Calgarians continue to share priorities as budget deliberations continue

For another day, Calgarians gathered at City Hall to make sure their voices were heard as council works through the city’s budget.

Budget deliberations began Monday with a public hearing, during which residents and community groups had 5 minutes each to outline their priorities for the year ahead. The hearing was extended into a second day due to the snowy weather.

Among those speaking was former professional soccer player and community leader Guillaume Dikoume, who now serves as President and Technical Director of the Spartans Soccer Club and Academy. Dikoume urged council to invest in more affordable indoor and outdoor sports facilities, saying the lack of accessible recreation spaces can leave young people vulnerable.

“By having more affordable facilities this is going to reduce the temptation to do unlawful behaviour,” Dikoume told councillors.

The call for recreation funding was echoed by Carlo Bruneau, Executive Director of the Calgary Minor Soccer Association. Bruno pressed council to include funding for the indoor portion of the Northeast Athletic Complex in the budget.

“If we’re not committed to developing our communities and investing in the infrastructure, we are saying we are not investing in our families and our future,” Bruno said.

Housing was another priority raised.

Charlotte YellowHorn Mcleod spoke about the challenges Indigenous families face in securing affordable housing. She urged council not to lose momentum on progress already made.

“My adult kids they had to move home, because trying to find housing, and when they find housing, they have to find roommates. My son was in a roommate situation that didn’t go well,” she explained.

While residents pressed for more investment, some councillors expressed concern about the overall spending plan. Ward 1 Coun. Kim Tyers argued that certain budget items were unnecessary.

“There’s a few things that are nice to haves, but are not necessary for what the city needs to do. Our climate activism department as well as downtown residential conversions,” Tyers said.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas reiterated that council could reduce the proposed property tax hike without cutting essential services.

“Everything that council is looking at right now has to have a strong business case,” he said. “We know we need to address improvements to transit, public safety, housing.”

“These are all really key areas we need to make the same hard decisions households and business owners do every single day.”

Council is scheduled to continue budget deliberations Wednesday, beginning with a presentation from the Calgary Police Service before hearing from the remaining public speakers.