Calgary Minute: Issue 328

Calgary Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Calgary politics

📅 This Week In Calgary: 📅

• Eight municipalities in the Calgary region have formed a three-year alliance called Invest Greater Calgary to attract investment and create jobs during a time of global economic uncertainty. The initiative, hosted by Calgary Economic Development, includes Calgary, Airdrie, Chestermere, Cochrane, Foothills County, High River, Okotoks, and Rocky View County. It will focus on regional research, marketing, investor support, and program development to strengthen economic growth. Each municipality will contribute funding based on population and assessment value, with additional support from provincial and federal grants. Leaders say the collaboration allows communities to share data, expand outreach, and present a united vision while maintaining their own priorities. Officials emphasize that the joint approach sends a strong signal to investors that the region is ready for major projects and long-term opportunities. A permanent leader for the initiative is expected to be named later this year.
  
  
• A new protected bike lane along 15th Avenue SW in the Beltline is raising concerns among local residents. The lane includes concrete medians that redirect traffic, which some say creates confusion and makes driving more difficult, especially near a seniors’ home. Grace Gardens residents previously protested the relocation of their loading zone, leading the City to add one directly in front of the building, though other parking along the north side of the street has been removed. Condo owners worry the reduced parking will worsen congestion and block access to parkades, while some fear delivery vehicles may park illegally near barriers. The City says the medians were designed to create safe loading areas without disrupting traffic, though residents argue they add complexity to an already busy street. Construction is still underway, with the lanes expected to open later this fall once signage and painting are complete.
  
  
• Residents of Springbank Hill are demanding Council postpone a September 9th public hearing on a proposed 42-unit townhouse project until after the October 20th municipal election, warning they may pursue legal action if the vote proceeds. The group, Concerned Residents of Springbank Hill, argues the lack of an elected Councillor for Ward 6 leaves them without representation on a decision that could permanently alter their community. The Augusta Villas proposal would replace land once approved for 16 single-family homes with larger townhouses featuring rooftop patios. While developers say the project follows City planning rules and would add housing diversity near transit and amenities, residents fear it would bring excessive density, traffic, parking issues, and shadowing impacts. A petition opposing the project has gathered more than 800 signatures. The Calgary Planning Commission already supported rezoning in July, despite widespread opposition. Residents argue Ward 6 has exceeded its targets for multi-family housing.
  
  
• The City has issued a $10-million invoice to the Alberta government to cover the costs of collecting the Province’s share of property taxes. Mayor Jyoti Gondek argues that Calgarians unfairly shoulder high provincial tax rates and that residents lack clarity on how much of their bill goes to the Province versus the City. The tax in question, the Education Property Tax, funds about 30% of Alberta’s education system, and municipalities are tasked with collecting it. Gondek believes the Province should centralize tax collection to reduce confusion and administrative burden. Provincial officials dismissed the invoice as political manoeuvering, though Premier Danielle Smith said she is open to discussions about centralized collection. Some Council members have acknowledged the move may be symbolic, but they see it as a way to push for change.
  
  
• A new Leger poll shows the upcoming mayoral race is very close, with Jyoti Gondek holding a narrow lead at 15% support compared to Jeromy Farkas at 14%. Other candidates, including Sonya Sharp, Jeff Davison, and Brian Thiessen, have single-digit support. The poll also found that Gondek has higher name recognition, with 74% of respondents aware of her candidacy compared to 60% for Farkas. When asked about priorities, voters ranked lowering taxes, cutting spending, and addressing poverty as top concerns, while support for initiatives focused on newcomers was lowest. More than half of respondents felt Calgary is on the wrong track, especially older residents over 55. The survey also suggested strong voter turnout intentions, with 56% saying they would definitely vote. In comparison, the 2021 election saw just 46% of eligible Calgarians cast a ballot.
  
  
• Speaking of the election, Ward 11 Councillor Kourtney Penner has announced she will seek a second term on Council. She emphasized the need for stability and experienced leadership as the City faces another possible wave of turnover. Penner says she has a record of working across partisan lines, securing provincial funding, and advancing priorities such as free transit for children under 12, pedestrian safety measures, transit-oriented housing, and expanded support for libraries and affordable housing. Housing remains a central issue in her ward, where she has supported initiatives to increase density despite controversy, including her backing of citywide rezoning proposals. She faces competition from Rob Ward of the Communities First party and Alex Williams of The Calgary Party, both of whom have already begun campaigning. Penner said she deliberately delayed her announcement to avoid perceptions of performative politics and reaffirmed her opposition to formal political parties in municipal government. With several Councillors stepping down this year, she argues her experience would provide much-needed continuity. The deadline for nominations is September 22nd, with election day set for October 20th.

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