Calgary Mayor Asserts Oil Prices Irrelevant to Local Infrastructure
Calgary’s aging water system demands urgent attention as Mayor Jeromy Farkas urges for increased provincial funding for infrastructure. With the Alberta government preparing to unveil its budget, Farkas emphasized that residents need support to address infrastructure shortfalls across the province.
Mayor’s Call for Investment in Infrastructure
During a recent statement, Mayor Farkas highlighted the critical need for provincial assistance. He noted, “We can either pay modestly now or we can pay massively later.” The mayor’s intent is clear: tackle infrastructure challenges today rather than shifting the burden onto future taxpayers.
Water System Upgrades
A significant focus of Calgary City Hall this year is on enhancing the city’s water infrastructure. A vital project is the construction of a new Bearspaw feeder main, aimed at preventing incidents like two severe pipe breaks experienced in recent years. Improved funding could also lead to reduced utility bills for Calgary residents.
Provincial Budget Challenges
Premier Danielle Smith has already indicated that this week’s budget will face difficulties due to lower oil prices. In November, Finance Minister Nate Horner projected a $6.4 billion fiscal deficit for the province, exacerbating financial pressures on local governments. Smith assured Albertans that the government remains committed to infrastructure development despite these challenges.
Disconnect Between Oil Prices and Infrastructure Needs
Farkas strongly believes that local infrastructure adequacy should not hinge on fluctuating oil prices. He remarked, “The price of a barrel of oil has zero relevance on whether or not a Calgarian should be able to get safe, reliable drinking water out of their taps.” His commentary reflects a desire to decouple essential services from resource-based revenues.
Broader Municipal Infrastructure Issues
Alberta Municipalities president Dylan Bressey echoed Farkas’s sentiments, conveying that many municipalities face similar infrastructure challenges. He criticized the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF), established in 2019, for offering insufficient initial funding. Bressey stresses that reliance on property taxes isn’t a sustainable solution, as municipalities require consistent funding to keep pace with population growth.
- Calgary aims to strengthen water infrastructure this year.
- Mayor Farkas calls for a solid investment in provincial budget.
- Premier Smith anticipates a tough budget due to lower oil revenues.
- Population growth adds pressure to local infrastructure needs across Alberta.
As Calgary and other municipalities await the provincial budget, the expectation remains for a strategy that prioritizes sustainable investment in infrastructure, ensuring communities are prepared for future demands.
