About Calgary

_ Today, Calgary is Canada's number one economic performer and is seeing unprecedented diversity in an array of industries.

_ Calgary's employment rate and per capita income are both ahead of the national average.

_ During the past seven years, the region experienced a population growth more than 16 per cent higher than any other city in Canada

and 125,000 new jobs have been added in the past five years.

_ Calgary has no provincial sales tax, no capital tax, no machinery and equipment tax and reasonable property tax on land and buildings.

_ Calgary has the youngest and one of the most highly educated populations among the 10 major markets in the country.

_ Calgary was ranked as the best place in Canada to work by the Globe and Mail, and Today's Parent magazine ranked Calgary among the

top five best cities for families.

_ Calgary continues to enhance its reputation as a world-class city playing host to such internationally renowned events as the Calgary

Stampede, The Spruce Meadows Masters and the G8 Summit. Browse through www.calgaryadvantages.com and discover the dynamic spirit and endless opportunities in Calgary-Heart of the New West.

Area Overview

Calgary's reputation as Canada's Energy Capital stems from its thriving oil and gas industry and from the energy and enthusiasm of its business community. With Canada's youngest and most highly educated population, it is easy to see why Calgary has such vitality and spirit. It is this combination of optimism and opportunity that continues to draw firms and entrepreneurs to this city.

Calgary is home to 89% of Canada's oil and natural gas producers and 64% of coal producers. Companies involved in the energy sector, and its supporting industries, have flocked to Calgary and have sparked the emergence of new growth leaders.

Aside from oil and gas companies, the city has internationally recognized firms involved in finance, engineering, food production, transportation, and telecommunications. As an established advanced technology centre, Calgary is also home to dynamic information technology, health services and environmental sciences firms.

Its proximity to key national and international markets has made Calgary an important distribution hub for western Canada. With skilled labour, reliable and inexpensive energy and an advantageous tax climate, Calgary has a lot to offer the modern entrepreneur.

A further attraction of Calgary is our enviable rocky mountain lifestyle. A recent study from Geneva, Switzerland, ranked Calgary as twelfth in the world for the highest quality of life.

With a strong entrepreneurial spirit and an ability to get things done, Calgary remains one of Canada's most consistently growing economies.

Calgary's Key Advantages:

- Strong entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiastic business community

- Population with the highest percentage of post-secondary education in Canada

- Labour force with the highest productivity rates and participation rates in Canada

- One of Canada's consistently fastest growing economies

- Centre of Canada's energy industry and western Canada's high technology industry

- Distribution hub for western Canada, the Northwest United States & the Pacific Rim

- Broad international business experience and recognition

- Pro-business governments

- Ranked second in Canada as a centre of major corporate headquarters

- One of Canada's fastest growing populations

- Year round recreation and enviable Rocky Mountain Quality of Life

Location

The City's elevation is 1,048.43 meters [3,439.71 feet] as taken at the fundamental benchmark, Central Park. The area of the city is 721 square km [278 square miles] making Calgary the second largest city in Canada by area. In Calgary, you don't just think east-west. It is wise to also think north-south. Because of the close ties between Calgary's oil industry and the American energy sector, the city's transportation links stretch south of the border as well as to other Canadian destinations. By road, the Trans Canada Highway provides easy access to eastern Canada and the Pacific coast. A modern airport keeps the city in close contact with the rest of the world. The population of Calgary's main trading area is well over 2.5 million people.

It extends in an elliptical fashion from the British Columbia interior to the Saskatchewan interior, northward to Red Deer and south over the United States border. Calgary's location, along with traditional business ties developed by oil and gas and agricultural industries, has facilitated the development of new markets in western Canada, the western United States and the Pacific Rim. Calgary is by no means limited to these markets, due in part to the cities aggressive business community and excellent transportation infrastructure. Sixty percent of Alberta exports originate from Calgary.

Economic Base

Calgary's cooperative, entrepreneurial-minded business community has encouraged many major companies, whose activities are clearly international in scope, to locate here. Major firms, like Trans Canada Pipelines, Canadian Pacific Ltd., Amoco Canada Petroleum Ltd., Petro-Canada and Shell Canada Ltd. have established their head offices in the city. Some of these firms consciously chose Calgary as a location while others grew in the thriving Western climate. In fact, Calgary is ranked second as a major head office centre in Canada, only behind Toronto. Some of the new arrivals on the Calgary business scene are the headquarters of CP Rail, Suncor Inc., Shaw Communications and Dow Chemicals.

Traditionally, the Calgary business community has been dominated by the resource sector, but this single industry focus is changing as the city's economy continues to diversify. Calgary's location, well-educated work force, high computer literacy rate and entrepreneurial attitude have created new opportunities in advanced technology, manufacturing, retail trade and tourism.

This diversification will ensure a stable future for the Calgary economy.

Energy

Since the discovery of oil and gas in the Turner Valley area, just south of Calgary, the city of Calgary has become known as the energy capital of Canada.  This is due, in large part, to the fact that over 89% of oil and gas producers are headquartered in Calgary. As a result, Calgary has a large concentration of expertise in oil and gas technologies, petrochemical engineering construction, natural gas compression and heavy oil development and engineering. Calgary is also home to a large portion of Canada's energy service industry, including engineering, geological and data processing.

Alberta is not only a major producer of oil and gas, but also of coal. It is, therefore, not surprising to find that 64% of coal producers have their head offices in Calgary. The production of coal, natural gas and unconventional sources of oil, such as the oil sands, will ensure that Calgary remains an energy centre, as conventional sources of oil are depleted.

The energy industry in Calgary is a highly competitive, capital intensive industry. As such, the industry demands high quality and fast service from its own industry and from the companies which serve to supply it. These high standards have helped to ensure that Calgary businesses offer high quality products with prompt service.

Agriculture

Calgary is a significant agricultural centre as well as a major energy centre. The importance of Calgary as an agricultural centre stems from the fact that Alberta is a major agricultural producer. In 2001, total farm cash receipts were $8.3 billion. The majority of agricultural revenue is derived from three commodities: cattle, wheat and small grains. Although Calgary is not a producer of these goods, it benefits from a wide range of agricultural-based industries and services. These include food processing, farm equipment and supply marketing, livestock and grain marketing, a wide variety of agri-services, numerous agricultural publications, livestock shows and sales, and regular agricultural conventions.

Of particular importance is the food processing industry, which accounted for the majority of growth in the value of manufacturing shipments in Calgary in recent years. In Alberta, during 1994, the food and beverage industries employed 15.1% of all manufacturing workers and accounted for more than 25% of the total manufacturing shipments. The food processing industry benefits not only from Calgary's close proximity to agricultural producers, but also because Calgary is a substantial consumer of food products and it is ideally located to distribute to other major markets.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing industry in Calgary, although traditionally oriented toward products for the agricultural and oil and gas industries, continues to diversify, notably into food processing, clothing, furniture and high technology. This diversification can be attributed to Calgary's excellent transportation infrastructure, with an inland container port and an international airport; a well-trained, capable and available work force, with one of Canada's best records of management/labour relations and a central location within the Western Canadian market.

The oil and gas industry demands high quality precision products and technical expertise. These high standards have developed capabilities that are now being used to exploit opportunities in other manufacturing sector, particularly for defence-related products.

Calgary's manufacturing industry has five major sectors in terms of contribution to employment and value of manufacturing shipments. These are:

(1) food and beverage, (2) wood products (value-added wood processing), (3) fabricated metal products, (4) electrical and electronic products, and (5) printing, publishing and allied industries. Other strong sectors in Calgary manufacturing include transportation equipment, chemicals and chemical products.

The outlook for continuing growth in Calgary's manufacturing industry is excellent given the city's central location in the Western Canadian market and ready access to the Western United States and Pacific Rim.

