Calgary budget hearing reaches Day 2 with council eyeing possible downtown conversion cuts

Dozens more Calgarians had their say on impending budget decisions as several councillors looked toward downtown revitalization programs for possible savings.

More than 130 speakers signed up for the public hearing on the 2026 budget.

“They’ve really stepped up with great ideas for how city council and city hall can better do our jobs,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas.

“The tone is very similar in terms of positive for how they want to build up the city, but they’re also coming to the table with ideas for cost savings, ways that we can be more efficient.”

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While councillors are still likely a day away from presenting their ideas for spending and savings, some have indicated cuts should be explored downtown.

“They’re asking for $40 million for the downtown (office conversion) program, which already has a lot of money contributed to it,” said Kim Tyers, councillor for Ward 1.

“We just haven’t seen a lot of return on investment, and I’m just wondering why we’re subsidizing corporations and developers.”

As part of the city’s downtown strategy, its office conversion incentive program seeks to support the development of vacant office space into homes.

The city has spent nearly $200 million on the program and approved 21 conversion projects to turn 2.6 million square feet of space into 2,655 homes.

Officials say the city’s funding has resulted in more than $800 million in private sector spending.

Mike Jamieson, councillor for Ward 12, also indicated his support of eliminating the ask for increased city funding for the downtown incentive program.

Andre Chabot, councillor for Ward 10, says he wants to see the city cut that funding in half.

“The capital contribution of $40 million at the end of a four-year budget cycle, to me, is too much. Let’s cut it in half. Make it only $20 million,” Chabot said.

“It’s more realistic with what our projected spend rates are going to be for the next 12 months. Revisit this in the next four-year cycle.”

After public hearing submissions are completed, council will be able to ask questions of officials about spending on public safety, housing, transit, infrastructure and more.

Final decisions on next year’s budget are expected by the end of this week.