Heat map overlay on an aerial map of a city, showing concentrations of activity in bright yellow and orange along major roads and throughout the downtown core, with darker purple areas indicating lower activity.

Urban Analytics Symposium

October 29 to 30, 2026

Urban Analytics Symposium 2026

This symposium, held at the University of Calgary's School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape in collaboration with the University of Auckland, New Zealand, brings together academics, professional experts and interest groups in urban development from Canada and New Zealand to exchange knowledge on current practices and discuss innovative ideas for compact, sustainable urban growth. 

Using the Socratic method to question current assumptions and value judgements, a series of presentations, workshops, and panel discussions will foster transdisciplinary collaboration, promote practical solutions, and advance understanding of how data-driven approaches can shape more sustainable and inclusive cities. The keynote presentation and each panel will address questions that frame the sustainability challenges facing cities.

Register Here

Key Discussion Questions

Is compact

development more sustainable than low-density growth? What does the data say in terms of municipal finances, personal(individual) finances, greenhouse gas emissions, health outcomes, social connections and overall well-being? 

What practices

of upzoning have been successful, and how, with a combination of other land use strategies, can it have a significant impact on sustainable growth?

Does current

land ownership outweigh the need for densification? 

What would

it take for existing communities to accept additional housing developments in their neighbourhoods? What are the barriers and main arguments for opposition?

Who benefits

from land value changes impacted by upzoning? Do values go up or down, and how does that impact housing affordability?

How does

current low-density development compare to more compact development in the consumption of resources (energy, materials, agricultural land, water)?

Is it possible

to transform sprawling cities into compact, sustainable development? How to address the politics and other barriers for change?

Thursday, October 29 to Friday, October 30 from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM

The keynote address and panels will focus on recent developments in spatial data collection, urban analytics, land-use modelling, and policy-simulation tools, providing a platform to discuss challenges such as urban sprawl, zoning regulations, affordability, social equity, and well-being. The format will be structured around a series of questions to guide the effort to build more compact, sustainable cities. 

Thursday, October 29 starting at 6:30 PM

Communities are the key actors and facilitators of sustainable change in established neighbourhoods. This community event will bring together academics, professionals, and community activists to discuss the challenges communities face in building affordable housing and creating positive change in established neighbourhoods.

In collaboration with the Federation of Calgary Communities and More.Neighbours.Calgary

Friday, October 30 starting at 4:30 PM

The symposium’s industry night will bring together researchers along with leaders and practitioners from the real estate, development, planning, and city-building sectors for a focused discussion on sustainable densification and affordable housing. Through a panel conversation, participants will explore the challenges and opportunities involved in creating more compact, inclusive, and resilient urban communities. The event will highlight current barriers to development in established urban areas and consider practical strategies for expanding housing options. 

In collaboration with the Westman Centre for Real Estate Studies, Haskayne School of Business, the Alberta Real Estate Foundation and the Calgary Real Estate Board

Day 1

Thursday, October 29

SESSION TIMES (MST)LOCATIONTOPICS
10:00 - 10:15 AM701 Design CommonsDoors Open
10:15 - 10:30 AM701 Design CommonsWelcome / Opening
10:30 - 10:40 AM701 Design CommonsIntroduction to Keynote + Topic
10:40 - 11:20 AM701 Design CommonsKeynote Speaker 1
11:20 - 11:35 AM701 Design CommonsQ&A
11:35 AM - 12:05 PM701 Design CommonsCoffee Break
12:05 - 1:10 PM701 Design Commons

Panel of 3

Q&A / Topic 1

1:10 - 2:10 PM701 Design CommonsLunch
2:10 - 3:15 PM701 Design Commons

Panel of 3

Q&A / Topic 2

3:15 PM End of Morning Session
6:30 - 8:30 PMPublic Library (TBC)Community Event: Urban analytics for compact, sustainable development

Day 2

Friday, October 30

SESSION TIMES (MST)LOCATIONTOPICS
10:00 - 10:15 AM701 Design CommonsDoors Open
10:15 - 10:30 AM701 Design CommonsWelcome / Opening
10:30 - 11:35 AM701 Design Commons

Panel of 3

Q&A / Topic 3

11:35 AM - 12:05 PM701 Design CommonsCoffee Break
12:05 - 1:10 PM701 Design Commons

Panel of 3

Q&A / Topic 4

1:10 - 2:10 PM701 Design CommonsLunch
2:10 - 3:40 PM701 Design CommonsStudent Workshop
3:40 PM End of Morning Session
4:30 - 6:00 PMU of C DT Campus (TBC)Industry Event: Urban analytics for compact, sustainable development
6:00 PMU of C DT Campus (TBC)Refreshments