Tourism

The tourism industry in Calgary and Alberta represents a major opportunity for economic development. A range of businesses benefit from direct visitor sales.

In 2001, more than 4 million people visited Calgary and area and spent nearly $1 billion dollars. Visitor spending helps sustain an estimated 22,000 equivalent full-year direct and indirect jobs. Alberta remains the largest market for Calgary, followed by British Columbia, the United States, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and other parts of Canada and off-shore countries.

Tourism will provide numerous opportunities for all Calgarians in the years ahead. Tourism brings in new outside dollars, new construction, diverse community facilities, and numerous cultural events and festivals. A community that promotes amenities and offers high quality services designed to interest visitors is an attractive location for other industries and investors.

Safe and clean, Calgary is a cosmopolitan city nestled in the rolling foothills of the Canadian Rockies. Convention and meeting delegates or trade show participants can experience the excitement and diversity of big city life without the worry of big city problems. With the Canadian Rockies in the city's backyard, a world of outdoor adventure and pre and post-meeting opportunities also awaits delegates.

Calgary is an excellent location for conventions, meetings, trade and consumer shows. The city offers a downtown convention centre, extensive exhibit space at Stampede Park, and convention and meeting facilities in luxury hotels and at The University of Calgary. In 2001, Calgary attracted a total of 47 conventions with more than 41,850 delegates, in addition to numerous seminars, meetings and workshops. An additional 14 consumer and trade shows attracted

over 67,000 attendees.

In 1988, Calgary played host to one of the most successful Winter Olympic Games ever, leaving behind a legacy of goodwill, international recognition and world-class sporting facilities including Canada Olympic Park, the Pengrowth Saddledome and the Olympic Speed-skating Oval. Other international sports venues include the Talisman Sports & Aquatic Centre, a facility dedicated to the training of amateur athletes, and Spruce Meadows, North America's premier equestrian centre.

Professional sports franchises in the city include the National Hockey League Calgary Flames, the Canadian Football League Calgary Stampeders Football Club and the Calgary Hitmen Professional Lacrosse League.

Calgary is recognized worldwide for the annual Calgary Stampede, known as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth". Annual festivals also include the Calgary Winter Festival, the Calgary International Children's Festival, the International Native Arts Festival, the Calgary Folk Festival and the Calgary International Jazz Festival.

Tourism Calgary coordinates the promotion of Calgary and area's visitor industry.

Tourism Calgary is a member-based association that markets Calgary and area as a preferred convention, corporate meeting, leisure travel and incentive travel destination.

Transportation

Calgary, unlike many other cities, has an excellent freight and passenger transportation infrastructure designed to provide ready access to markets for raw materials, processed goods and technical personnel in North America and abroad.

The city is ideally located on the TransCanada and the #2 Highways, providing efficient access to east/west and north/south markets respectively. In addition to highway transportation, both CP Rail and Canadian National Railways serve the city. There is also an inland marine container terminal located in Calgary. Calgary International Airport is the fourth busiest in Canada.

The city's industrial parks are well serviced by extensive truck transportation routes and rail spur lines. They are also well situated within close proximity to the airport, intermodal facilities, public transit and major highways.

Located one hour from the majestic Rocky Mountains, Calgary offers its citizens unlimited recreational opportunities. Within an hour from Calgary, you can ski the Olympic mountain (Mount Allan), fish in one of the finest trout rivers in North America (the Bow River), hike the trails and mountains of Kananaskis or Banff National Park and golf in some of the country's most beautiful and challenging golf courses (Kananaskis and Banff). However, you need not leave the city to enjoy leisure activities. There are many natural park areas to relax in. One such area is FishCreekProvincialPark, rich in wildlife and natural beauty. With more than 550km of pathways and 260km of street bikeways, the City of Calgary boasts the most extensive urban pathway network in North America.

For the more sporting folk, Calgary has a multitude of recreational facilities, such as ice hockey arenas, swimming pools, golf courses, yachting clubs, ball diamonds and many more.

Though Calgary is known for its outdoor pursuits, the city is also developing into a major cultural centre. The Centre for Performing Arts houses the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra and numerous theatrical troupes. As well other smaller music and theatrical companies have decided to make Calgary their home, and for those who enjoy viewing art and artifacts, the Glenbow Museum and the Nickel Arts Museum are but two of the many museums in the city.

SPORTS AND FITNESS

Calgary has opportunities for sports enthusiasts in every conceivable sport, from the arm chair athlete to the professional. Calgary has sports facilities that are just as diverse. Listed below is an inventory of many of the major sport and fitness opportunities in Calgary.

Calgary Stampeders

The Stampeders, Grey Cup Champions for 1993, have been playing in the Canadian Football League since 1945. They play to over 300,000 fans annually at McMahon Stadium.

Calgary Roughnecks

The Calgary Roughnecks are halfway through their second season as a member of the National Lacrosse League, a professional circuit that plays throughout North America.

The game features the best players on the continent, and is played in a style that is fast, hard-hitting, and high-scoring. The club plays at the Pengrowth Saddledome during the winter.

Calgary Flames

The Flames are a professional hockey team in the National Hockey League. Their home games are played at the Pengrowth Saddledome. They have played to sold out crowds since their arrival in Calgary. The Calgary Flames were the 1989 Stanley Cup Champions.

Calgary Hitmen

The Hitmen are a AAA Hockey team in the Western Hockey League (WHL). They are a new and welcomed addition to Calgary’s sport scene. The Hitmen are in part owned by some “bigger” names from the world of sports such as, Thereon Fleury, Joe Sakic, and Bret “the Hitman” Heart.

Canadian Olympic Hockey Team

This national organization is based at the Father David Bauer Arena. During the year they play International Hockey and their goal is to produce a medal winning Olympic hockey team every four years for the Winter Olympics.

Stampede Race Track

Located at StampedePark the race track hosts both thoroughbred (fall/spring) and harness (winter/summer) racing year round. It is also the home of the Nat Christie Memorial and the Alberta Derby.

Spruce Meadows

This equestrian show jumping centre is recognized as one of the top equestrian facilities in the world. The Centre also maintains excellent training and breeding facilities. Spruce Meadows hosts several major tournaments each year ranging from local to international events.

The Talisman Centre for Sport & Wellness

The Talisman Centre for Sport & Wellness is a multi-sport facility created to provide competitive athletes with a high-performance training facility. It is also used to host international swimming events in the city. The facility also houses a running/walking track, gymnasiums, fitness equipment, and a sports medicine facility.

Olympic Speed Skating Oval

This is the world's first fully enclosed 400 metre Olympic speed skating oval. It was built to host the speed skating events at the 1988 Winter Olympics. Located at the University of Calgary it is the home of the National Speed Skating Team.

Glenmore Reservoir

The reservoir is a 429 hectare reservoir lake boasting two yacht clubs and the largest inland sailing school in North America. International standard training in rowing and canoeing is available. The clubhouse on the lake has indoor practice tanks for winter training.

Golf Courses

Calgary boasts one of the highest golf course to population ratios in the world. The following lists the number of golf courses in the city and within 30 km of the city.

8 municipal (99 holes)

11 semi-private (191 holes)

5 public (99 holes)

4 private (81 holes)

In addition there are several par 3 courses and driving ranges. The average weekend rates for 18 holes of golf start at $22.

Canada Olympic Park

This winter ski and sport facility was built for the 1988 Olympic Games. It includes 70 and 90 metre ski jumps, a bobsled track, a luge track and a ski hill. Also housed at this facility are the Olympic Training Centre, where other Olympic teams can stay during training visits, the Olympic Hall of Fame, and the Olympic Visitors Centre. The ski hill attracts an average of over 2,000 skiers daily during the winter months. During the summer the park remains open for visitors and dry land training.

