Calgarians and local groups gathered at city hall for a public hearing on the city’s proposed adjustments to the four-year budget, which includes a property tax increase of 3.6 per cent. Throughout the day, close to 40 speakers shared their thoughts on the city’s spending plan, with discussions ranging from affordability to public transit and infrastructure. Some raised concerns about the tax increase, climate change initiatives, and city-wide rezoning. Calgary’s mayor emphasized that the budget is “rooted in reality” due to inflation and population growth exceeding initial city projections. The property tax increase varies depending on property class, with single-family homes facing a 3.9 per cent hike and condos facing a 10.5 per cent increase.
The proposed tax increase, combined with higher fees for water, waste, and recycling services, would result in an extra cost of $13.46 per month for the average residential property assessed at $700,000. At the public hearing, a resident highlighted affordability issues, noting that despite earning 70 per cent above minimum wage, he couldn’t afford to use transit after paying bills and rent. He shared the emotional impact of surrendering his cat due to financial challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for the city council to address affordability concerns. City administration stated that 60 per cent of recommended new spending in the budget adjustment would go towards infrastructure, with allocations for inflation, transit, transportation, and public safety.
Mayor Gondek stressed that there is limited flexibility in the budget for cuts, prioritizing solid infrastructure, roadways, transit, and clean water. However, some councillors argued that there is room to reduce spending without affecting frontline services. Ward 1 Coun. Sonya Sharp emphasized the importance of finding efficiencies without impacting essential services, while Ward 7 Coun. Terry Wong suggested pausing a planned shift of the tax burden from non-residential properties to residential properties. City council will continue discussions by questioning various city departments, including the Calgary Fire Department and Calgary Police Service, to gain a better understanding of the budget adjustments and potential areas for improvement.
The property tax increase of 3.6 per cent has sparked a debate among Calgarians and city officials, with varying opinions on the budget adjustments and spending priorities. Advocates for affordability, public transit, and infrastructure have called for a focus on essential services, questioning the necessity of a tax hike in the current economic climate. Concerns have been raised about the impact of the tax increase on different property classes, with some residents expressing struggles with meeting financial obligations. The budget adjustments aim to allocate resources to key areas such as infrastructure, inflationary pressures, transit, and public safety, reflecting the city’s commitment to addressing critical needs.
The public hearing served as a platform for residents to voice their concerns and provide feedback on the proposed budget adjustments, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in municipal decision-making. The discussions at city hall underscore the diverse perspectives within the community, with calls for more efficient use of resources and a balanced approach to financial management. As city council deliberates on the budget proposal, it will be crucial to consider the input from residents and stakeholders to ensure that the final budget reflects the priorities of Calgarians. Moving forward, continued dialogue and engagement will be essential in shaping a budget that meets the needs of the community while maintaining fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability.
