city of two million residents, this timely conversation invites Calgarians to understand how priorities become investments and why public input helps guide Calgary’s next chapter.   Additional Resources:   Council's Strategic Priorities 

Have a voice in shaping Calgary

17 min

Calgarians have a long history of stepping up for their community. One of the most impactful ways to get involved is by serving on one of The City’s Boards, Commissions and Committees (BCCs). In this episode of Calgary Conversations, host Jose Rodriguez speaks with Jeremy Fraser, Deputy City Clerk, about how these groups help inform decisions, provide oversight and connect community voices with local government.  From planning and accessibility to community standards and civic engagement, there are opportunities for people from all backgrounds, experiences and areas of expertise. Whether you bring professional knowledge, lived experience or simply a passion for making life better every day for Calgarians, your perspective matters.  Additional Resources:   Boards, Commissions and Committees (BCCs)  BCCs list  Volunteer 

More than a game: Sport Hub is rewriting Calgarians’ futures through sport

20 min

Getting kids into sports practice can be expensive. The City’s Sport Hub program understands this challenge and is helping break barriers—giving 20,000 kids and teens the opportunity to engage, build skills, support their mental health and thrive. And that number continues to grow.   Through collaboration with partners and funders such as United Way of Calgary and Area, the program offers free and low-cost lessons, addressing complexities like transportation, high fees and expensive equipment. There are a number of sports offered such as soccer, cricket, basketball, rugby, cricket, fencing and lacrosse, to name a few.   In this episode, Brett Whittingham, Leader of Recreation Programs at The City, and Monique Blough, Director of Children & Youth Strategies at United Way, discuss the power of collaboration and how Sport Hub is transforming communities and fostering youth wellbeing across Calgary.   Additional Resources:   Sport Hub  Planet Youth 

Pet-friendly rentals: expanding housing choice in Calgary

26 min

Finding a rental can be tough at the best of times. For Calgarians with pets, it’s even more challenging. More than half of Calgarians own a pet but only 10% of low-costmarket rentals allow them—forcing some residents to make impossible choices between housing and keeping their pet. The impacts reach beyond individual households. When pet owners are unable to find pet-friendly housing, animals can be surrendered to shelters through no fault of their own, placing additional strain on animal welfare organizations and disrupting the bond between people and their pets. To help close the gap, The City of Calgary and Calgary Humane Society have partnered to advocate for more pet-friendly rentals. In this episode, The City of Calgary’s ChiefHousing Officer, Reid Hendry, and Carrie Fritz, Executive Director at Calgary Humane Society, discuss what’s driving this housing gap, how pet-friendly housing benefits both landlords and tenants, and what resources are availableto address common concerns. They also explore how expanding pet-friendly housing can help keep families together, reduce preventable pet surrenders, andbuild stronger, more connected communities. Additional Resources: Pet Inclusive HousingLandlordand Tenant Toolkit

Hail season is back – tips to stay safe

15 min

Hail season is back. Get practical tips and advice toprotect yourself, your property and community and stay safe this storm season. In this episode, Stacey Rector, Leader of Climate Resilience and Adaptation at The City of Calgary, explains why climate resilience matters, who’s most at riskfrom hail, and how The City is helping Calgarians handle extreme weather. Whether you are a business, homeowner, car owner, gardener, or simply someone who cares about your community, taking steps now to prepare for hail season can make all the difference. Additional Resources: Climate ready home guideGet prepared for emergenciesInstitute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction – Protectyour home from hailAlberta Emergency Alert

Update on the Bearspaw South Feeder Main repairs

31 min

The City of Calgary is on a mission to replace the Bearspaw South Feeder Main, which we count on to deliver a significant amount of our water. General Manager of Infrastructure Services, Michael Thompson, talks about the construction progress on the feeder main replacement project and ongoing work to reinforce the current pipe and explains what Calgarians can expect in the year ahead.  This conversation was recorded on March 4, 2026. Additional Resources: Saving water during the feeder main reinforcement workBearspaw South Feeder Main replacement project

Building the Green Line: Phase 1

21 min

We're getting up to speed on the largest infrastructure project in Calgary's history: the Green Line LRT. Join us for a conversation with Wendy Tynan, director of the Green Line, as we break down the history, progress, and timelines shaping this major transit investment. Most importantly, we dig into why the Green Line matters—how it will make getting around easier, support growing communities, and help shape Calgary’s future.

Breaking down Calgary's 2026 Budget

23 min

Now that City Council has approved the 2026 Budget, what's next? On this episode of Calgary Conversations, we're sitting down with The City's Chief Financial Officer, Les Tochor, to break down the budget while learning more about what it means for Calgarians. 

Trash talk: Tips for reducing holiday waste

20 min

It’s the most wonderful (and wasteful) time of the year. Just in time for the holiday shopping season, we’re talking trash with Sharon Howland and Grace Wark from Waste & Recycling Services. As Calgary sees a 25% increase in waste over the holidays, we’re learning some tips and tricks for more sustainable celebrations.

Celebrating 20 years of 311

14 min

Calgary's go-to hotline for information is celebrating 20 years of service. Join us as we explore how 311 has grown and evolved over the years with Patti Scott, Acting Manager of 311. We'll also hear about some of the weird and wacky calls operators sometimes encounter, like when a student called in for homework help and more. 

What's new for Calgary's 2025 General Election

25 min

With Calgarians heading out to vote on Oct. 20, what can they expect for the 2025 General Election?  On this episode, we’re joined by Kate Martin, City Clerk and Returning Officer, and Andrew Brouwer, Assistant Director of Elections, to find out what it takes to keep Calgary’s election running smoothly and safely. From the new local political parties to hand counting votes, we’re diving into what’s new, different and important for voters. 

