Prioritizing Housing Supply: Calgary's New Chair Takes the Lead

In the bustling city of Calgary, which has been growing at an astonishing pace, the need for increased housing supply is more pressing than ever. Kathy Oberg, the newly appointed chair of the Building Industry and Land Development Association – Calgary Region (BILD-CR), stands at the forefront of this challenge. As an experienced urban planner and president of B&A Studios, Oberg recognizes the complexities of accommodating a rapidly growing population and reshaping Calgary’s urban landscape.

Understanding the Housing Landscape

Calgary is experiencing a unique housing crisis characterized by soaring home prices and a sharp rise in affordability challenges. The 2025 Calgary Housing Strategy Update highlights an ambitious six-year plan called “Home is Here,” which aims to tackle these escalating issues. Despite emerging as a national leader in housing starts and development, many residents are still struggling to find affordable options.

The Balancing Act of Urban Planning

Oberg has outlined an essential aspect of her leadership role: the need to balance housing supply dynamics with affordability concerns. With local council elections influencing land planning and public policy significantly, she emphasizes the necessity of collaboration between real estate developers and municipal authorities. Around 80% of a councilor's job pertains to land-related planning, making it vital for urban planners like Oberg to help navigate both current realities and future possibilities for Calgary.

A Comprehensive Approach to Urban Development

Creating new communities requires managing a diverse array of moving parts, from council approvals to labor supply. Oberg's experience in developing master-planned communities is crucial as these areas must provide a range of housing types, employment opportunities, recreation, and essential services. She comments, “Actually managing supply is one of the most difficult things we have faced and will continue to face.” This involves a lengthy process of council approvals followed by strategic investments from developers and the city.

Challenges to Workforce and Skills Development

Oberg points out another major concern: a labor shortage in the trades necessary for housing construction. As the aging workforce retires, Calgary faces a dilemma—how to encourage new talent into the trades. Addressing this challenge involves engaging with educational institutions to promote the importance of trades and creating incentives to attract future workers. “We’re trying to do everything we can to bring more kids interested in trades, because we need trades to build our houses,” she states.

Progress and Future Directions for Calgary Housing

Data points from the 2025 Housing Strategy Progress Update present a complex yet encouraging picture: more than 10,000 new market homes received development permit approvals in the first half of 2025, alongside efforts to expand non-market housing options significantly. These measures demonstrate fruitful collaboration between the city and industry stakeholders to deliver both market and non-market housing solutions to meet growing demand.

Despite these promising developments, the challenge of affordability remains a critical concern. Rising housing costs continue to outpace wages, with one in five Calgary households struggling with housing expenses. Moving forward, Oberg emphasizes the importance of sustained efforts to meet the needs of diverse communities through innovative housing developments and strategic partnerships.

A Vision for a More Inclusive Future

One of the most notable initiatives in Calgary's housing strategy is the introduction of the Indigenous Housing Funding Program, which aims to ensure equity in housing for all Calgarians. Oberg is committed to cooperation amongst neighboring municipalities, reinforcing the message that collaboration can drive positive change. “We’ve spent decades talking about individual municipalities. I’m hoping my impact on that over the next year is to reinforce that the region is strong together,” she concludes.

In summary, the leadership of Kathy Oberg signals a promising new chapter in Calgary’s housing supply story. With her expertise and a clear focus on collaboration, the potential exists for transformative changes to the city’s housing landscape. The upcoming years hold the promise of not just building homes but fostering a sense of community where all Calgarians can thrive.

As we witness Calgary's growth and evolution, it becomes increasingly important for residents to remain engaged in discussions about housing and urban development. We encourage you to explore local forums and stay informed on housing issues that affect not only you but your entire community. Your voice is vital in shaping the vibrant future of Calgary’s neighborhoods.