We took a stroll though downtown Calgary the other day, and bumped into a bunch of people doing their thing. Making sandwiches. Shining shoes. Building office towers. We asked them how they were feeling about the city these days. Here's what they had to say.
Thoughts from the downtown during this downturn
CBC News ·
We check in with everyday Calgarians as they go about their business and ask what they think about the state of our city. (Dave Gilson/CBC)
As Calgarians try to adjust to living in a downturn, it's easy to get lost in big numbers. Layoffs by the thousands, double digit drops in housing starts and of course — the falling price of oil.
But for most of us, the reality of the economic upheaval is felt on a more personal level. We notice things changing in our city every day. Especially the mood on the street.
We walked the streets of downtown the other day, and chatted to Calgarians as they went about their work.
They told us about their everyday anxieties.
Calgary Counselling Centre CEO Robbie Babins-Wagner says she has seen more clients who have lost their jobs.
During his nearly 20 year career driving taxis in Calgary, Raobrinder Brar says the time it takes to make the trip from downtown to the airport has gone way down especially this past year.
Matt Grace says business is booming as his company is working on several projects downtown and around the city.
Both tourists and residents shop at Bruce Toy's chocolate store — but he says even though locals are concerned — Calgarians have been through this before and will come through this downturn.
Half of the regular customers to Pita Basket's downtown location are not around anymore, says owner Mustapha El Saghir.
Calgary at a Crossroads is CBC Calgary's special focus on life in our city during the downturn. A look at Calgary's culture, identity and what it means to be Calgarian. Read more stories from the series at Calgary at a Crossroads.
