| Position | Candidate Name | Responded |
|---|---|---|
| Mayor | Jeff Davison | ✅ |
| Sarah Elder | ❌ | |
| Jeromy Farkas | ✅ | |
| Jyoti Gondek | ❌ | |
| Jaeger Gustafson | ✅ | |
| Larry R. Heather | ❌ | |
| Grant Prior | ❌ | |
| Sonya Sharp | ✅ | |
| Brian Thiessen | ❌ |
Question 1
What work experience do you have that’s relevant to the role and how do you feel the skills and perspective you have gained will help you in your role?
Mayor
1 To Be Elected
Jeff Davison: I bring over 25 years of private-sector experience across energy, technology, and health care, along with eight years of public service — four as a City Councillor and four as CEO of a province-wide non-profit focused on community well-being. I’ve built teams, managed complex budgets, and delivered real results that serve people, not bureaucracy. My experience has taught me that leadership is about collaboration, accountability, and making sure every dollar delivers value. That’s the mindset I’ll bring to City Hall — practical, people-focused leadership that gets things done.
Sarah Elder: No response.
Jeromy Farkas: Calgary is nearing two million people, and we need leadership to manage that challenge and growth. I’m running to build a city that’s safe, affordable, and ready for the future. Growing up in East Calgary to a newcomer family, I’ve been blessed to serve our city in countless ways: as a community association executive, City Councillor, Police Commissioner, Rotarian, wilderness first responder, non-profit director, and CEO. Now I’m stepping forward to prevent a political party takeover of City Council, to unite Calgarians around a shared vision, and help Calgary rise to its full potential.
Jyoti Gondek: No response.
Jaeger Gustafson: I am a business and Non-Profit founder in the Education and Health Care. My mission to ensure the well-being of people, the prosperity of businesses, and 100% customer service staisfaction. With a GUSTAFSON mayorship, people will have better health, less stress, more jobs, and a better economy. Learn more about my person values at MayorGus.ca/gustafson With experience in Public and Private auditing under statuaoty authorities, I have the competencies to ensure FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. With a GUSTAFSON mayorship, Calgarians will have Lower Taxes and Better Quality Services. I have created a perpetual service program schedule that runs on a 2800 year cycle to allow Calgary to scale with adequate oversight to prevent WASTE, FRAUD, ABUSE, and NEGLECT of your hard earned tax dollars. Learn more about the Lower Taxes and Better Quality Services Strategy At: MayorGus.ca/more
Larry R. Heather: No response.
Grant Prior: No response.
Sonya Sharp: I grew up on construction sites with my dad and learned the industry hands-on from a young age. In my early twenties, I took over the business and led a construction crew. Like many business owners know, you don’t pay yourself to keep the business running, so I took a second job as a lifeguard just to have a steady income. After I graduated from SAIT with a Diploma as a Building Development Technologist, I got a job on the 3rd floor of City Hall in The City’s planning department, where I worked my way through the system and saw how the process really worked from the inside. At the same time, I owned several small businesses of my own so I truly understand the challenges and frustrations entrepreneurs face trying to navigate red tape while keeping their doors open. Eventually, I became the lead for the Business and Local Economy portfolio at The City. That role was the official liaison between The City and Calgary’s business community. During COVID, we were on the front lines. Helping businesses stay afloat, launching the patio extension program, and fighting to cut the unnecessary red tape holding people back. I pushed the system so hard that I was putting my job at risk. That’s when I realized the only way to create real change was from the political side of the table. So, I left my job and ran for Council. I was elected as the Ward 1 Councillor in 2021. This experience: construction, small business owner, City employee, and now elected official: has given me a rare perspective. I know the ins and outs of City Hall, where things break down, and how to fix them. It’s the perfect storm of experience to get Calgary working again. Since being elected as a City Councillor, I’ve led on key issues like finding efficiencies to cut spending, have better engagement and transparency, and safety. I've brought forward motions to expose bloated executive compensation, called for audits of internal reorganization, found over $170 million dollars in savings without touching frontline services, but also had several unanimous votes including police funding and the Event Centre. I know how the system works, and I also know where it needs to be fixed. That mix of real-world and government experience uniquely prepares me to lead as Calgary's next mayor.
Brian Thiessen: No response.
Question 2
What do you think are the biggest issues affecting Calgary are, and how would you approach these issues?
Mayor
1 To Be Elected
Jeff Davison: Affordability and safety are the top issues facing Calgarians today. That’s why I’ve committed to a four-year property tax freeze without cutting core services — to give families and businesses predictability they can count on. At the same time, we need to be tough on crime but compassionate with care, by partnering with frontline organizations and addressing root causes like addiction and mental health. Calgarians deserve a city that’s affordable, safe, and working for them again.
