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5mo ago

Calgary Council Cuts 2026 Tax Hike as Budget Raises Transit Fares, Trims Climate Funds

The smaller increase relies on one-time investment income, prompting concerns about pressure on the next multi‑year budget.

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The budget proposed an overall property tax increase of 3.6 per cent, but so far in the debate, Calgary city council has whittled that down to 1.18 per cent. 
According to Calgary's mayor, the property tax increase as it currently stands would cost the typical residential homeowner an additional $3.90 per month.
Calgary's skyline is seen as council is finalizing the budget at city hall in Calgary on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025.

Overview

  • Councillors cut the proposed 3.6% property-tax increase to about 1.38% after it dipped to 1.18% during deliberations.
  • Council voted 11–4 to apply $50 million in projected investment income to operating costs and unanimously cancelled the 1% commercial‑to‑residential tax shift.
  • Transit fares will rise on Jan. 1, 2026—adult single tickets to $4 and monthly passes higher—an adjustment expected to add roughly $4 million a year.
  • Council paired the fare move with targeted spending, including $7 million more for service on primary and base networks and $9 million from reserves for a CTrain station security pilot.
  • Spending shifts also included a 9–6 vote to trim $9 million in one‑time climate funds to $29 million, plus more than $90 million from reserves for recreation projects citywide.