Spatial Mapping: Calgary, South and Southeast Sector
Income and Occupation Variables: Executive Summary
Elizabeth Austrom
Alexander Krause
Jeff McLaren
Arif Sayani
EVDS 697.10
November 2, 2005
Submitted to Professor R. M. Levy
1
Theoretical Framework and Definitions
The purpose of this exercise was to examine relevant indicators to establish the
basis for discussion of appropriate planning policies that might direct future growth
patterns and affect the distribution of jobs and housing in the study area of South and
Southeast Sector of Calgary. Specifically, income and occupation variables (supplied by
Calgary Census tract data) were examined to provide a context for the planning process
of developing a new residential and employment center in Calgary and the South and
Southeast study area.
Income measurements were examined because they are a notable indicator of
market demand. Subsequently, appropriate housing, employment opportunities, and
services and amenities can be considered for the study area. The generally accepted
indicators of income – average family income, average household income, and average
individual income – were chosen for analysis. Specifically, the definition of average
family income refers to average income for both types of families; one-family households
which have a single census family occupying a private dwelling and a multiple-family
household which has two or more census families in the private dwelling1. In regard to
the definition of average household income, it refers to the average income for a person
or a group of person’s other then foreign residents who occupy the same dwelling and do
not have other primary residents in Canada.2 Finally, average individual income refers to
the average income of persons over 15 years of age3.
1
Statistics Canada. “Household Type”. Canada. Sept. 2005. 11 Sept. 2005
.
2
Statistics Canada. “Household”. Canada. Sept. 2005. 11 Sept. 2005.
.
3
Statistics Canada. “Income Status.” Canada. Sept 2005. 11 Sept. 2005.
.
2
Occupation variables were examined because they are another notable indicator of
market demand as they illustrate the distribution of jobs in the study area. This is
extremely important when establishing the proposed employment centre and identifying
potential business opportunities. The occupation variable of managerial and
administrative was chosen for its significant and traditional presence in Calgary while the
sales and service variable was chosen for its substantial percentage of the occupational
data set of the study area. Specifically, managerial and administrative positions are
defined as senior management positions, specialist managers, managers in retail, trade
and food services and public service mangers4. In regard to the sales and service variable,
it is defined as those occupations including protective services, food and beverage
services, childcare, travel, retail and real estate5.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
The three income variables; household income, family income and individual
income, illustrate similar trends from 1986 to 2001. From 1986 to 1991, there was a
steady increase in income across all three variables. From 1991 to 1996 there was a
marginal increase and from 1996 until 2001, there was a significant increase in income.
This increase was even larger then that seen between 1986-1991. Throughout the income
trends, there are higher South and Southeast sector numbers in comparison to the entire
city of Calgary.
The occupational trends were examined by looking at the number of individuals
employed by each sector as a percentage of the total labor force for each of the four time
4
Statistics Canada. “National Occupational Classification - Management.” Canada. Sept 2005. 11 Sept.
2005. .
5
Statistics Canada. “National Occupational Classification – Sales and Service.” Canada. Sept. 2005. 11
Sept. 2005. .
3
periods. Specifically, the management trends illustrate no change between 1986 and
1991. Although from 1991 to 1996 there was a significant drop in people who live in
Calgary who are employed in management positions, this also holds true for those living
in the South and Southeast sector. From 1996 to 2001 an increase of people working in
management occurred in Calgary and the South and Southeast sector, although the
increase was not substantial enough to compensate for the 1991 to 1996 drop. When
compared to the entire city of Calgary, the South and Southeast sector has a greater
percentage of individuals living there who are employed in the management sector. It
should also be noted, the higher number of individuals employed in managerial and
administrative occupations in this sector correlates with it the high income levels of this
sector.
The trends in sales and services occupations were significantly different from the
management trends. From 1986 to 1991 there was a gradual increase which then became
a precipitous increase to 1996. Further, there was a notable downward variance between
1996 and 2001. This resulted in 2001 having lower levels of both 1986 and 1991.
Finally, the general trend between the City of Calgary and the South and Southeast sector
is that they are comparable percentages of sales and services occupations over the four
time periods.
In respect to the drastic change in sales and services, there is a possibility that
different data set definitions were employed by the census between 1996 and 2001
because the change occurred throughout Calgary and not just within the South and
Southeast sector. Subsequently, further research would be required to understand changes
in all the occupation sectors and as opposed to just the two sectors currently examined
4
(management and sales and services). One final reason for this variance is that the
decrease in sales and services could have been influenced by a substantial increase in
another occupation sector such as the high-tech sector.
Conclusion
The above findings are very important to future land use policy and provision of
services for this sector of the city. Specifically, the high income level of this sector of the
city is extremely important in guiding the appropriate provision of public services (e.g.,
recreation, libraries, health and social), public and market housing options, and location
of businesses. In regard to the findings of the occupation variables, they will have a
substantial influence on the mandate and program development of a potential
employment centre. Specifically, as a large number of people in this area of the city are
employed in administrative and managerial positions, then it would be recommended that
the employment centre be geared towards this market of the employment sector.