Sarah Elder: No response.
Jeromy Farkas: Calgarians tell me they don’t feel heard. There’s a lack of listening at City Hall, and it’s showing up in growing concerns about affordability, safety, and neighbourhood change. People are frustrated by rising costs, feeling unsafe in public spaces, and decisions that seem disconnected from real life. The answers to our biggest challenges—housing, safety, affordability—already exist in our communities. It’s by bringing Calgarians together, and listening to the wisdom of the community, that we’ll move forward. We need to tap into that wisdom.
Jyoti Gondek: No response.
Jaeger Gustafson: All you issues are important. That Is why I have scheduled a review of all city services, to the minuet. For the next 16 years. Each service will have the council reviewing it in depth and go into deeper layers of complexity as the competency of the council increases each year. This yearly oversight will also be supported by compentc based appointments to review commitess that review FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY and CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE quarterly.
Larry R. Heather: No response.
Grant Prior: No response.
Sonya Sharp: The top concerns I hear from Calgarians are: safety, affordability, blanket rezoning, and a City Hall that’s out of touch. I don’t have a personal or ideological agenda in running. My approach to these issues is focused on practical, common-sense solutions, laid out in my “To-Do List” for Calgary. That includes: A Safe City Is Critical. Without safety, you have nothing. For me, it’s not just about making sure people feel safe, it’s about ensuring they are safe. That’s why I’ve pledged a major reinvestment in policing in the next City budget. My multi-year plan will rebuild the Calgary Police Service by adding 487 officers to bring us back to the national average for officers per capita and bring a 24/7 police station back downtown. Repealing Blanket Rezoning. I am committed to repealing the blanket rezoning bylaw. We need to reinstate a graduated residential zoning system that includes site-specific public hearings, so communities can have a say in what’s built in their neighbourhoods. I’m also pushing for serious reforms to the City’s Planning Department to speed up the process for zoning changes and cut unnecessary delays. Sensible Budgeting. We need to fix the City’s budget so we’re directing resources toward core responsibilities like infrastructure and public safety. I will bring stronger oversight and more transparency to the budgeting process, because for me, these aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet. Every dollar represents real sacrifices made by Calgary families, and it’s our job to respect that. Bringing a Strong Focus to Governance. Addressing serious governance issues with our senior city administration. Bringing our senior city administration back in line: Ensuring that they firmly understand they report to the Council, and not the other way around. This is a critical issue, and make no mistake, it affects you and your community. Communities First and I have many other pledges for your consideration – commitments to focusing on core services, etc.
Brian Thiessen: No response.
Question 3
What do you think is the role of a municipal government? Do you think the City does too many things, not enough, or just the right amount?
Mayor
1 To Be Elected
Jeff Davison: City government’s job is to get the basics right — safe streets, reliable transit, efficient permitting, clean parks, and strong infrastructure. Over the years, City Hall has drifted away from those core services, taking on pet projects instead of focusing on core services. I believe we need to get back to basics, reprioritize spending based on what Calgarians actually want, and make sure every department is working efficiently toward that goal.
Sarah Elder: No response.
Jeromy Farkas: Municipal government is the level closest to the people, delivering the fundamentals we all depend on and shaping the kind of city we want to leave for the next generation. The problem today isn’t the amount City Hall does, but that it spends too much on the wrong things and not enough on the right ones. By being responsible with taxpayer dollars and focusing on the fundamentals—safety and affordability—we can build a Calgary that works better today and gives people confidence in the future.
Jyoti Gondek: No response.
Jaeger Gustafson: You can learn more about my values at MayorGus.ca/gustafson I beloive the people are sovreing. We have natural rights. And we as peole must give our constn to be governed. Government therfore must 1. protect us, 2. Settle diputres / enforcing contracts 3. protecting citizens consent. (Voluntary, Informed, Capsity) The other services, "Nice to haves" Emerge as we buld a prosperous and more financially indepednat community.
Larry R. Heather: No response.
Grant Prior: No response.
Sonya Sharp: The City of Calgary has lost focus. Municipal government exists to deliver core services: policing, fire, roads, transit, waste, water, and responsible urban planning. Instead, the current Council has drifted into symbolic and ideological politics outside its mandate. As mayor, I will focus on what really matters to Calgarians. Safe streets, affordable services, well-maintained infrastructure, and transparent governance. We need a safe and affordable city that works, and one where you can trust City Hall again.