Race City Speed Way

This is one of the most modern and unique motor-sport facilities in North America. It has three paved tracks which include: a 1/2 mile high-banked oval for stock car racing; a 1/4 mile NHRA Drag strip; and a two mile Formula Shell Road course for sports car and motorcycle racing.

Indoor Wave Pool Leisure Complexes

Three of these complexes are housed in the city. They all have large wave pools and water slides. They also contain climbing walls, racquet courts, gymnasiums, art centres, fitness equipment and skating/hockey rinks. Other fitness and recreation facilities in the city include the following:

550 km (176 mi) walking and cycling paths

60 km (37 mi) cross country ski trails

58 fitness facilities

226 tennis courts (several enclosed and winterized)

120 sheets of curling ice

270 racquet sport courts

17 billiard halls

10 bowling facilities

321 ball diamonds

298 soccer fields

12 indoor swimming pools

8 outdoor swimming pools

10 wading pools (outdoor/indoor)

47 arenas

190 outdoor rinks

674 playgrounds

2600 Parks

skate park

cycle race track

Source: CalgaryParks and Recreation.

Other recreational facilities include: water slide complexes, go-kart

circuits, horseback riding, martial arts studios, war games facilities,

indoor climbing centers, and many others.

Park Areas

Calgary houses 2 major natural park spaces. FishCreekProvincialPark is 1,153 hectares (2,800 acres) of natural woodland area. There is a man-made lake with a beach and many trails and pathways for hiking and biking. NoseHillPark is 1,128 hectares (2,786 acres) of natural grassland area. This hill is a favorite hiking area that offers a great view of the city. There are 27 other major parks in the city totaling 8500 hectares. They offer access to rivers, picnic areas, playgrounds and other recreation facilities. Each community in the city also has smaller designated green areas for parks and playgrounds.

For more information regarding CalgaryParks and Recreation Centres you can contact the City of Calgary Parks and Recreation Department. They are located at 205 8 Avenue SE, or you may contact them by telephone at (403) 268-3888.

ATTRACTIONS

Calgary Tower

This 190 metre tall tower is the best place to get a bird's eye view of the city. It houses an observation lounge as well as a fully rotating dining centre.

Calgary Zoo, Botanical Gardens and Prehistoric Park

Travel back in time and visit the prehistoric park where you can view life-size dinosaurs as they were in their natural setting. Or walk amid a

tropical forest with exotic birds in the Botanical gardens. The Calgary Zoo is world-renowned and features many rare and endangered species in natural habitat settings.

Fort Calgary

This is the original site of Fort Calgary, a North West Mounted Police post built in 1875 when the Mounties first arrived in the west. An interpretive centre recounts the history of Calgary and the region. Presently an archaeological dig is taking place on the site.

Heritage Park

A fully functional turn of the century town has been recreated complete with working shops. There is a fully operational steam train and paddle wheeler which takes tours of the Glenmore Reservoir. Old fashioned fall fairs and picnics among the antique fair rides are common in the park.

Inglewood Bird Sanctuary

This sanctuary occupies 32 hectares (80 acres) of riverside land and was established in 1929. Its walking paths are open year-round. Approximately 266 species have been sighted in the park.

MAJOR EVENTS

Calgary Stampede

Billed as the "Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth" the Calgary Stampede runs every summer in July. The half million dollar rodeo and World Chuck-wagon Championship races run daily. The Stampede also has a nightly stage show as well as many free entertainment opportunities. The midway and frontier casino offer a different type of entertainment. There are also many agricultural, handicraft and product exhibits throughout the park.

Winter Festival

In a tribute to the winter season, Calgary has a festival each year with many winter activities to be enjoyed by the whole family. A large snow fortress, dog races and many other activities keep everyone entertained.

Children's Festival

Held each spring, this event is becoming more popular as the years pass. This festival is especially for the little folk with many children's performers gathering in the city. There are many free outdoor activities as well as the scheduled children's shows to participate in.

Spruce Meadows Masters Tournament

Held each September, this international show jumping competition attracts people from around the world. Also at this tournament is an equestrian exhibition featuring breeds of the world and a festival of nations featuring countries from around the world.

Along with these major events, Calgary hosts many other festivals and events featuring music, theatre, and art to name a few.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

Epcor Centre for Performing Arts

This centre is home to the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra which plays in a 1,800 seat concert hall. There are three theatres which are home to Theatre Calgary, Alberta Theatre Projects and One Yellow Rabbit theatre troupes. Plays and musical performances run year round with a great variety to choose from.

Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre

This new cultural centre is patterned after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. The centre houses a museum and gallery devoted to an historical overview of Chinese culture. The Chinese community uses this centre for many celebrations and exhibitions of Chinese culture.

Calgary Science Centre

Travel to other worlds in Discovery Dome and have some hands-on fun with the interactive exhibits, visual arts and photography displays, wildly animated live science theatre and delightful science demos will treat visitors to an experience of a lifetime. The Centre is wheelchair accessible and free parking is available.

Calgary Opera Association

Dedicated to bringing quality opera to Calgary, this Association puts on productions year round. Each season they produce new and exciting performances.

Museums

The Glenbow Museum houses permanent displays that document the history of Western Canada. There are also visiting exhibitions throughout the year. The Museum of the Regiments was opened in 1990 and is the largest military museum in Western Canada. The Nickel Arts museum has a permanent collection of coins of the ancient world as well as three galleries for contemporary and classic works. The Olympic Hall of Fame is the world’s largest sports museum and is

dedicated to Canadian Winter Olympians. The city has many other quality museums for historians and art lovers alike.

Churches and Religious Organizations

The religious community in Calgary is very active. There are over 300 religious organizations and over 550 churches and chapels. This broad range of religious affiliations highlights the diversity of communities in Calgary.

Clubs, Associations and Societies

Calgary has a broad base of organized clubs, associations and societies. Professional and business organizations total approximately 130. They represent a large component of the technical and energy related professions but also include organizations from almost every business sector. Trade, industry and labour organizations total over 80 and represent all the trades. With Calgary's strong spirit of volunteerism it is no surprise that there are over 130 charitable organizations located in the city. Calgarians always promote charity and good will and these organizations flourish in this environment.

The largest group of clubs, associations and societies are of a civic or social nature. They total over 400. Calgarians love to socialize and have strong community spirit. There is something for everyone including sports, art, community, social, ethnic and many other organizations.

Education

Calgary has the highest percentage of post-secondary educated citizens (over 62%) among major metropolitan centres in Canada. Calgarians clearly value education and believe that a close relationship between post secondary institutions is vital to the quality of the community. The labour force must be able to adapt and change with Calgary's dynamic economy. As a result, continuing education programs are very important. These programs enable Calgarians to meet the needs of the changing market. This is a challenge which has been met by Calgary's post secondary institutions. The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) alone has over 38,500 currently enrolled. Calgarians realize that in a competitive labour market, education is a necessity. This realization has helped the University of Calgary grow from a small facility to one of the major universities in Canada, with a current enrollment of approximately 26,000 students. The level of education among the population in Calgary has increased over the last ten years by 1.4 percentage points.

Several institutions, such as Mount Royal College and the Alberta College of Art, have a significant relationship with Calgary's business community. They not only supply the business community with graduates to work in various industries, but also work with the community on various projects. The education and business communities of Calgary are not mutually exclusive but rather are dependent upon each other for success. Calgary has an extensive public education system, comprised of the Calgary Board of Education, the second largest public school system in Canada, and the Calgary Catholic Board of Education. Both systems are more commonly referred to as the public and separate schools boards. The public school system has enrolled 100 000 students in a total of 215 schools, while the Catholic school district has an enrollment of 50 000 students in 96 schools. Both systems offer a variety of alternative programs including language, sport, fine art, and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs.

