Sheila Taylor named new Calgary Downtown Association executive director
The former Parks Foundation Calgary CEO believes the core should be a 24-7 destination as revitalization projects accelerate downtown.
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The Calgary Downtown Association has appointed Sheila Taylor as its new executive director. Taylor, who spent eight years as CEO of Parks Foundation Calgary before departing last summer, brings a background in business, education governance, and civic partnerships.
Taylor holds a bachelor of commerce from the University of Alberta and served as a school trustee and board chair for the Calgary Board of Education from 2010 to 2014. She replaces Mark Garner, who left the CDA earlier this year after being hired in spring 2022.
"I feel like my previous roles have really prepared me to create partnerships and move work forward to benefit the city," Taylor said in an interview. "I'm looking forward to doing that for the downtown area."
The CDA represents roughly 2,600 businesses and property owners in Calgary's downtown. Taylor arrives as the city pursues major capital projects to revitalize the core, including a $660-million overhaul of the Werklund Centre and Olympic Plaza, a $205-million renovation of Glenbow Museum set to reopen next year, and Stephen Avenue streetscape revitalization.
Downtown emptied out following the mid-2010s oil price crash and was further hollowed by COVID-19, leaving office vacancy rates above 30 per cent. Public safety and homelessness have remained persistent challenges. Taylor said the CDA plays a critical role in working with businesses and partners to create a safe, welcoming, and vibrant downtown.
The facts
Who is the new Calgary Downtown Association executive director?
Sheila Taylor has been appointed as the new executive director of the Calgary Downtown Association. She previously spent eight years as CEO of Parks Foundation Calgary before departing last summer.
How many businesses and property owners does the CDA represent?
The CDA represents roughly 2,600 businesses and property owners in Calgary's downtown.
What are the major revitalization projects underway in downtown Calgary?
Major capital projects include a $660-million overhaul of the Werklund Centre and Olympic Plaza, a $205-million renovation of Glenbow Museum set to reopen next year, and Stephen Avenue streetscape revitalization.
What is the office vacancy rate in downtown Calgary?
Office vacancy rates in downtown Calgary are above 30 per cent, a situation that worsened following the mid-2010s oil price crash and was further exacerbated by COVID-19.
