Calgary’s crumbling infrastructure faces a $7.73 billion repair backlog, a sobering reality that dominated yesterday’s Infrastructure and Planning Committee meeting at City Hall. After three hours of deliberation, councillors unanimously approved a new strategic framework designed to address what many are calling an infrastructure crisis decades in the making.
“We’ve been kicking this can down the road for far too long,” said Ward 9 Councillor Gian-Carlo Carra during the committee meeting. “This isn’t just about fixing potholes. We’re talking about the fundamental systems that make our city function.”
The new framework, developed after months of consultation with city administration, prioritizes critical infrastructure projects while creating a sustainable funding model. According to city documents, Calgary’s infrastructure deficit has grown by approximately 4.3% annually over the past decade, outpacing both inflation and population growth.
Michael Thompson, General Manager of Infrastructure Services, presented the stark numbers to the committee. “Nearly 23% of our critical assets are currently rated in poor or very poor condition,” Thompson explained. “Without intervention, that number could reach 40% by 2035.”
The infrastructure deficit touches virtually every corner of city operations. Water and wastewater systems account for $2.1 billion of the backlog, while transportation infrastructure – including roads, bridges, and public transit facilities – represents another $3.4 billion. Public buildings, parks, and recreation facilities make up the remainder.
What makes this plan different from previous attempts is its comprehensive approach to both prioritization and funding. The framework establishes a clear hierarchy of needs based on public safety, economic impact, and service delivery requirements.
Ward 7 Councillor Terry Wong praised the methodology. “For the first time, we have a data-driven approach that helps us make difficult decisions based on objective criteria rather than political considerations.”
The plan also proposes dedicated funding streams, including a potential infrastructure levy on property taxes starting in 2026. While the exact percentage hasn’t been finalized, administration suggested a 0.5% annual levy could generate approximately $9 million per year specifically for infrastructure renewal.
Not everyone is convinced this approach goes far enough. Franco Savoia, Executive Director of Vibrant Communities Calgary, addressed the committee during the public submission period.
“While we support addressing the infrastructure deficit, we must ensure these investments don’t disproportionately burden Calgary’s most vulnerable residents,” Savoia cautioned. “Any infrastructure levy needs to consider affordability impacts.”
According to the City of Calgary’s 2024 Citizen Satisfaction Survey, 76% of Calgarians rated infrastructure maintenance as “important” or “very important,” yet only 42% expressed satisfaction with the city’s current performance in this area.
The framework also explores alternative funding mechanisms beyond property taxes, including dedicated portions of provincial MSI (Municipal Sustainability Initiative) funding, development charges, and public-private partnerships.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who stopped by the committee meeting briefly, emphasized the need for provincial and federal support. “Municipal infrastructure supports provincial and national economic objectives. We need our government partners to recognize this is a shared responsibility.”
Having covered Calgary politics for nearly a decade, I’ve observed multiple attempts to address the infrastructure deficit that ultimately fizzled due to competing budget priorities. This time feels different – the unanimous committee support suggests a rare alignment among councillors who often disagree on spending priorities.
The plan’s next stop is City Council on May 28, where it will likely face additional scrutiny. If approved, administration will develop detailed implementation strategies over the summer months.
For everyday Calgarians, the infrastructure deficit manifests in familiar frustrations – potholed roads in Tuxedo Park, aging recreation facilities in Dover, water main breaks in Montgomery, and unreliable public transit across the city.
“Infrastructure isn’t sexy, but it’s essential,” noted Ward 11 Councillor Kourtney Penner. “When it works, nobody notices. When it fails, it impacts quality