Brian Thiessen: No response.
Question 4
Do you think property taxes are too high, too low, or just about right?
Mayor
1 To Be Elected
Jeff Davison: I launched my campaign on a four-year tax freeze and I mean it. Taxes are too high — especially given the waste we’ve seen at City Hall. But any candidate promising across-the-board cuts without understanding the budget is being dishonest. We need to first identify real savings, eliminate duplication, and refocus spending on what matters.
Sarah Elder: No response.
Jeromy Farkas: Too high. Property taxes in Calgary aren’t just about the number on the bill, they’re about value for money. Most Calgarians I hear from don’t mind paying their fair share if they can see results: safe streets, snow cleared on time, potholes fixed, transit that works. The frustration is paying more every year while not seeing results. I believe taxes should be fair and predictable, and City Hall’s first job should be to spend responsibly, cut waste, and deliver quality services before asking families and businesses for more.
Jyoti Gondek: No response.
Jaeger Gustafson: Too high. I will lower the Tax. Goal for 2041. Residential 0.3% Comercial 1%
Larry R. Heather: No response.
Grant Prior: No response.
Sonya Sharp: Property taxes are too high relative to the services Calgarians are receiving. You’re paying more and getting less. I’ve heard that frustration loud and clear, and I share it. During my time on Council, I’ve been very clear: Calgarians cannot afford constant tax hikes with so little to show for them. I’ve voted against every increase that’s come forward in the last four years, and I’ve actively worked to bring forward alternatives. In fact, I introduced more than $175 million in proposed savings all targeted at reducing waste, cutting red tape, and protecting core frontline services like police, fire, and transit. Unfortunately, the current Council majority voted those ideas down. As Mayor, I plan to bring those proposals back and go even further. My plan is to restore fiscal oversight by bringing back a dedicated, Finance and Corporate Services Committee, which the past Council eliminated. Every budget line needs public scrutiny, and every new dollar spent must be tied to clear, measurable public value. I’ll also take action to: Publish a Sunshine List for City employees earning over $130,000, Audit the City’s pension programs through an independent third-party review, Consolidate top administrative roles to eliminate redundancy and save at least $2.5 million a year, and Rebuild partnerships with the Province so the City stops covering costs that should fall under provincial responsibility. I’ve spent most of my life as a small business owner, and I understand how hard it is to balance a budget. I also understand the sacrifices families make just to keep up with rising costs. You shouldn’t have to choose between paying your property taxes and putting food on the table or saving for your kids' future. That’s why keeping property taxes affordable, and ensuring Calgarians actually see value for what they’re paying, is one of my top priorities as your next Mayor.
Brian Thiessen: No response.
Question 5
Over the next four years, should the City spend less in absolute terms, increase spending but by less than the rate of inflation and population growth, increase by the rate of inflation and population growth, or increase faster than the rate of inflation and population growth?
Mayor
1 To Be Elected
Jeff Davison: The City needs to reprioritize spending rather than simply growing it year after year. Some costs will naturally rise with inflation and population, but that doesn’t justify waste. Every new dollar must go toward Calgarians’ priorities — infrastructure, safety, and affordability — not vanity projects. We can spend smarter and deliver better results without growing government.
Sarah Elder: No response.
Jeromy Farkas: I would target any increases to be less than the combined rate of inflation and population growth. Over the next four years, Calgary will reach 2 million people, and we’ll need to ensure that we're addressing essential infrastructure and safety demands. If we pair this discipline with real economic development that attracts businesses and broadens our tax base, we can fund the services and infrastructure a bigger city needs without forcing Calgarians to shoulder large tax increases. It’s about smarter growth: doing more with what we have, keeping Calgary affordable, and building confidence in City Hall’s ability to manage a growing city.
Jyoti Gondek: No response.
Jaeger Gustafson: I will reduce spending on WASTE, FRAUD, ABUSE, and NEGLECT by 10%. Please note: inflation of the money supply, through our fractional reserve lending, is a form of hidden taxation.
Larry R. Heather: No response.
Grant Prior: No response.
Sonya Sharp: The City should increase spending only where it aligns with population growth and inflation and even then, only on core services. We also need to reduce unnecessary spending, particularly at the executive level, and demand real performance metrics before increasing budgets. Every dollar needs to work harder.
Brian Thiessen: No response.
Question 6
The City often claims that they’ve found savings in various budgets, but instead of actually cutting spending, they just put the savings into a reserve account and then spend that money on other things. If there’s money left over at the end of a financial year, do you think that money should be saved up by the City to spend in future years? Or should it be returned automatically to taxpayers the following year through some kind of rebate?
