Budget deliberations begin at Calgary council with affordability, infrastructure top of mind

Debate will likely fill council chambers at Calgary’s City Hall Monday, as councillors are set to discuss a 3.6 per cent property tax hike.

If approved, the 3.6 per cent increase would mean an extra $8.37 a month in property taxes for a single-family home, and an additional $5.09 a month in waste and recycling.

Members of council were originally told back in September that the projected tax increase would be 4.5 per cent.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek said she wasn’t pleased with that hike, emphasizing that council direction was to hold the line at 3.6 per cent.

Administration got to work, finding extra investment income to apply to the budget — $107 million for the tax supported operating budget, and $228.9 million in capital funds to be re-used for priority investments.

But, more likely needs to be done to maintain the proposed tax rate for next year.

WATCH: Calgarians fear property tax increase could make affordability crisis worse in Calgary

Of concern is aging infrastructure, highlighted by this summer’s massive water main break, rapid population growth, and high inflation.

Low-income transit users have also raised the alarm on the expected $33 million transit budget shortfall and how it could impact them.

Gondek adds the budget targets priorities that are top of mind for Calgarians.

“It’s a reality budget,” she told CityNews. “Seventy-five per cent of this budget is investing in infrastructure, public transit, and safety — the top three priorities for Calgarians.

“The number one things Calgarians say they need from us is affordability, holding the line on that budget increase will provide affordability.”

Deliberations are expected to continue through the week.