Post Secondary Education

The University of Calgary

The University of Calgary has emerged in the 1990s as a leading Canadian university. With a student population of over 26,000, the university is a major research centre which attracts the best scholars and pre-eminent academic staff. Research funding amounts to more than $172 million annually. The university is located in northwest Calgary on a 125-hectare site. Its medical faculty is located in the Health Sciences Centre at the Foothills Medical Complex. A research park just north of the main campus is home to several industrial research facilities while specialized facilities have been developed off-campus for research into the environment, marine biology, astronomy and Arctic research. More than 11% of the student body is pursuing masters and doctoral degrees at the graduate level. Students doing undergraduate or professional study can choose from a variety of disciplines offered in 16 faculties: Continuing Education, Education, Engineering, Environmental Design, Fine Arts, General Studies, Graduate Studies, Humanities, Law, Management, Medicine, Nursing, Physical Education, Science, Social Sciences and Social Work. Calgarians are avidly interested in continuing and non-credit education. Each year more than 23,000 register for courses offered by the Faculty of Continuing Education.

The University of Calgary is the fourth largest employer in the city. Teaching staff number about 1,700 and support staff of about 2,000. Total full-time and part-time employees of about 3,800. The total business volume injected directly into the Calgary economy by the university is estimated at $269 million annually.

The university prides itself on its close associations with the greater Calgary community of alumni, individuals, corporations and foundations. Such extensive support played a key role in boosting the university's Building on the Vision National Campaign target of $40 million by over $6 million. The university's Senate has 62 members from the Calgary and area community, and many other individuals are associated with the university through advisory committees.

The public is encouraged to take advantage of the drama, music, dance and visual arts offerings, as well as a variety of public lectures, sports and recreational happenings.

Mount Royal College (now University)

Mount Royal College (MRC), one of Canada’s leading undergraduate colleges, is an innovative, progressive and student-centered institution offering a comprehensive range of applied baccalaureate and collaborative degree, diploma, university transfer, and certificate programs.

Founded in 1910, Mount Royal is located on four campuses in Calgary. Each year it serves more than 12,000 credit students plus tens of thousands more learners through music, speech and theatre programs offered by the world-renowned Conservatory as well professional and personal development courses provided through Continuing Education & Extension. Leading-edge applied degree programs, which include Business and Entrepreneurship, International Business and Supply Chain Management, Communications, Industrial Ecology, Interior Design, Ecotourism and Outdoor Leadership and Nonprofit Studies,

provide graduates with practical experience as well as theoretical knowledge. MRC also offers Bachelor of Nursing and Bachelor of Arts programs through a partnership with Athabasca University. International agreements with institutions throughout the U.S.,

Latin America, and Asia provide opportunities for student and faculty exchanges.

University transfer programs, in disciplines such as Arts, Commerce and Science, allow students to take up to two years of courses toward an undergraduate degree. Diploma and certificate programs cater to students who want training for specific careers.

A multi-phase $175-million expansion now underway will add 2,250 new student spaces by fall 2003 and eventually double the number of students MRC can accommodate. The project, which includes new academic buildings as well as physical education and recreation facilities, will create one of the finest learning environments

in North America.

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT)

The Southern Alberta Institute of Technology offers innovative, skill-based training to business, industry and individuals in Alberta and around the world. Combining 70 certificate and diploma programs with trade apprenticeships, international education, distance delivery and the flexibility to create custom programs. SAIT delivers training to over 8,500 full-time and 30,000 part-time registrants annually.

SAIT's ability to customize education to business needs helps industry deal with the demands of emerging technology. In business, computing, health sciences, hospitality, energy and engineering technologies, SAIT responds to requests from industry and government by creating individual programs that upgrade employee's skills. Custom programs can be held on SAIT's campus or at the work site, whenever the client desires.

Partnerships between SAIT and companies like Nortel, General Motors and the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce allow the Institute to train its learners on current technology while providing invaluable upgrading and training programs for business and industry employees.

SAIT is active internationally as well, both in receiving students from around the world on campus and in delivering offshore programs in nations where resource development and new technology create a demand for skill retraining.

From training telecommunications technicians in Thailand, and industrial coatings techniques in China to energy business practices in Russia, SAIT maintains an aggressive international education program which supports the business development initiatives of Canadian companies. At home, SAIT stays close to both the public and private sectors. Each regular diploma program holds an annual review of its curriculum, by an advisory committee of industry professionals, to keep SAIT's training relevant in the field, Input from industry ensures the skills of SAIT graduates meet the needs of businesses of Western Canada and beyond. According to the 1995 graduate employment results, 93% of graduates were working within six months of graduation, 78% within their field of training. With both traditional and innovative styles of education, SAIT helps clients meet the challenges of industry with the skills workers need to stay productive and competitive.

The Alberta College of Art and Design (ACAD)

The Alberta College of Art and Design is one of only four fully accredited visual arts colleges in Canada - and the only one in the Prairie Provinces. Founded in 1926 as part of the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art, ACAD has been an autonomous, board-governed institution since 1985. Up to 700 students register every year in four-year diploma programs in 11 visual arts disciplines - Ceramics, Drawing, Glass, jewellery & Metals, Painting, Photographic Arts, Print-making, Sculpture, Textiles, Visual Communications and Interdisciplinary Studies. The ACAD curriculum is studio-based, with the emphasis on individual growth and development through first-hand experience of contemporary art practice. A highly regarded professional faculty, excellent student/instructor ratio and spacious, well-equipped studios provide an ideal environment for aspiring artists.

The 18,000 books and 84,000 slides in the Luke Lindoe Library, workshops and lectures by prominent visiting artists, and the College's student exchange and international mobility programs offer a wealth of additional art related resources for students to draw on. Calgary's lively visual arts community and its more than 65 exhibiting galleries and artist-run centres further enrich ACAD student's experience. ACAD's on-campus public art gallery, The Illingworth Kerr Gallery, is

recognized nationally for its annual program of exhibitions by contemporary artists from across Canada and around the world and has a growing international reputation for the quality of its publications. The student-run Marion Nicoll Gallery presents a new exhibition of student work to the public every week throughout the academic year.

The College's Continuing Education courses attract over 1,400 Calgarians annually; 750 children attend ACAD's Saturday morning and summer programs. The Illingworth Kerr Gallery attracted 23,500 Calgarians and other visitors over the past eight months.

Athabasca University

(Calgary Learning Centre)

Athabasca University (AU) is a national and international leader in distance education offering independent study university courses to more than 12,000 students across Canada. Most AU students learn at home in their own communities using specially designed home-study materials which are generally supplemented by telephone tutors whom students may call toll tree from anywhere in Canada.

In most courses, students receive all instructional materials required to complete a course. Some courses are supplemented by radio and television programs, audio and video cassettes, laboratory session, and workshops. To do this, some courses make use of the facilities at the learning centre. Most courses start at the beginning of each month and run for at least six months.

Athabasca University offers over 300 courses in administrative studies, applied studies, humanities, social sciences, nursing, and natural sciences.

AU offers degrees in administration, arts, commerce, general studies, nursing, and science and offers university certificates in accounting, advanced accounting, administration, French language proficiency, health development administration, information systems, labour relations, labour studies, and public administration. As well, AU has transfer programs to other universities and to organizations such as the three major professional accounting bodies in Alberta. All undergraduate programs (except Nursing) have open admission which means that no formal high school requirements are necessary.

AU also offers two graduate degrees: Master of Distance Education and Master of Business Administration and two graduate diplomas: Advanced Graduate Diploma in Management and Graduate Diploma in Organizational Training.

