The hospitality and events industry is busy with Calgary Stampede crowds but dealing with labor shortages

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With the Calgary Stampede in full swing, many local businesses in the events and hospitality industry are busy serving the crowds, but are struggling to hire enough staff to meet the additional demand.

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Restaurants along 17th Avenue SW and Stephen Avenue were busy with customers Sunday afternoon, which Ernie Tsu, president of the Alberta Hospitality Association, says is a much-needed boost for restaurants and bars after of the last two years.

However, the hospitality industry is facing a labor shortage and many Calgary businesses do not have the level of staff they would like for this type of rush of clients.

“We expect a big Stampede,” Tsu said. “There is a labor shortage in the hotel industry. Hotels are feeling it right now, supply chain management has also been a labor issue. And we know all about the problems with the airlines.”

He said that while restaurants and bars may also feel labor shortages during the Stampede, some employees hope to make more money during the 10-day event.

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“The Stampede crowd is nothing new to restaurant owners or general managers, we’re just trying to make sure we’re fully prepared and ready to go,” Tsu said.

David Howard, president and founder of The Event Group, said the company is delighted to be “back in the game” after events were canceled or postponed due to the pandemic.

The Event Group hosts large-scale corporate parties and celebrations featuring high-profile artists and bands, typically attended by at least 500 people. The group has several big events booked during Stampede, but had to reschedule some due to staffing issues.

“I think all sectors and all of our suppliers are understaffed, including catering, security, audio and video companies. Unfortunately, we had to move a couple of events that were planned for Stampede to later in the year,” said Howard.

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“I don’t think it’s a bad thing, I think it’s an opportunity to highlight that company, just them, and at a time when there aren’t many other events going on, but it’s been frustrating to find the right teams.

Event Group is looking to hire experienced workers with several years of experience, but Howard said many workers left the industry when they couldn’t find work during the pandemic. There have also been challenges reserving places due to staffing issues there.

“When COVID hit, a lot of them were out of work and went to other jobs. Now there just aren’t that many people in the industry. It’s tough,” Howard said.

The events continue, but they are scaled back from what they would have been three or four years ago, Howard said.

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Alberta’s unemployment rate is at its lowest point since 2015, reaching the national rate for the first time in seven years.

Statistics Canada data Labor force survey they show both Canada and Alberta with an unemployment rate of 4.9 percent. In Alberta, the number fell from 5.3 percent in May.

The unemployment rate in Calgary fell from 6.6 percent to 5.5 percent in June. Calgary’s unemployment rate was 8.5 percent in January.

Alberta’s job vacancy rate hit a record high at 4.8 percent, primarily in the areas of health care and social assistance, housing and food services, and construction. These three industries account for about 37 percent of job vacancies in Alberta.

The Stampede generally creates a lot of seasonal jobs, specifically for young people who haven’t worked before. In a statement, Stampede spokeswoman Kristen Anderson said 3,000 seasonal jobs were created for this year’s event, while employing 1,500 employees year-round.

Stampede also has 2,500 volunteers and 27 volunteer committees for its events.

“The Calgary Stampede doesn’t happen without your volunteers who have stayed with us over the years,” said Anderson.

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