Mayor
1 To Be Elected
Jeff Davison: If Calgarians are telling us that affordability is their number one concern, then returning surplus funds through a rebate or tax adjustment is absolutely worth considering. At the same time, we should be budgeting properly from the start so that surpluses don’t become the norm. Taxpayers shouldn’t be treated like a credit line — City Hall should live within its means and plan responsibly.
Sarah Elder: No response.
Jeromy Farkas: Yes, this is a huge issue—too often so-called “savings” are swept into reserves and then redirected into corporate welfare schemes like the Gondek/Sharp arena deal. I believe any surplus should be judged by what delivers the greatest community impact: whether that’s paying down debt, investing in safety improvements, or fixing leaky pipes to avoid bigger costs and higher rates down the road. Where there isn’t a clear long-term benefit to Calgarians, the default should be returning money back to taxpayers rather than letting it fuel pet projects at City Hall.
Jyoti Gondek: No response.
Jaeger Gustafson: This is referred to as operating variances. I will not abuse the system. Any extra money at the end of the year will be invested into a Calgary Wealth Fund, up to a maximum of 15% of the positive operating variance. Any amount beyond this will be credited to residents on their taxes the following year. Calgary Wealth Fund will focus investments in low cost indexes for industries related to 1. people, 2. water 3. energy 4. information.
Larry R. Heather: No response.
Grant Prior: No response.
Sonya Sharp: Surpluses should be directed into transparent, purpose-specific reserve accounts that are flexible, like the Fiscal Stability Reserve, that support core municipal priorities like infrastructure repair, emergency preparedness, or stabilizing future budgets during economic downturns. The goal is not to hoard taxpayer money but to use it wisely, responsibly, and transparently for the things that matter most to Calgarians. Rebates can be minimal, and actually cost more to administer.
Brian Thiessen: No response.
Question 7
Everyone says they support affordable housing, but what does that term mean for you? Do you think the City should be subsidizing housing for lower-income residents? Or focused on keeping the cost of all housing from getting out of control? Or perhaps some combination of the two? If so, how?
Mayor
1 To Be Elected
Jeff Davison: To me, affordable housing means ensuring that everyone — from first-time buyers to renters — can find a place to live without being priced out. That starts with cutting red tape and fixing the eight-year delays that hold up housing construction. The market should drive development, but the City must create the conditions for affordability: faster approvals, lower taxes, and predictable rules. When property taxes go up, rents follow — so freezing taxes is one of the most direct ways we can make housing more affordable for everyone.
Sarah Elder: No response.
Jeromy Farkas: For me, affordable housing means that Calgarians—whether seniors, families, or young people starting out—can find a safe, stable home without being priced out of the city. The City needs to keep the overall cost of housing under control by tackling red tape, ensuring enough supply, partnering with nonprofits, and making sure growth comes with the infrastructure—roads, schools, and transit—that makes communities livable. My housing plan addresses this directly by opening up more opportunities for competition and choice. You can see the full platform at www.jeromy.ca
Jyoti Gondek: No response.
Jaeger Gustafson: 1. People need more jobs to afford housing. 2. Property Tax needs to be LOWER. 3. We need to balance the supply and demand. 4. we need to increase our standards for long term quality.
Larry R. Heather: No response.
Grant Prior: No response.
Sonya Sharp: To me, affordable housing means that middle- and working-class families can afford to live in Calgary without being priced out of their own neighborhoods. I support a balanced approach: Cut red tape to reduce construction costs and speed up approvals. Respect communities by involving them in local planning. Focus density near transit corridors, not through blanket rezoning.
Brian Thiessen: No response.
Question 8
How do you view the role of public sector unions in City operations, and what steps would you take to ensure union negotiations do not compromise fiscal responsibility?
Mayor
1 To Be Elected
Jeff Davison: I believe in fair, transparent, and good-faith negotiations. Our frontline workers deserve respect and the tools they need to do their jobs well — but leadership at City Hall must set the tone. When you build trust and lead with accountability, you rebuild morale and prevent the kind of conflict we’ve seen in recent years. Everyone — management and unions alike — should be focused on the same goal: serving Calgarians efficiently and effectively.
Sarah Elder: No response.