Bow Valley College

Get There. Faster.

Bow Valley College is a leader in career training and upgrading. We provide a fast, focused and flexible way for you to get to where you want to be – if it’s getting a career certificate in a year or less, improving your English language skills, or catching up on high school courses. For businesses and professionals, we offer specialized services in skill assessments, training and consulting services. We work with you to develop the front line and improve the bottom line through practical learning solutions for the workplace.

At Bow Valley College, we pride ourselves on being a part of the community. We provide services to help the unemployed and underemployed find work, and we’re active in working to improve issues such as homelessness and literacy. Through special services, we’re also committed to ensuring that everyone has equal access to education. We’re a supportive, friendly place to get the skills, knowledge and credentials you need. We’re guided by the values that include excellence, accountability, integrity, respect for diversity, teamwork and trust. We’re proud to be learner centered and care for all those who pass through our doors. If you’re an individual, business or community group, we want to work with you to help make a difference. Fast. Focused. Flexible.

Bow Valley College’s convenient downtown Calgary location, along with our rural sites throughout Southern Alberta, make us the choice of over 10,000 learners each year. For over thirty years, we’ve been helping students succeed by developing the skills they need and supporting them through their educational experience.

Get a career. In less than a year.

Choose us to get on the fast track to a new career in a year or less with our certificate programs in business, accounting, computers, health or community care – you name it. Over 98% of grads are employed in their field of study.

Choose from these in-demand business careers: Accounting and Financial Management, Computer Technician, Events Management, Interior Decorating and Merchandizing, Office Administration and Sales and Promotion Assistant. Or get a career in health and community care: choose Dental Business Assistant, Health Care Aide, Hospital Unit Clerk, Medical Office Assistant, Practical Nurse or Teacher Assistant.

The Best High School upgrading in Calgary Finish what you started. Our academic and high school upgrading courses are designed to fit your schedule and your lifestyle. You can take courses in the classroom, online or at home. We will assist you in taking the first critical steps in returning to school full or part-time and meeting your academic and career goals. You can upgrade your marks, get your grade 12 or GED, or take just one course. You may even get credit for

any prior learning or life experiences.

Calgary’s largest ESL provider Both new Canadians and international students choose us for full- and part-time English language study. We are the largest ESL provider in Calgary, and one of the best in Canada. Our teachers have a reputation for excellence in teaching and for accommodating individual student needs.

Continuing Education

Our downtown location, combined with our long history of providing quality training make us an excellent choice for personal and professional development. Choose from a variety of skill-based Continuing Education courses including interior design, private investigation, accounting and popular computer applications such as Word, Excel and Photoshop.

Working With Aboriginal Culture

We work to meet the needs of aboriginal learners and ensure their success in school, work and life. Our aboriginal programs place great emphasis on tradition, culture and community. Programs designed specifically for Aboriginal learners include Pre-Trades, Adventure Tourism, Practical Nurse, Adult Upgrading and Pre-Employment Training.

Drop by our Marlborough Mall campus to find our more.

Career Connection

Career Connection offers a fast and effective path to the right career, and is available for free to all Albertans. We offer self-assessments, résumé tune-ups, interview skills, job search strategies and career planning. You can work by yourself, in groups or oneon-one with an employment advisor. Career Connection in located on the main floor of Rocky Mountain Plaza (615 Macleod Trail South) and is funded in part by Alberta Human Resources and Employment.

Serving Businesses Today’s business environment is competitive, and Bow Valley College can provide the services and training to give you an edge. Workplace Learning Services provides fast, focused and flexible solutions to your employee development needs. We provide skills assessment, training and consulting services. We focus on your front line, where skill development will improve your bottom line, and specialize in essential skills – the literacy, teamwork and communication skills required by workers to successfully complete daily tasks.

DeVry Institute of Technology

DeVry Institute of Technology was established in 1931 in Chicago. In 1965 DeVry established its first Canadian institute in Toronto. Today, the system has grown to 14 undergraduate campuses in Canada, making it one of the largest private post secondary education systems in North America. Spring 1996 enrollment in all the DeVry Institutes totaled over 29,000 full-time day students. In 1987, DeVry merged with Keller Graduate School of Management, which offers one of the largest MBA degree programs in North America. DeVry's and Keller's shared philosophy of real-world, career-oriented education has made the DeVry/Keller system a loading resource of business-oriented and technology-based education.

The mission of the DeVry Institutes is to provide high quality, career-oriented higher education programs of study in selected disciplines consistent with the most current needs of business and industry and of new entrants into the labour force. To accomplish this objective, DeVry in Calgary offers two business-oriented degree programs and two technology-based programs, one degree program and one diploma program.

DeVry Calgary offers career-focused Bachelor of Science degree programs in Electronics Engineering Technology, Computer Information Systems and Business Operations and a diploma program in Electronics Engineering Technician. Computer information systems (CIS) specialists assist in determining how computers can be used to modernize and streamline business processes and then design, write and install the needed software programs.

Business operations professionals are involved in key areas that support production and delivery of a company's goods and services. These professionals are involved in a variety of tasks such as managing inventory levels, planning work flow, implementing quality and cost controls and scheduling deliveries.

Electronics engineering technologists take a hands-on approach to designing electronic circuits and systems. They not only research and develop electronic innovations, they also identify the technologies and systems needed to manufacture, maintain and operate the finished products. Their activities often include designing prototypes, writing specifications, diagnosing and troubleshooting problems, adjusting robotic equipment, writing computer programs, using computer-aided design (CAD) programs and testing and evaluating electronic products and processes.

Electronics engineering technicians build, install, test, evaluate and maintain technical equipment. They are proficient in using specialized test equipment and computers and work in areas such as field service, sales and manufacturing for industries including communications, computers, avionics, biomedical, instrumentation and consumer electronics.

Current enrollment in Calgary exceeds 1,400 students with 110 staff members, including 40 instructors with diverse backgrounds. In 1995 DeVry in Calgary graduated more than 350 students in Electronics and Computer Information Systems, and Business Operations. Major corporations actively recruit its accomplished graduates, known for proficiency in their field of expertise. The fact that historically more than 85 % of DeVry's graduates are employed in their discipline within six months of graduation is a testimony to the demand for DeVry graduates.

BUSINESS, TRADE AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS

Business Schools

In addition to the business schools mentioned above, Calgary also offers 6 schools specializing in business education. These are:

1) Academy of Learning;

2) The Career College;

3) Colombia College;

4) Henderson College of Business;

5) Learning International; and

6) Y W C A Calgary Business College.

There are also numerous private companies in Calgary which specialize in computer training.

Registered Trade Schools

Calgary has 16 registered trade schools which provide a variety of specialized training programs in most of the trades.

Private Schools

In addition to the public and separate school systems, there are over 70 private schools operating in the Calgary area. These schools offer parents a wide variety to choose from: regular curriculum, religious and French immersion.

Libraries

Calgary's largest library system is at the University of Calgary. In addition there are libraries at Mount Royal College, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, Bow Valley College, and the Alberta College of Art.

Calgary Public Library

Calgarians borrow more books and other library materials from their public library than do residents from any other city in Canada.

Calgary Public Library is the information hub for Calgarians from all walks of life, with fifteen branches to serve customers around the city. With a library card, Calgarians can borrow books, CD’s, videos and books on tape, and can access a variety of electronic information resources such as CD-ROM. Customers can access the library’s computer catalogue via a computer and modem from their homes, offices or schools. Special services and collections are available to the multi-cultural community and to disable and homebound customers.

