Calgary Minute: Issue 334

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

📅 This Week In Calgary: 📅

• A new poll shows the Mayoral race is extremely close, with 34% of voters still undecided - far higher than the usual 12-15% at this stage. Among decided or leaning voters, independent candidate Jeromy Farkas leads with 27%, followed closely by incumbent Jyoti Gondek and Sonya Sharp at 23% each. Jeff Davison has 16% support, while Brian Thiessen rounds out the top five with 8%. The survey indicates many Calgarians are considering multiple candidates, reflecting a wide-open race with potential vote shifts before election day. Key voter priorities include public safety, infrastructure, downtown disorder, and keeping property taxes low. Similarity in candidate policies and attention drawn by other provincial and national issues may be contributing to the high number of undecided voters.
  
  
• Calgary’s Mayoral race heated up during a debate hosted by the Calgary Chamber of Commerce on October 8th at the Werklund Centre. The five leading candidates - Sonya Sharp, Jyoti Gondek, Jeff Davison, Brian Thiessen, and Jeromy Farkas - outlined their visions for the city and engaged in pointed exchanges, particularly targeting Farkas, the current front-runner in polls. Farkas emphasized a dual approach to public safety, including reopening the downtown police station and increasing police and transit officer presence, along with sentencing and bail reforms. Sharp criticized Farkas for changing his positions since his previous council tenure, while Davison called him “flip-flop Farkas” and also questioned Sharp’s record on supporting small businesses. Gondek defended her leadership record, citing projects like the new events centre, the Green Line LRT, and the City’s housing strategy. Thiessen strongly criticized Gondek for not challenging Premier Danielle Smith on funding and policy decisions affecting Calgary.
  
  
• Calgary’s Erlton Chinese Cemetery underwent a year-long restoration project to repair crumbling monuments and headstones, preserving an important link to the city’s past. The work, guided by a Feng Shui master to respect cultural traditions, included repairing 343 monuments, resetting 177 on eco-friendly foundations, and restoring the cemetery’s lawns with sustainable treatments. Established in 1908 for Chinese immigrants excluded from other cemeteries, the site holds 1,048 burials and reflects the struggles of early Chinese Canadians who faced discrimination and had limited family support. The project honoured both the individuals buried there and their contributions to Calgary and Western Canada. City officials and volunteers described the work as emotionally meaningful, emphasizing the importance of respecting traditions and community voices. 
  
  
• Forest Lawn, long stigmatized as one of Calgary’s rougher neighbourhoods, is undergoing visible transformation through redevelopment, rising property values, and public investment. The revitalization of 17th Avenue SE, also known as International Avenue, along with new City projects such as a civic centre, recreation facilities and a library, is attracting new housing and business development. These efforts are improving the area’s amenities and making it more appealing to families and investors. However, some community members are concerned that rising property values and infill projects are beginning to displace long-term renters, signalling early signs of gentrification. Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra has said that while revitalization brings economic growth and renewed interest, it also risks pricing out lower-income residents. Councillor Andre Chabot noted that Forest Lawn’s affordability and large lot sizes make it a focus for redevelopment. Urban experts say inclusive planning and affordable housing will be essential to preserve the neighbourhood’s character and diversity.
  
  
• The Calgary Firefighters Association (CFA) is calling for a Fire Commission to improve oversight, reduce red tape, and ensure public input on fire safety decisions. CFA president Jamie Blayney emphasized that a commission would help the department keep up with Calgary’s growing population and allow the chief’s voice to reach Council directly. Mayor Jyoti Gondek supports the idea if re-elected, while mayoral hopefuls Sonya Sharp, Jeromy Farkas, and Brian Thiessen also back exploring a commission, though Sharp stressed broader discussions with the union and leadership are needed first. The Commission would aim to provide governance similar to the City’s Police Commission. Currently, the City says there are no plans for a Fire Commission, but the fire department’s budget and business plan will be reviewed by the new council next year.

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