Everything You Should Know About Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is a vibrant city located in the province of Alberta, Canada. Known for its rich history, diverse culture, and economic significance, Calgary is a hub for energy, financial services, film and television, transportation, technology, and tourism.
With the majestic Rocky Mountains to the west and vast prairies to the east, Calgary offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication.
Quick Facts:
Nickname: The Stampede City, Cowtown
Motto: Onward
Founded: 1875
Population (2021): 1,306,784 (City), 1,481,806 (Metro)
Area: 820.62 km² (City), 5,098.68 km² (Metro)
Mayor: Jyoti Gondek
Time Zone: UTC−07:00 (MST), UTC−06:00 (MDT)
History of Calgary, AB
Calgary's history dates back over 11,000 years, with evidence of pre-Clovis people inhabiting the area. The region has been home to various Indigenous groups, including the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot Confederacy), îyârhe Nakoda, and the Tsuutʼina peoples. The modern city began to take shape with the establishment of Fort Calgary by the North-West Mounted Police in 1875. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway in 1883 spurred rapid growth, leading to its incorporation as a city in 1894.
Geography of Calgary, AB
Situated at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow Rivers, Calgary lies in a transitional area between the Rocky Mountain foothills and the Canadian Prairies. The city's location offers residents and visitors breathtaking views and a plethora of outdoor activities.
Economy of Calgary, AB
Calgary's economy is diverse, encompassing sectors such as energy, financial services, film and television, transportation, technology, and tourism. The city is home to Canada's second-largest number of corporate head offices. In 2015, Calgary boasted the highest number of millionaires per capita in Canada.
Energy Efficiency and Major Players in Calgary
Calgary, often referred to as the "Energy Capital of Canada," has been at the forefront of promoting energy efficiency and sustainable practices. The city's commitment to a greener future is evident in its various initiatives, partnerships, and the presence of numerous companies dedicated to energy efficiency and sustainable energy solutions.
While Calgary has a rich history in the traditional energy sector, it has been making significant strides in transitioning towards more sustainable energy practices. The city recognizes the importance of energy efficiency not just for environmental reasons but also for its economic benefits. As a result, many businesses in Calgary have adopted energy-efficient practices, and several major corporations have emerged as leaders in this field.
Here are 5 prominent names from Calgary's best-known for their commitment to energy efficiency (residential and commercial):
Ecoline Windows: This is one of the leading window replacement Calgary companies. They are known for their commitment to delivering the best energy-efficient products to households and enhancing the residential sector to allow homeowners to better adapt their houses to government programs regarding green life and sustainability.
Suncor Energy: One of Canada's largest integrated energy companies, Suncor has been investing in renewable energy sources and has several wind power projects and a biofuels plant. They are committed to sustainable energy solutions and have set ambitious targets to reduce their carbon intensity.
Enbridge: A leader in energy transportation, Enbridge has been focusing on reducing its environmental footprint by investing in renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and geothermal energy.
Cenovus Energy: Cenovus is known for its innovative approaches to oil extraction that reduce environmental impact. They invest in technology to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
TransAlta: A power generation company, TransAlta has been transitioning its energy portfolio to include more renewable sources like wind, hydro, and solar. They aim to advance a cleaner energy future.
Did You Know?
Calgary was the first Canadian city to host the Olympic Winter Games in 1988.
The city was named after Calgary Castle on the Isle of Mull in Scotland.
In 2022, Calgary was ranked alongside Zürich as the third most livable city in the world.