In addition, there are a number of excellent and unique private libraries in Calgary, notably the Glenbow Historical Library and Archives, located at the Glenbow Museum downtown, and the library of the Arctic Institute of North America, located at the University of Calgary, The University of Calgary, Mount Royal College, S.A.I.T., The Alberta College of Art all have substantial libraries which serve the post secondary and business communities.

Health Care

The Calgary medical community is extremely diverse and well founded. It provides Calgary and Southern Alberta with some of the finest treatment available in Canada.

Recent changes imposed by the government are currently reshaping the face of Calgary hospitals. The Calgary Health Region is the governing body of all city hospitals. Programs are being consolidated to eliminate duplications and to ensure services are provided at the most appropriate place. This change to a single governing body for hospitals is providing better coordination of services while ensuring that there are no gaps in care.

Calgary hospitals house major cardiac and cancer care centres in the Province as well as neurological, high risk maternity and neonatal care centres. The Alberta Children's Hospital is the primary centre for pediatric care in Calgary and Southern Alberta. Calgary also houses a regional geriatric centre as well as long-term and in-patient services for Canada's Armed Force Veterans.

Calgary is known for its research initiatives in the medical field. The Foothills Hospital and The University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine provide the core of medical research in the city. Recent medical breakthroughs in neurological research done in Calgary have received world-wide attention.

Many specialized services are available in Calgary which are not available in other centres in Alberta and even Canada. The Gimble Eye Centre is world renowned for its specialized laser surgery techniques. These specialized services draw many patients from around the world to Calgary.

Other Forms of Medical Treatment

Alternative methods of medical treatment have become more popular in the past decade and Calgary has kept pace with the changes. Chiropractors and physiotherapists are acknowledged by the provincial health care system and can bill for services like other health professionals. There are numerous private clinics in Calgary which provide these services.

One of the more recent developments in this area is the acceptance of midwives by the provincial health care system. This has proven to be a very popular choice for women and the demand for midwives has been overwhelming. The holistic community in Calgary is also well developed and many forms of treatment are available in this area.

Continuing Care Facilities

The Continuing Care sector currently has 24 facilities with 3,871 beds, which serve over 5,000 people per year. These facilities are operated by 13 owner-operators and are either privately owned, owned and managed by non-profit societies and voluntary organizations, or based in the public sector.

The University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine

The Faculty of Medicine at The University of Calgary is one of only two medical schools in North America offering a three-year medical degree program. The Faculty’s medical training and evaluation methods emphasize a health-team approach, problem-solving skills and life-long learning to suit all students’ talents and interests. Sixty-nine students are admitted each year into this undergraduate program. In addition, there are more than 300 graduate students and post-doctoral fellows training within the Faculty.

The Faculty of Medicine has grown considerably in the past decade and is now known nationally and internationally as a major research Faculty. In 1995, the Faculty attracted approximately $40 million in external support for research. These funds came from provincial, national and international peer-reviewed agencies, as well as from industry and private contributions. A significant portion of this funding goes to provide salaries for faculty member, graduate students, and technical staff, thereby having a significant impact on the local economy.

Calgary Health Services

Calgary Health Services is the public health unit of the Calgary Health Region from which it obtains its funding. The agency’s focus is on promoting health, preventing disease and injury, ensuring a healthy and safe environment and promoting independence for the elderly and the disabled. Programs include: Audiology, Chronic Disease and Substance Abuse Prevention, Communicable Disease Control, Injury Prevention, Mental Wellbeing, Nutrition, Oral Health, Public Health Inspection, Public Health Nursing, Speech-Language Pathology, and Sexual & Reproductive Health.

Ambulance Service

Emergency pre-hospital care and transport within Calgary's city limits is the responsibility of The City of Calgary, Emergency Medical Services (EMS). The Department staff of 400 people provide emergency pre-hospital care to the citizens of Calgary by means of a flexible deployment model providing full Advanced Life Support levels of service. Medical direction is provided through the Medical Director by the Medical Control Board.

19 Paramedic ambulances are operated on a 24-hour basis with up to 31 Paramedic ambulances operated at peak times of the day. In addition, 5 Paramedic Response Units (PRU) are stationed in the perimeter of Calgary and in the downtown core. The PRU is staffed by a single paramedic and allows for a quick response, ensuring Advanced Life Support care is provided to a patient as soon as possible, each and every time. An ambulance arrives a short time later to assume patient care and transport to hospital, if necessary. If the patient does not require transport, the PRU will stay on scene and complete all of the required documentation, allowing the ambulance to clear and return to service sooner.

In 2002, Calgary EMS experienced 80,465 emergency responses. The Calgary EMS communications Centre provides a "zero response" time by providing pre-arrival instructions to callers while the ambulance is en-route. Care literally begins when you dial 9-1-1. Paramedic dispatchers can provide instructions over the phone in life saving procedures such as CPR, childbirth and the Heimlich Maneuver.

The City of Calgary Emergency Medical Services is considered to be one of the finest ambulance services in North America.

Social Services

Social Services in Calgary are provided through the Provincial Government, The City of Calgary and a number of voluntary agencies.

The City supports a wide range of non-profit social service agencies in the community. These agencies provide service to all age ranges from children to senior citizens and also provide the opportunity for people to volunteer. For example, transportation for the disabled is subsidized, low income families receive support to care for school age children while the parents work or go to school, seniors are assisted to remain in their own homes and youth receive counseling and support if they are in trouble with the law. Research is also conducted on social needs and communities are supported in their social development.

Emergency Services

Fire Department

Calgary is protected by one of the most modern equipped and highly professional fire departments in Canada. The Calgary Fire Department in 1995 has a total staff of 1,044 and responded to 26,655 occurrences with a yearly fire damage total of $10,623,769.00.

The Calgary Fire Department operates out of 29 strategically located fire stations with a compliment of 131 fire apparatus and other motor vehicles. The major thrust behind the improved services is due to the Fire Department’s diverse force with a multitude of services including:

The Fire Suppression Division

The Fire Suppression Division is involved in the daily firefighting duties;

First Responder/E.M.T. (Defibrillation); High Angle Rescue; Hazardous Material Response; Aircraft Crash/Rescue; and L.R.T. Rescue.

Medical Response Division

The mandate of the Calgary Fire Department's Medical Response Division is to ensure the citizens of Calgary optimal fire medical responder support within a cooperative and co-dependent working relationship with the Emergency Medical Services Department.

Learn Not To Burn

The Fire Prevention Bureau has one of the best Fire Safety School Programs in Canada, and is part of the "Learn Not To Burn" resource found in all schools throughout Calgary. We teach ECS, Grade 2, and Grade 5 students in basic fire safety to the sum of over 30,000 children in the '95 - '96 school year. We augment this teaching with a program called Juvenile Firesetters that targets young fire starters to the sum of 180 children this year alone. These children are educated in the dangers of fire and in some instances the child welfare people are notified, or social services is contacted.

Learn Not To Burn-Safe Cities Project

The 'Learn Not To Burn-Safe Cities Project' is a joint project involving: The Calgary Fire Department, public education; The Calgary Catholic School District and; The Al Azhar Shrine.

The Safe Cities project has been implemented to provide a better way to teach fire safety and burn prevention to elementary age children. 'Learn Not To Burn' is widely accepted as the best program in this area. At present, this program is being taught in most cities by firefighters on a yearly basis.

Although we feel that there is great value to visiting schools, we feel that the best way to deliver these programs is by teachers trained to teach the program and by supporting this with school visitations by fire Inspectors. With this in mind we have set up a pilot program to take place in two Calgary elementary schools. This program will be taking place in the spring of 1997 and will expand in the following years if the pilot is successful. Training for the 'project team' will be provided by NFPA on how to deliver this program and 'in service' training will be provided by the team with the assistance of NFPA representatives to the teachers involved in the pilot project. Funding for this training is provided by NFPA through the Safe Cities award program.