Jeromy Farkas: Public sector unions play an important role in representing workers who deliver many of the essential services Calgarians rely on every day. I respect that role. At the same time, City Hall has a duty to taxpayers to ensure that negotiations are fair, transparent, and financially sustainable. My approach would be to insist on open and accountable bargaining, tie compensation to performance and service outcomes where possible, and benchmark agreements against what’s affordable and comparable in other cities. I believe we can find common ground with unions by focusing on productivity, innovation, and long-term stability so that workers are respected and taxpayers are protected.
Jyoti Gondek: No response.
Jaeger Gustafson: Unions and Government are both legal entities. People are the unifying factor. Most people in the world are good people. The more the employees engage with their unions the better it will be for everyone to prevent a concentration of power. Same with government, citizens must enegage in government to prevent the hidden concentration of power.
Larry R. Heather: No response.
Grant Prior: No response.
Sonya Sharp: Front line workers are essential for city operation and most are unionized. Council sets direction to Labour negotiators regarding the budgetary limitations of their negotiations, to ensure it’s within budget limits.
Brian Thiessen: No response.
Question 9
The Bearspaw south feeder main rupture exposed serious risks in Calgary’s aging infrastructure. Do you think the City acted responsibly in managing this risk, and what changes would you make to ensure critical infrastructure is maintained before failures happen?
Mayor
1 To Be Elected
Jeff Davison: The rupture was a wake-up call — not necessarily because of the failure itself, but because of how poorly the response was managed. Calgary is a pipeline city with world-class private sector expertise, yet the City failed to bring those partners to the table quickly. I’ll ensure we’re proactive in maintenance planning and transparent with the public about risks, while building partnerships with the private sector to respond faster and prevent future crises.
Sarah Elder: No response.
Jeromy Farkas: The Bearspaw rupture shows what happens when essential infrastructure is neglected. When I was on Council, I raised concerns about the state of our pipes and the risks of deferring maintenance. This current Council chose to prioritize other things, like the arena deal, instead of fixing what keeps our city running. Now we’re losing about 25% of the water we produce. As mayor, I’ll put the basics first—ensuring inspections, repairs, and upgrades happen before failures do.
Jyoti Gondek: No response.
Jaeger Gustafson: I have schedule: A PUBLIC Water Infrastructure Review starting on April 07, 2026. Starting at 10:00 am MT Vote of council on solutions will starting at 4:25 pm MT on April 30, 2025. The City is reviewing technology right now to streamline the reporting and maintenance. I am going to be keeping a very close eye on the implementation of the new IBM system they have.
Larry R. Heather: No response.
Grant Prior: No response.
Sonya Sharp: No, the previous Council did not focus on our critical infrastructure - but they were warned. Calgarians shouldn’t have to face emergency water restrictions because the City did not proactively monitor and maintain critical infrastructure. As Ward 1 Councillor, I brought forward a motion to halt further development in this aging community until we could confirm the infrastructure could withstand the added pressure. We are densifying at a rapid pace, layering new development on top of old systems, without completely stopping to ask if those systems can support the growth. The rupture of the Bearspaw South Feeder Main is a perfect example of that failure. We knew the pipe had a defined lifespan, but we didn’t check in. It’s like baking cookies: the instructions may say 7–10 minutes, but that doesn’t mean you walk away for ten minutes and hope for the best. You check partway through to make sure they’re not burning. The same principle applies here. We should be monitoring and assessing well before we hit the critical point. Going forward, my “To-Do List” includes: A strategic infrastructure renewal plan with clear funding priorities and timelines. Annual infrastructure report cards, made public, to keep residents informed and Administration accountable. A “fix-it-first” philosophy to prioritize maintenance and renewal over flashy new projects. Stronger integration of technology, including real-time monitoring, sensors, and predictive maintenance tools, to catch problems before they become emergencies. Calgary should be leading on smart infrastructure, not scrambling to patch pipes after they fail. As Mayor, I will make sure we move from reactive to proactive infrastructure management, because when basic services are at risk, everything else is too.
Brian Thiessen: No response.
Question 10
Do you believe Calgary’s current approach to transit safety is working, or does the City need a fundamentally different strategy? City Council rejected the idea of a fully closed system with fare gates due to costs. Do you think this decision was correct, or should the idea be reconsidered?
Mayor
1 To Be Elected
Jeff Davison: Transit safety is not working — riders and operators both know it. We need more uniformed presence, better station design, and consequences for repeat offenders. Council’s decision to reject fare gates needs to be revisited, but I think there are a lot of measures we could be taken before those become a reality, such as more peace officers on transit.
Sarah Elder: No response.