Meet the Calgary Fire Department's new spokesperson

21 min

We’re getting to know the Calgary’s Fire Department’s new Public Information Officer, Alex Kwan. Find out how Alex has been preparing for this important role, including learning American Sign Language (ASL) to better connect with members of the Deaf community. We’re also exploring recent trends in fire prevention as well as important tips for staying safe on the waterways.

Addressing Calgary's housing crisis

35 min

With record population growth in the past two years, how are The City of Calgary and our housing partners addressing the housing crisis? In this episode of Calgary Conversations, we’re taking a deep dive into The City’s housing strategy with Reid Hendry, Chief Housing Officer and external partner, Bev Jarvis, Communications Director of Onward Homes. Find out what it takes to create more housing supply, choice and affordability for Calgarians as our experts shed light on the complex puzzle pieces of the housing world.

Big events, big impact: how Calgary hosts the world

20 min

With the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit and Rotary International Convention happening back-to-back, Calgary is stepping onto the global stage in a big way. In this episode of Calgary Conversations, Troy McLeod, G7 Corporate Director for The City of Calgary, and Alisha Reynolds, President & CEO of Tourism Calgary, share how these major events come together—and what they mean for our city.  From what visitors can expect to the behind-the-scenes planning, you’ll learn how Calgary is preparing to deliver world-class experiences and lasting impact. 

Levelling the Playing Field with GamePLAN

26 min

Calgary’s ambitious recreation strategy, GamePLAN, aims to improve recreation in our city, setting a new service level standard that responds to record levels of population growth and aging infrastructure. Join us as we speak with Heather Johnson, Director of Recreation & Social Programs about how GamePLAN intends to transform recreation in Calgary.

Property assessment and tax 101

16 min

We’re going back to the basics of property tax and assessment with The City’s assessor, Eddie Lee. Join us as we answer some of the top questions about the tax process and how your property is valued.

Winter Road Maintenance

21 min

We’re covering the hot topic of cold weather – winter road maintenance. From slippery sidewalks and snow clearing to potholes and plows, discover the people and plans involved in keeping our streets safe. In this episode, we’re talking with The City’s Manager of Mobility Maintenance, Chris Hewitt, as he explains what it takes to prepare Calgary’s roads for unpredictable weather. Find out why snow clearing differs from snow removal, and how we’re using the latest technology to repair potholes.

Inside the City of Calgary Archives

18 min

In honour of Remembrance day, we're uncovering historical treasures and stories deep within the City of Calgary Archives. We get a glimpse of Calgary's connection to the First and Second World Wars as we explore letters, photographs and memories from the past.  Join us for a conversation with City of Calgary Archives Coordinator Susanne Clark, as she shares unique stories and facts behind Calgary's war time records and beyond. Discover how archives play a crucial role in preserving our past to inform the future. 

Calgary's secret economic powerhouse: The Prairie Economic Gateway initiative

24 min

Our latest episode features a conversation on our booming population and how we’re creating jobs for Calgarians. We dive into one of Calgary’s best kept secrets – the Prairie Economic Gateway, a new major industrial hub. It’s set to generate more than $1.6 billion in economic output and create more than 6,750 jobs. Want to learn how? Tune in to our interview with Program Manager Oyin Shyllon, who gives us insight into what it takes to make a massive project like this happen and the benefits Calgarians will see. Hint – it may or may not involve a cocoa factory. 

Calgary’s comeback kid: Behind-the-scenes of downtown revitalization

37 min

It’s time to talk about Calgary’s comeback kid: our downtown core. From volatile oil prices and the COVID-19 pandemic to high vacancy rates, the heart of our city is bouncing back from hard times. As we continue writing downtown’s comeback story, we’re focused on creating a vibrant culture that inspires Calgarians to explore and engage with our own urban playground. In this episode, find out how we’re creating legacy landmarks, attracting investment, and designing impactful public spaces to spark a new sense of vibrancy and wonder downtown. Tune in for a conversation on downtown revitalization with The City of Calgary’s Director of Downtown Strategy, Thom Mahler, and President & CEO of Calgary Municipal Land Corporation, Kate Thompson.

A conversation on community safety with Kay Choi

21 min

Calgary is a growing and diverse city. The population growth means our city faces pressures like never before. Diverse backgrounds and life experiences shape our sense of safety. Crime and violence on transit, social disorder, and concerns stemming from addiction or mental health can contribute to an uneasy atmosphere. We are working to remove these barriers by ensuring Calgarians feel safe, connected, supported, and that they belong. In this episode, we talk about our investments in people, public spaces and emergency response and enforcement with Community Safety and Wellbeing Lead Kay Choi.

An inside look into Calgary’s City Hall with Chief Administrative Officer David Duckworth

39 min

Calgary is one of the most livable cities on the planet. As one of Canada's fastest-growing cities, we're building to meet the needs of our expanding population, striving to create a vibrant, affordable place for soon-to-be 2 million residents. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make this happen. That’s why The City of Calgary is introducing a new podcast called Calgary Conversations, an insider pass to the heart of Calgary’s City Hall. This episode features an interview with Chief Administrative Officer David Duckworth that sheds light on the priority areas that are shaping our city’s future. This includes discussions on housing, public safety, downtown revitalization and even how City finances are managed. Learn more at http://www.calgary.ca/CalgaryConversations.

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