Calgary’s economy is projected to expand in 2026, though unemployment is not expected to fall significantly as uncertainty continues to weigh on businesses.

According to Calgary Economic Development’s annual outlook, the city’s economy is forecast to grow by 2.4 per cent in 2026. While that figure is lower than the growth projected for 2025, Calgary is still expected to outpace the national average.

Local entrepreneur Dan Faassen, owner of Kricket’s gift shop in Marda Loop, says he’s cautiously optimistic heading into the new year after grappling with tariff challenges.

“I think we are optimistic… This year, I’d say it’s been a bit challenging with all the extra stuff—the tariffs and things like that. I find that shipping prices have gone up, so that leads to our prices having to go up,

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