The population of the Calgary Economic Region (CER) is estimated at 1.15 million in 2005 and is expected to increase to over 1.26 million in 2010. The majority of the growth should be contributed by natural increase.
Total housing starts reached 14,800 units in 2004, up from 14,500 units in 2003. Housing starts are expected to decline to 13,900 by 2006.
Total employment is expected to increase to 736,000 by 2010 from 660,000 in 2005. The employment growth rate is expected to decrease to 2.2 percent annually over the 2005-2010 period, from 4.0 percent in the 1994-2004 period.
The unemployment rate averaged 5.0 percent in 2004 and is expected to fall to 3.7 percent by 2010.
The CERs gross domestic product is expected to grow by 3.5 percent in 2005 and 3.7 percent in 2006. Growth should decline to 3.4 percent by 2008, as relatively slower population growth constrains economic growth.
The annual inflation rate, as measured by increases in the consumer price index, was estimated at 1.7 percent in 2004, down from 3.5 percent in 2003. The inflation rate is expected to average 1.9 percent in 2006 and 2.0 percent in both 2007 and 2008. Lower consumer price increases would be driven by relatively lower energy prices1 and inexpensive imported goods, while higher labour costs should provide an offset.
The CER should benefit from strong investment in heavy oil as it is home to a significant portion of head offices in the energy sector.