A proposal for this project was submitted to NFPA and Calgary was successful in being named one of ten NFPA Safe Cities. We are also the "first" Canadian city to receive this award.

Stop! Drop! and Roll!

School age children are shown the proper method of extinguishing fires when it occurs on their clothing. By reviewing this slogan and showing how it is to be performed the students learn what to do in this emergency.

Smoke Alarms

It is important to understand that the prevention of fire will reduce loss in terms of suffering, injury, pain, and as well as the dollar value that we all ultimately have to pay. By educating the public another ally is on our side to fight fire.

Throughout North America over the past 10 years, over 180,000 people escaped death by fire as a direct result of smoke alarms in their residence. In Calgary, six people have died this year as a direct result of nonfunctioning smoke alarms. The Calgary Fire Department and the Calgary Home Builders Association have initiated a unique program that brings fire safety directly to the home of the average Calgarian. This program will drastically reduce the number of fatalities from fires that have occurred as a direct result of nonfunctioning smoke alarms. The residences with the greatest need in each area have been selected by the district fire crews. These residences will be given the opportunity to have their smoke alarms tested for free by the very people who have experienced the destruction of fire.

Many people are unaware of the potential for danger if their smoke alarm is not functioning and the fire crews are the best spokespeople for fire safety. Smoke alarm batteries should be changed once a year and the smoke alarm should be tested once a month. To properly test a smoke alarm an adult should light a candle, blow out the flame and allow the smoke to activate the smoke alarm and the movement of fresh air through the smoke alarm will stop the warning sound

Smoke alarms have a life expectancy of 8 - 10 years, at which time it is to be discarded into the garbage. The danger of radioactivity from smoke alarms is less than that of the reflective hands and numbers on a wristwatch. Smoke alarms save lives, but only when properly maintained.

Disaster Services Division

The mission of the Calgary Fire Department Disaster Services Division is to coordinate and support City of Calgary and civic emergency planning to ensure a high state of municipal preparedness and to preserve life and protect property during the course of emergencies or disasters through the implementation and coordination of Calgary Peacetime Disaster Plan procedures.

Disaster Services looks after the development and coordination of disaster plans, both natural and man made, and the coordination of disaster training exercises.

Training Division

Training Division looks after the training of new recruits hired by the Department as well as the continuous upgrading of firefighter’s skills.

Training includes everything from fire training in the smoke tower, to medical training for both the Fire Medical Responders (FMR) and the Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT).

Communications Dispatch (9-1-1)

The 9-1-1 centre is responsible for the dispatching of fire crews and apparatus to emergencies. The highly trained emergency operators utilize the "enhanced 9-1-1 system" which includes the automatic number identifiers (ANI) and automatic location identifiers (ALI). These two functions have proven invaluable in instances where the caller cannot supply the location or the phone number of the emergency.

Hazardous Materials Division (Haz Mat)

Haz Mat responds to serious incidents involving hazardous materials and is in charge of the education and training of firefighters, as well as private industry, in the safe methods of handling, recovery and storage of hazardous materials. Haz Mat is also responsible for the operation and delivery of the self contained decontamination unit to hazardous material occurrences in Southern Alberta.

The Aquatics Rescue Division (ARD)

The ARD looks after the patrolling of the waterways within the confines of the city, promoting safe boating and dive rescue capabilities (scuba) to provide to agencies in southern Alberta. This division operates a fleet of 5 boats which includes 2 Jet boats, 2 Zodiac boats, and 1 Rescue Raft is utilized at the Weir.

The Calgary Fire Department, Aquatic Rescue Team, is a group of sixty (60) firefighters who specialize in all forms of aquatic rescue and recovery operations. The City of Calgary covers an area of 778 square miles and a population of 767,059 people. In this area, we have 16 lakes, 29 miles of river, 9 miles of irrigation canal, 2 large dams and 1 low head irrigation dam (wier). Additionally, we will respond outside of the city limits in a coverage area approximately 70,683 square miles in southern Alberta, containing countless amounts of water.

Members of the Aquatic Rescue Team are available and on-duty 24 hours a day, stationed at No. 1 and No. 3 Fire Stations, dedicated to aquatic rescue. The Team is activated through the Fire Department's enhanced 9-1-1 system, and will respond by ground, water vessel, or helicopter (out of city) to any water related incident.

Calgary Police Services

As of 1996, the Calgary Police Service has an authorized strength of 1,613 sworn officers and civilian members. The Service prides itself as an equal opportunity employer and continually promotes this philosophy in all aspects of employment. From 1991 the number of violent and property crimes per 100,000 population size has been decreasing from 29 to 33 per cent respectively.

During this same time period, the ratio in the number of police officers to population has been steadily increasing since 1986.

Dedicated philosophically and operationally to the concept of community-based policing, the primary focus of the Service is on crime prevention, crime detection and apprehension, and traffic safety. The Service's most effective tools are positive community relations, education, problem-solving and the use of current technology to analyze conditions, project trends and deploy resources.

The Police Services functions in part from the premise that crime is a community concern and practices community policing by dividing the city into five districts which are then divided into zones. This creates a very high-profile approach to policing. Close community contact is maintained in a variety of ways, including decentralized services and neighborhood police stations, a large and very active contingent of citizen volunteers working within the Volunteer Resources Unit, pro-active community interaction programs, and very positive media relations and public information activities.

The Service's world class Interpretive Centre built in 1995 / 96 contributes, in a unique fashion, to providing hands-on learning experience in policing to members of the community.

In reducing and combating the levels of crime in Calgary, several innovations were employed over the time period of 10 years. These included the utilization of the deployment and communications systems such as the Computer Aided Dispatch and digital cellular technology, the implementation of detection systems such as the Automated Fingerprint Identification System and the development of the Police and Community Telephone system (PACT). The most

notable innovation added to the Services was the addition of the country's first municipal helicopter, HAWC1, which put the Calgary Police Service in the policing forefront nationally.

Several new community-based initiatives were implemented from 1986 to 1996:

Apartment Watch; Business Watch; Stolen Auto Prevention; and the Community Police Advisory Council concept. A Traffic Education Unit was formed in an attempt to influence public attitudes toward good driving habits. Evident also was the Youth Liaison Project which identified and assisted children in the nine- to twelve-year old age group who were experiencing difficulties in school and at home. This program also targeted towards young offenders who commit youth-related crimes. Adding to the focus on youth policing was the Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program (SHOCAP) which is a cooperative information and case management program on part of the police, prosecutor, probation, social services, school, and corrections authorities.

The intent of the program was to enable the juvenile justice system to give additional, focused attention to juveniles who repeatedly commit serious crimes. A Seniors Liaison Project was also implemented which focused on crime prevention, the identification of crime trends, and abuse toward elders.

The Oriental Organized Crime Investigation Team was created in 1986. This two-man team was assigned full-time responsibility to investigate crimes in which either the victim or suspect was Oriental. Following that year, the team was expanded to form a Multicultural Liaison Unit. This unit has developed an important profile among the city’s diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious minority groups.

In 1990, the Criminal Investigation Division developed a Community Resource Committee (CRC) which was implemented to combat gang related crimes. It was quoted by several experts on gangs and gang activity the police enforcement alone will not control or decrease gangs - a combined effort between police and the community is required. With community involvement, the CRC provided a unified, multi-agency approach, with all city and social agencies committed to

a common goal.

HAWC 1

On July 18th, 1995, the Calgary Police Service's newly formed Air Services Unit officially took to the air in HAWC 1 - the first municipal police helicopter in Canada.