Jeromy Farkas: Calgary’s current approach to transit safety isn’t working—too many riders feel unsafe, and that’s driving people off the system. My strategy is comprehensive: I’d begin with a full audit of every CTrain stop to see, location by location, what’s working and what isn’t. I'm open to considering fare gates, but the bigger priority is to properly fund both enforcement and prevention—more visible security, stronger action on disorder, and design changes that make the system safe and welcoming. We need tailored solutions for each station if we want to restore confidence in transit.
Jyoti Gondek: No response.
Jaeger Gustafson: Reliability on Transit will be my first priority to protect women and youth at night time. This is scheduled for PUBLIC REVIEW on July 06, 2026 – July 30, 2026. In PREPARATION for the PUBLIC REVIEW the city will focus on, in priority, based on my extensive research from Calgary and around the world. 1. Congestion 2. Staffing 3. Mechanical Maintenance
Larry R. Heather: No response.
Grant Prior: No response.
Sonya Sharp: The current approach is not working. Many Calgarians, especially women, seniors, and youth, no longer feel safe on transit. I’ve pledged to: Recruit 500 new police officers, with specific attention to transit and downtown safety Coordinate Calgary Police and Transit Security in a joint safety plan Reconsider fare gate systems in high-risk locations to reduce fare evasion and increase accountability Reopen a 24/7 downtown police station Safety is not negotiable.
Brian Thiessen: No response.
Question 11
What is your position on the future of the Sheldon Chumir supervised consumption site? Should it remain open, be relocated, or be shut down? If the Sheldon Chumir site were to close, what specific services or supports would you put in place to prevent more overdoses and public drug use?
Mayor
1 To Be Elected
Jeff Davison: The Sheldon Chumir site has failed both the community and those it was meant to help. It should be relocated to a purpose-built, health-focused facility where wraparound services — treatment, detox, and mental health supports — are available. Compassion and accountability must go hand in hand. Simply maintaining the status quo is not compassion — it’s neglect.
Sarah Elder: No response.
Jeromy Farkas: The Sheldon Chumir site in its current location hasn’t worked for either the community or those it was meant to help. The province has made clear that any request to close it will just result in moving it elsewhere, so I want to focus on getting to the root of the issue. That means cracking down on our most dangerous repeat violent offenders who exploit vulnerable people, while at the same time making sure treatment, recovery, housing, and mental health supports are available. We need a balanced approach—compassion for those struggling with addiction, and accountability for those who are making downtown unsafe.
Jyoti Gondek: No response.
Jaeger Gustafson: Street DRUGS ARE NOT SAFE. People are dying. Consumption is not safe. These are toxic substances. 1. I will end the illegal drug supply in Calgary in collaboration with the Province of Alberta. 2. I will end human trafficking and labour abuse in Calgary.
Larry R. Heather: No response.
Grant Prior: No response.
Sonya Sharp: I’ve been clear: I will formally request the closure of the Sheldon Chumir Supervised Consumption Site. It has severely impacted residents and businesses in the Beltline. While addictions and healthcare are provincial responsibilities, the City has a duty to protect public safety and livability. I support a decentralized approach that includes: Smaller, better-integrated support services Stronger partnerships with AHS and non-profits Zero tolerance for open drug use in public spaces
Brian Thiessen: No response.
Question 12
Is the Green Line LRT still the right project for Calgary, or should the City pivot to other transit or infrastructure priorities? What lessons should Calgary take from the Green Line saga when planning and funding future megaprojects?
Mayor
1 To Be Elected
Jeff Davison: The Green Line in its current form is a lesson in how not to run a project. It’s over budget, behind schedule, and far removed from the original vision. I support modern transit, but we need to stop throwing good money after bad. Going forward, we must plan projects that are phased, affordable, and built with accountability. Let’s fix what we can deliver — and deliver it right.
Sarah Elder: No response.
Jeromy Farkas: The Green Line has become a cautionary tale, over budget, delayed, and scaled back from what was originally promised. Let’s continue working with the province to build it in a way that delivers real value for Calgarians. At the same time, I want to see system-wide improvements: an airport LRT connection, stronger bus rapid transit, upgrades to the existing network, and continued support for the low-income transit pass. The lesson from the Green Line is that future megaprojects must start with realistic budgets and timelines, and they must be delivered with transparency and accountability so Calgarians get the results they’ve been promised.
Jyoti Gondek: No response.
Jaeger Gustafson: I would like underground. We need subterranean technologies for the future. I will be happy to collaborate with partners like Elon Musk and his team at the BOARING company to do more research on how to scale for Calgary over the next 400 years. Please keep in mind, I will protect your hard earned money on stupid projects. Subterranean technologies will solve many of our issues, including water, digital protection, Nation Defense, ect. Over the next 40 years with automation and lower cost energy and robotics tunnels will be a real possibility at low costs if we work hard.
