Calgary council moves ahead with bylaw targeting low-value shoplifting

Calgary city council has taken a major step toward changing how the city handles minor shoplifting, voting 13–2 to explore a new bylaw aimed at thefts under $100.

The notice of motion, co‑signed by Ward 10 Coun.Andre Chabot and Ward 2 Coun. Jennifer Wyness, directs administration to study alternative approaches used in other Canadian cities and report back this summer.

The move comes as police say they are responding to a growing number of low‑value theft calls that rarely result in charges.

According to the motion, Calgary police have handled more than 23,000 theft‑related calls since 2023, most involving items worth less than $100. Only 17 per cent of those cases led to charges.

Chabot argues the current system, which treats even minor shoplifting as a Criminal Code offence, is tying up police resources and leaving businesses frustrated. Some store owners, he said, are now paying out of pocket for private security.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas emphasized that council is not committing to a new bylaw yet.

“This motion today didn’t lock us into having a bylaw against shoplifting,” he said. “It simply asks us to explore what’s working in other cities. Calgary has an opportunity to be a leader.”

The original proposal called for a new municipal offence with a $250 fine and potential referrals to community service or support programs. That language has since been softened, but the concept remains on the table as administration studies the issue.

Police say the shift could significantly reduce the time officers spend on minor theft calls.

Under the current system, processing a low‑value shoplifting case can take more than two hours. A ticket‑based approach, they argue, could take as little as ten minutes.

“Ten minutes versus just over two hours would be massive savings for the Calgary police to attend other calls,” said Sgt. Geoff Hoover with the Calgary Police Service. “There is definitely a net benefit.”

Officers also note that many minor theft cases never make it to court, leaving repeat offenders with few consequences. A municipal ticket, paired with community court, could create faster and more consistent accountability.

“[Police] are not necessarily charging every time… because there is nothing that can be done,” Hoover said, adding that repeat low‑value theft has become a significant strain on resources.

If adopted, the bylaw would still allow officers to pursue Criminal Code charges in more serious or repeat cases.

Administration is expected to return to council this summer with a full analysis, including comparisons to other Canadian municipalities and recommendations on whether Calgary should move ahead with a ticketing system for thefts under $100.