Hear from our customers

We’ve really been impressed by the City’s reach out to the community and the proactive approach to solving
problems.

"It makes a huge difference to owners and occupants when the City is constantly working on what is working and what isn’t.

Although we have been frustrated by a few things in the permitting process, taking the issue a little further or different path has lead to great solutions."

- Rob Blackwell, Senior Vice President, Investments & Asset Management, Aspen Properties

The contrast between working with the City of Calgary and other large municipalities is like night and day. Calgary is streamlined, straight forward and simple.

"In 2017 we were presented with an opportunity to open a Pop Up fitness studio Downtown. The deal with the landlord came together quite quickly and we needed to open up fast! As usual the City of Calgary came through. The process from application for a business license to actually receiving it was only 10 days. It was an incredibly stress-free process!

Our goal in 2018 is to expand Barre Belle to Cities outside of Alberta. The contrast between working with the City of Calgary and other large municipalities is like night and day. Calgary is streamlined, straight forward and simple. In Calgary we are able to get answers when needed and the City has never changed the goalposts of what is required during permit application on us. There is always someone willing to take our call and walk us through any process which we really appreciate."

- Kristi Stuart, Co-Founder, Barre Belle Inc

They've (The City) brought a progressive mindset and valuable initiatives that are helping us advance this development vision for Calgary's downtown.

"It's an exciting time to be building in Calgary right now. We're among a group of entrepreneurs working to transform and reinvigorate downtown into a centre of innovation and connection. As we build our unique spaces, it's been very encouraging to collaborate with the City of Calgary's small business and urban development teams during this journey. They've (The City) brought a progressive mindset and valuable initiatives that are helping us advance this development vision for Calgary's downtown."

- Ken Bautista, Partner, Makespace and Co-founder, Startup Edmonton

As a small business, our relationship with the City of Calgary is invaluable.

"The guidance and support provided has allowed us to painlessly navigate the ins and outs behind the scenes, so we can focus on what we do best, make beer!"

- Ben Leon, Partner, Co-founder / Managing Director, The Dandy Brewing Company

I was really impressed when faced with a bureaucratic blockade that the folks at the city were able to find a work around very quickly and efficiently

- Colin McLean, Banded Peak Brewing Ltd

 Calgary is one of the most innovative cities in Canada. It is an incredible city to start your product in because people jump in and support it.

“Calgary is one of the most innovative cities in Canada. It is an incredible city to start your product in because people jump in and support it. People here are hungry for different, for new. We’re the wild west – you can basically do whatever you want in Calgary. I feel like Calgary’s growing in such a positive direction in this community.

Real estate prices, co-working office spaces, reasonable rent and vacancies are making it easier for new businesses to get started.

There’s a good community to support you here. You can start small and grow. You can test the waters and see how it works.”

- Pippa and Neige Blair, 

​Routine Natural Goods