Larry R. Heather: No response.
Grant Prior: No response.
Sonya Sharp: The Green Line is a cautionary tale of what happens when large-scale infrastructure lacks clear oversight and fiscal discipline. As Ward 1 Councillor, I’ve been very clear in my support for completing the Green Line responsibly. I fought to keep the project moving forward when others on Council were ready to walk away. I continue to support the Green Line going as far south as possible, with a downtown connection at the new Event Centre, because transit should serve people where they live and where they go. That being said, the City must not write a blank cheque. We need tighter financial oversight and a practical approach to finish Stage 1 in a way that respects taxpayer dollars. And while the Province’s proposal for an elevated track downtown isn’t perfect, I’m committed to working with residents and businesses to thoroughly analyze the key risks: Business impacts Flooding and stormwater resilience Noise, vibration, and long-term property impacts Traffic modeling and public safety Long-term service reliability Moving forward, major transit projects must be broken down into phased, manageable stages, with independent cost-benefit reviews and transparent public reporting. We can’t afford another multi-billion-dollar project that loses the public’s trust or fails to meet our actual transportation needs.
Brian Thiessen: No response.
Question 13
Do you think Calgary should be making long-term climate commitments like “net zero by 2050”? How much of a priority should climate change be for City Hall compared to other issues like affordability, public safety, or infrastructure?
Mayor
1 To Be Elected
Jeff Davison: We all want a cleaner, more sustainable city — but that starts with practical, local action, not costly ideological declarations. Calgary can lead through innovation in energy efficiency, waste reduction, and local resilience — all while focusing on affordability and infrastructure first. We should measure our success by results, not rhetoric.
Sarah Elder: No response.
Jeromy Farkas: I support long-term action on the environment, but only if it comes with a clear plan that delivers real results and doesn’t become an empty slogan. For me, the priority at City Hall should be practical action that makes life better and more affordable today—like energy efficiency that lowers utility bills, flood mitigation that protects communities, and transit improvements that give people real choices. The environment is important, and it has to be tackled in a way that balances with other urgent needs like affordability, public safety, and fixing our infrastructure. I don’t believe in false choices—we can prepare for the future and still make sure Calgarians can afford to live, work, and raise their families here.
Jyoti Gondek: No response.
Jaeger Gustafson: We should reduce pollution to have less smog. There are lots of emmission from wild fires in Alberta also. People need to filter the air in their homes now. The key is, the climate is always changing. ALWAYS. If you had a fever or high body temperature or cold hands or feet. Your doctor would focus on your CIRCULATORY SYSTEM. This is why all climate initiative will be addressed through our innovations in our planets circulatory system. WATER. The balance of Carbon Capture is maintained by plants. I am ok with looking into Carbon Capture technologies if they are a GOOD DEAL. Calgary is a unique location that requires a lot of energy. I will look to ENMAX to build Alberta's first Small Modular Reactor. This will be an asset fully owned by you the citizen that will make us a lot of money. This will be reviewed every APRIL to prevent FRAUD, WASTE, ABUSED, and NEGLECT.
Larry R. Heather: No response.
Grant Prior: No response.
Sonya Sharp: Long-term climate goals should not come at the expense of core services, safety, or affordability. I have pledged to rescind the “climate emergency” declaration because it opened the door to unchecked climate spending without accountability. I’ve called for: A full value-for-money audit of climate-related spending Rescinding the climate emergency Ensuring all environmental spending aligns with municipal responsibility and financial sustainability
Brian Thiessen: No response.
Question 14
What is your overall position on Calgary’s blanket rezoning bylaw - was it the right approach to housing supply and affordability, or should Council have pursued another path?
Mayor
1 To Be Elected
Jeff Davison: Blanket rezoning was the wrong approach. It stripped communities of their voice and failed to deliver affordability. Growth should be built with communities, not imposed on them. We can achieve smart density through clear, consistent rules in Local Area Plans — where residents and developers both have certainty and say. On day one, I will move to repeal blanket rezoning.
Sarah Elder: No response.
Jeromy Farkas: I do not support Calgary’s blanket rezoning bylaw. It was the wrong approach—“one size fits all” zoning doesn’t respect the character of existing communities, and it hasn’t delivered the certainty or affordability Calgarians were promised. Zoning alone doesn’t build housing; partnerships, infrastructure, and thoughtful planning do. See www.jeromy.ca/platform for details on my targeted plan to fix housing and focusing density and development in the areas where services and infrastructure can best support it.
