At this year’s Calgary Real Estate Forum, our MLA Alberta team , led by Managing Director Sheenah Rogers, joined industry leaders from across the country to explore what’s next for real estate in one of Canada’s most dynamic markets. Notably, there was a strong presence from Vancouver and Toronto-based developers, investors, and lenders, signaling growing interest in Calgary’s relative affordability, economic fundamentals, and development potential.
As part of the forum, MLA had the opportunity to host a roundtable with developers, asset managers, and leasing experts to unpack one central question: How is tenant behaviour evolving in Calgary, and what does this mean for purpose-built rental and new development strategy?
While the full report, (available for download at the end of this article), dives deeper into the data, here are a few of the most compelling early insights:
- Tenants are more discerning, not just price-driven. Renters are increasingly valuing thoughtful floorplans, quality finishes, pet-friendly policies, and well-managed buildings over raw square footage.
- Lifestyle over luxury. Amenity programming that supports community, work-from-home needs, fitness, and convenience is outperforming high-cost, underutilized amenities.
- Migration is reshaping expectations. A steady flow of residents from B.C. and Ontario is elevating expectations around design, parking ratios, storage, and lease flexibility.
- Predictability is valued more than incentives. Instead of aggressive discounts or rent-free periods, tenants are responding better to transparent pricing, stable lease terms, and professional management.
The full report includes detailed tenant profiles, amenity preferences, lease-up trends, and recommendations for developers and asset holders in Calgary’s evolving market.
Leading the Way with Local Expertise
With over 20 years of experience in the real estate and development industry, Sheenah Rogers has built a reputation as a visionary leader, strategist, and marketing expert. Her career spans both local and international markets, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping iconic real estate projects.
Sheenah’s extensive portfolio includes her instrumental role in launching Three Sisters Mountain Village internationally and the Calgary Municipal Land Corporation (CMLC) East Village visions and brands. As the founder of Anstice, a marketing agency she founded in 2009, Sheenah has partnered with some of the largest developers across Canada and beyond, including Dream Real Estate, Minto, Western Securities, Slokker, Brookfield Residential, Genesis Land and Builds, Mattamy, Bosa Properties, and more. Her expertise also extends to the hospitality industry, where she has collaborated with global brands such as One & Only Resorts, Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts, Starwood, and Tourism Barbados.
Her impact has also been felt in some of the most challenging land use applications and high-profile product sales launches, where her strategic thinking and innovative communication methodologies have helped secure success. Before her career in real estate, Sheenah played a key role in the successful bid for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, leading the provincial-wide campaign to secure the victory.
Sheenah’s consumer-led approach to industry challenges and sales strategies has positioned her as one of the most sought-after sales and marketing strategists. Today, Sheenah leads the Alberta team at MLA Canada with Taylor Musseau, where she continues to drive innovation and success across markets.
