The Calgary City Council is currently facing a budgetary balancing act as the Calgary Police Service is in need of a new firearms training facility. The police chief, Mark Neufeld, and Calgary Police Commission chair, Shawn Cornett, spent time answering questions from city councillors regarding the 2025 budget. The Calgary Police Commission has proposed using $13 million in unallocated funds from the Community Safety Investment Framework (CSIF) to cover cost overruns on the new facility. The CSIF program, which was established in 2020, aims to partner with community organizations to improve support for Calgarians in crisis and prevent police interactions. Despite concerns raised by Ward 8 Coun. Courtney Walcott about the use of CSIF funds, Neufeld emphasized the necessity of training officers and the constraints of the current firearms training facility.
The initial estimates for the new firearms training facility were around $10 million, but costs are now expected to reach $23 million. After exploring various funding sources, the Calgary Police Commission determined that using unallocated CSIF funding was the only remaining option that would not impact service delivery. This decision has sparked a debate about the allocation of funds and priorities within the city budget. While Neufeld reiterated the importance of keeping officers working and responding to emergencies, some councillors, such as Walcott, believe that the original intent of the CSIF funds should be upheld and that alternative sources of funding should be explored for the training facility.
In addition to the discussion around the Calgary Police Service budget, adjustments have also been proposed for the Calgary Fire Department’s budget. A $6.6 million increase, split over 2025 and 2026, is intended to increase staffing for the department’s aerial trucks with 4-person crews. This increase in staffing is part of an ongoing effort to improve response times to fires and ensure firefighter safety. Calgary fire chief Steve Dongworth highlighted the challenges the department faces in assembling an effective response force within 11 minutes of a serious or escalating fire due to staffing levels, community growth, and increased service demand.
The funding for the Calgary Fire Department will also go towards hiring a new community safety officer position to focus on fire safety education in vulnerable communities, as well as supporting frontline services like training, hazmat, and health and safety. Moreover, discussions are underway regarding additional funding for 19 new 911 dispatchers to enhance emergency response services in the city. These proposed budget adjustments reflect the city’s commitment to public safety and the importance of investing in resources that will improve emergency response times and support the well-being of both residents and emergency personnel. As city council deliberates on the budget for both the Calgary Police Service and Calgary Fire Department, decisions will be made based on priorities, available funding, and the overall impact on public safety in the city.