Jyoti Gondek: No response.
Jaeger Gustafson: blanket rezoning is always BAD. Each community will have a Subcommittee that will help to navigate political use and development of LAND. How we use Land for Zoning will be reviewed PUBLICLY every year starting on the first Tuesday, following the first Monday every January. I am also looking at buy a lot more LAND for the CITY. We are already the Largest Landlord in the city. There are some good deals that the private industry cannot use right now. I am going to make Calgary a lot of money so we can have the lowest property taxes in the world one day for residents.
Larry R. Heather: No response.
Grant Prior: No response.
Sonya Sharp: I strongly oppose blanket rezoning and I have from the start, and even tried to stop in 2023, with a notice of motion that failed. The way it was pushed through was rushed, poorly communicated, and ignored valid concerns raised by residents across Calgary. It has failed to deliver on affordability, created uncertainty in stable communities, strained aging infrastructure, and stripped residents of their ability to shape how their neighbourhoods grow. That’s why I’ve committed to repealing it. If I’m elected Mayor, I will bring a motion to repeal blanket rezoning to the first regular meeting of the new Council. This isn’t just a campaign promise, it’s a guarantee. And I’m not alone. I have the political muscle to actually get this done. Every Communities First candidate has signed the same pledge. Together, we are committed to restoring a local voice in community development and putting decision-making power back where it belongs: in the hands of the people who actually live in these communities. My approach is about responsible, community-supported growth. That means: Repealing the blanket rezoning bylaw Focusing new density in transit-oriented and infrastructure-ready areas Restoring public hearings and meaningful consultation for residential land use changes Reforming the Local Area Planning process to ensure it is community-led, not administration-driven I’m not replacing it, re-naming it, or expanding it like some mayoral candidates. I’m repealing it - plain and simple. Blanket rezoning is not the answer to affordability. We can build a city that grows responsibly, protects quality of life, and puts Calgarians first.
Brian Thiessen: No response.
Question 15
Municipal elections have historically been contested by independents, and even the new municipal political parties are not allowed to be aligned with provincial and federal political parties, but many of our supporters have told us that they’d like to know the political alignments of the candidates as it helps them get a better feel for a candidate's beliefs. So, are you are affiliated with any provincial or federal political parties and, if so, which ones and why?
Mayor
1 To Be Elected
Jeff Davison: I’m running as an independent because municipal government should be about practical leadership, not partisan politics. My focus is on serving Calgarians, not any political party. That’s how I’ve always worked — by bringing people together to solve problems, not divide them. I think my platform reveals clearly I am a fiscal conservative.
Sarah Elder: No response.
Jeromy Farkas: In the past, I described myself as “old-school PC”, which used to mean- socially liberal and fiscally responsible. I am less inclined to use these kinds of labels now, as I find alignment with a lot of people who identify across the political spectrum. I believe government should be responsible with tax dollars (because that ensures public trust), while also being open-minded and compassionate in how it treats people. That balance doesn’t really exist in today’s polarized party system. I don’t see myself in the provincial or federal parties — some spend too freely on the wrong things, others divide people on social issues. That’s why I’m running municipally, and why I’ve chosen to do so as an independent: to put Calgary first, without being tied to anyone’s partisan agenda.
Jyoti Gondek: No response.
Jaeger Gustafson: I believe in reducing money in politics. I think the signage is a waste and destroys our environment. ALSO THEY ARE UGLY. I believe in free association. I do not accept donations (Legal BRIBES). This why you can be CONFIDENT to VOTE GUSTAFSON, Jaeger. Because I have no bribed obligations, I can represent you best interests, your family, all businesses, and our GOVERNMENT AS A SERVICE. I am a director for the United Conservative Party Alberta, Lougheed. If you feel this affiliation would impact your voting decision I encourage you to call me at 587-777-3659 so I can help answer any questions around my personal views on provincial policy. I believe sovereignty comes from the people. We are born with natural rights. You can learn more about my values at MayorGus.ca/more Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts. I appreciate your consideration to represent you as the next Mayor of Calgary. Yours Truly, Dr. Jaeger Gustafson, Dr.Ac.
Larry R. Heather: No response.
Grant Prior: No response.
Sonya Sharp: No. I am running as part of the Communities First team, which is entirely focused on Calgary’s municipal issues. We are not affiliated with any provincial or federal parties. Our goal is to put Calgarians first, not partisan politics.
Brian Thiessen: No response.