The True Post (Web News)Homeowners in Calgary will now face a 5.4 per cent increase in residential property taxes as part of the city’s newly announced budget adjustments, unveiled Wednesday.
While the overall tax hike remains at 3.6 per cent, as previously approved by city council, the majority of the financial burden will fall on residential property owners. Non-residential properties will see a much smaller increase of just 1.3 per cent.
Balancing Affordability and Growth
City of Calgary’s Chief Administrative Officer David Duckworth said the city worked hard to strike a balance between affordability and the needs of a rapidly growing city coping with years of inflation.
Key Areas of Investment
The budget proposes significant investments in four priority areas. Mayor Jyoti Gondek said Calgarians receive strong value for their tax dollars, noting that combined taxes and utilities cost residents roughly $13 a day for city services.
“This is good value for your money,” she said. “But we need to do a better job of explaining what you’re actually getting for your property taxes.”
Outgoing councillor Peter Demong reflected on the impact of past decisions to minimize or cut tax increases.
“City taxes almost always have to rise. For three years — 2021 and 2022 — we barely raised taxes by more than one per cent. I think one year we even cut taxes, but now we are paying the price for that three years later,” he said.
$260 Million in Additional Spending
The tax hike will help fund $260 million in additional spending on services and infrastructure that the city considers critical:
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$78 million for housing projects, including converting downtown office space into 260 residential units.
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$61 million for improving downtown safety, daytime supports for vulnerable populations, boosting 911 operations, and enhancing Calgary Police Service (CPS) resources.
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$59 million for expanded transit service, fare assistance, repairs, and safety programs.
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$68 million for roads, street lighting, parks, public facilities, and maintenance of the Plus 15 network.
In addition, the city will invest $1.1 billion in water infrastructure.
Overall, the City of Calgary is proposing $4.6 billion in operating expenses and $3.6 billion in capital investments for the 2026 budget.
Duckworth emphasized that the city understands residents are facing economic pressures, which is why the budget focuses on priorities most important to Calgarians.
Public Input Invited
Residents will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed 2026 budget starting this week. Their input will help shape council’s final decisions to ensure the budget reflects community needs.
The full budget will be presented to council on November 10, with public hearings beginning on November 24.