In early 2012, Tourism Calgary and Calgary Economic Development changed slogans. No longer the “Heart of the New West”, their slogan is now “Calgary. Be Part of the Energy”. Just a few months prior, Travel Alberta adopted the slogan, “Don’t Forget to Breathe”.

Both new slogans have received positive feedback and yet created controversy with their desertion from the old school terms. They are among the various actions already taken to deliberately evolve the image of what our province and more particularly, Calgary, represents.

But what gives a city it’s character? What makes it livable? Creating unique and sustainable communities requires examining these questions, identifying the attributes that reflect the local context and supporting efforts to build upon them – this is the art and science of placemaking.

Placemaking works towards re-imagining a community into a truly desirable place to live and creates an intangible sense of loyalty among its residents. The more a person loves where they live, the more likely they are to remain there. And if these people leave, they are also more likely to return to that same place and settle back in permanently. The more people that gravitate toward a place, the more attractive it also becomes to outside observers.

Dr. Katherine Loflin is an expert on the science of placemaking. She is the lead project
consultant and expert on the Knight Soul of the Community Project, which examines this social phenomenon. On Wednesday, September 26th she will be hosting Calgary Economic Development’s kickoff for its “Soul of the City Series” speaker series at the historic Simmons Building.

Among the topics to be discussed include urban design, local arts, the food scene,
education, commerce, sustainability and community diversity. The Simmons Building is the head office of The Calgary East Village and the heart of its operations. This venue selection is itself, a poetic tribute to the theme of this seminar. It’s an exciting and highly anticipated urban project that is building its own community from the ground up.

Changing age-old perceptions and practices requires a lot of work and a lot of patience. To continue to see new and interesting activities and businesses thrive, Calgarians need to participate in the conversation.

Event Details:

Tickets: $22.19 CLICK HERE for the link to purchase tickets

Where: Simmons Building, East Village, Calgary, AB

When: September 26, 9 am – 11 am