Calgary residents could be bracing for a significant hit to their property tax bills if city council approves all pending funding requests for the 2027 budget cycle.
Confidential preliminary budget documents reviewed by WestNet News reveal that a 20.2 per cent property tax increase would be necessary to fund an additional $510 million in operating spending requested by various city departments and partners. The figures were presented to council during a closed-door meeting on July 28.
The financial pressure doesn't end there. If approved in full, the funding requests would trigger cascading tax increases over the remainder of council's four-year term: 8.5 per cent in 2028, nine per cent in 2029, and 8.9 per cent in 2030.
The Funding Gap Widens
City administration painted a stark picture of the budget challenge ahead. "It is important to recognize the significant gap between funding requests and available funding," the cover report stated.
According to presentation materials shown to council, the city has only $139 million in additional funding capacity to address the 107-plus funding requests without increasing property taxes in 2027. That's nowhere near the $510 million being requested.
Even more concerning: property taxes would need to climb 5.4 per cent next year just to maintain current service levels—before any new spending is considered.
Who's Asking for More?
The funding requests span multiple critical city services, including Calgary Transit, the Calgary Fire Department, the Calgary Police Service, and Mobility programs. Each department is making its case for expanded budgets to meet growing demand and operational needs.
Council's Cautious Approach
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas signalled that not all requests will make the final cut. "Just because you ask for something, doesn't mean you get it," Farkas told reporters, cautioning against speculation about the final property tax increase.
"We're going to consider everybody's asks, but we're going to be funnelling that down specifically for essential infrastructure, specifically for public safety, and the investments to be able to catch up particularly in those areas that will save money in the long run."
Council members have already been provided workbooks to rank and prioritize the budget requests, with many expected to be scaled back or eliminated before the final 2027 budget is adopted.
Following the July 28 meeting, councillors voted 8-7 to direct administration to refine the preliminary property tax increase figures—a decision that suggests significant debate over the city's fiscal direction lies ahead.
With Calgary's cost of living already a concern for many households, these budget discussions will likely draw increased scrutiny from residents worried about affordability. For detailed cost-of-living comparisons and property tax impact analysis in your Calgary neighbourhood, Calgary Prices provides tracking tools for residents monitoring expenses and tax impacts.
This article is based on preliminary budget documents and reporting by Global Calgary.