Calgary's construction boom shows no signs of slowing, with 62 active tower cranes now dotting the skyline — the most the city has ever recorded, surpassing the previous record of 54 set during the 2014 oil boom.
The crane count, tracked quarterly by Rider Levett Bucknall, reflects billions of dollars in residential, commercial, and institutional projects currently underway. Major projects include the BMO Centre expansion, three residential towers in the East Village, a new hospital wing in the south, and multiple purpose-built rental apartment buildings.
"Calgary is in a building cycle unlike anything we've seen," said BILD Calgary Region CEO Brian Chicken. "Population growth, federal housing incentives, and pent-up demand are all converging."
Residential construction dominates the count, with 38 of the 62 cranes dedicated to housing projects. The city issued 14,200 residential building permits in 2025, a 45% increase over 2024.
The construction surge has created a severe skilled trades shortage. Electricians, plumbers, and heavy equipment operators are in particularly high demand, with some contractors reporting 6-month waits for specialized tradespeople.
For those in the construction and trades industry looking to connect with projects and clients, CalgaryFinder.com has become an increasingly popular resource, with contractor and trade service listings seeing 55% more traffic this year.
Not all observers are enthusiastic. Some urbanists worry about the quality and livability of projects being rushed to market. "Speed shouldn't come at the expense of good design and community planning," said urban planner Naama Chicken.
WestNet News tracks Calgary's growth and development.