The McDonnell Douglas MD520N NOTAR helicopter flies on regular air patrols over the city responding to various calls as needed (i.e. high speed chases, robberies, foot pursuits, break & enter, search and rescue and general support of ground units). The 2 person flight crew consists of the Pilot who operates the aircraft and the Flight Officer who coordinates ground resources and operates the helicopter's specialized equipment including its camera and spotlight.

Flying at 220 km/hr, HAWC 1 can cover the whole city from one end to the other in three to four minutes, but 1.5 minutes general response time is commonplace on regular patrol.

The helicopter's most outstanding attributes are its speed of response and its value as an observation platform, coordinating ground resources. Observers in HAWC 1 have the natural visual advantage offered by height. It is estimated that the helicopter's visual range is 30 times greater than a police unit on the ground.

At night HAWC 1 becomes even more effective. Its 30-million candle-power Spectrolab SX 16 searchlight with adjustable focus can light up an entire schoolyard or be pinpointed onto a small area such as a vehicle. The helicopter is also equipped with a Wescam 16DS Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) camera that provides the Flight Officer with a thermal picture which is effective for situations like suspects hiding in bushes. Suspects fleeing on foot tend to go to ground when the helicopter is overhead. This makes it easier for the Canine units to locate them. The Wescam camera also has the ability to record its images for later evaluation, training purposes and/or evidence in future trials.

In high-speed pursuits, ground units can lower their speed and let the helicopter maintain visual contact with the vehicle. Reduced speeds mean increased safety for the police officers and the public in the area. In fact, HAWC 1 has already been involved in high-speed chases where the "bad guys" stopped voluntarily as soon as HAWC 1 focused their searchlight on the vehicle. They realized that they could not outrun the helicopter. In order to find the address of a call while high up of over the city, HAWC 1 uses a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) and computerized moving map display in the cockpit that allows it to zero in on an area smaller than one house. The helicopter can also be used as a command platform for major incidents such as floods, air plane crashes, hazardous materials incidents and fires. The Calgary Fire Department equipped the helicopter with an electronically-operated "Bambi" bucket for dispensing water and firefighting chemicals. This will be particularly welcome during the summer grass fire season.

Royal Canadian Mounted Police

The R.C.M.P. is the only federal police service and is responsible for the enforcement of all federal laws. In Alberta, the R.C.M.P. serves as provincial police, as is the case in all provinces except Ontario and Quebec. In this role, they enforce provincial statutes as well as the Criminal Code of Canada. In addition to Provincial Police, the R.C.M.P. has municipal contracts for policing in certain Alberta cities.

The Calgary R.C.M.P. Subdivision Headquarters building, located at 920 – 16 Avenue N.E., accommodates administrative, technical and some operational personnel. Operational personnel, such as the Commercial Crime Section, Immigration and Passport Section, and the Customs and Excise Section, are situated in the Calgary Federal Building. The R.C.M.P. is responsible for the security at the Calgary International Airport located within the city limits and have a detachment at that point.

The Calgary Subdivision is linked by a high-speed computer terminal with the R.C.M.P. data centre in Ottawa for rapid updating and retrieval of police information. The Calgary Subdivision computer is hooked up to the Interpol computers and the City of Calgary Police Service Computer.

Community Services

Municipal

City of Calgary

P.O. Box 2100, Station "M"

Calgary, Alberta

T2P 2M5

Tel: 403-268-CITY (2489)

Tel: 403-268-INFO (4636)

Fax: 403-268-1581

A list of departments and facilities operated by the city is included in the Blue Pages, in the front section of the Calgary and Area telephone directory. Additional information can be found at the City of Calgary's web site. www.calgary.ca

Provincial

Most major provincial government departments have offices located in the City of Calgary. A list of all departments is included in the Blue Pages, in the front section of the Calgary and Area telephone directory. For further information on the Government of Alberta, telephone toll free 310-0000.

Additional information can be found at Alberta Economic Development's web site.

Federal

A number of federal government departments have offices located in the City of Calgary. A list of all departments is included in the Blue Pages, in the front section of the Calgary and Area telephone directory. For further information on the Government of Canada programs and services, contact Reference Canada at 1-800-O-Canada (1-800-622-6232). Additional information can be found at the Government of Canada's web site.

Key Contacts for Business Development

Municipal

City of Calgary

PO Box 2100

Postal Station M

Calgary AB

T2P 2M5

Tel: (403)268-2111; Fax: (403)268-2362

Dave Bronconnier; Mayor

Owen Tobert; City Manager

owen.tobert@calgary.ca

Key Business Development Contacts in Calgary

Calgary Economic Development

Michael Brown; Director, Industry Development

#800, 615 Macleod Trail SE

Calgary, Alberta T2G 4T8

Tel: 403-221-7831; Toll Free 1-888-222-5855; Fax: 403-221-7828

E-mail: Michael@calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com

Web site: www.calgaryeconomicdevelopment.com

Calgary Business Information Centre

Daniele Williamson; Assistant Manager

#250, 639 - 5th Avenue, SW

Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M9

Tel: 403-221-7800; Fax: 403-221-7817

E-Mail: Williamson.Daniele@ic.gc.ca

Web site: www.calgary-smallbusiness.com

Calgary Chamber of Commerce

Murray Sigler; President & CEO

517 Centre Street South

Calgary, Alberta T2G 2C4

Tel: 403-750-0404; Fax: 403-266-3413

E-Mail: msigler@calgarychamber.com

Web site: www.calgarychamber.com

Tourism Calgary

Joe Fardell; President & CEO

#200, 238 11th Avenue SE

Calgary, Alberta T2G 0X8

Tel: 403-263-8510; Fax: 403-262-3809; Toll Free: 1-800-661-1678

E-mail: carole@tourismcalgary.com

Web site: www.tourismcalgary.com

Provincial

Alberta Economic Development

Walter Valentini; Regional Manager, Calgary

#300, 639 - 5th Avenue, SW

Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M9

Tel: 403-297-8920; Fax: 403-297-6168

E-mail: walter.valentini@gov.ab.ca

Web site: www.Alberta-canada.com

Federal

Industry Canada

Jessie Hislop; Senior Trade Commissioner

#400, 639 - 5th Avenue, SW

Calgary, Alberta T2P 0M9

Tel: 403-292-6408; Fax: 403-292-4595

E-Mail: hislop.jessie@ic.gc.ca

Web Site: www.ic.gc.ca

Dwellings total 2001 % of total

Apartments 63,830 22.14% 70,195 21.08%

Detached Duplexes 11,250 3.90% 11,845 3.56%

Movable Dwellings 1,800 0.62% 1,515 0.46%

Other single attached house 140 0.05% 220 0.07%

Row and semi-detached house 45,105 15.64% 50,850 15.27%

Single-detached house 166,185 57.64% 198,335 59.57%

Total number of occupied private dwellings 288,325 100.00% 332,955 100.00%

Private dwellings, owned 185,515 64.34% 230,820 69.32%

Private Dwellings, rented 102,805 35.66% 102,140 30.68%

Source: Statistics Canada 1996 & 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

Private Dwellings by Period of Construction # of Dwellings % of total

Period of construction, before 1946 15,940 4.79%

Period of construction, 1946 - 1960 42,080 12.64%

Period of construction, 1961 - 1970 50,980 15.31%

Period of construction, 1971 - 1980 91,410 27.45%

Period of construction, 1981 - 1990 59,335 17.82%

Period of construction, 1991 - 2001 73,210 21.99%

Total number of private dwellings constructed 332,955 100.00%

Source: Statistics Canada 2001 Census (numbers may not add up due to rounding)

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Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy, currency and reliability of the content and data, AlbertaFirst.com Ltd. accepts no responsibility in this regard.

© AlbertaFirst.com Ltd., 2004.

www.albertafirst.com 11/13/2004