Summary#

Calgary City Council approved the report on June 30, 2026, on the consent agenda. Council agreed to receive its information and use it to inform the 2027–2030 Business Plans and Budgets; it did not choose a new funding mechanism. City staff’s stated goal is to support a stable, sustainable approach to renewing infrastructure.

• The report compares possible funding sources, including property taxes, utility rates, user fees, levies, reserves, debt, asset sales and funding from other governments.
• City staff say no single option can close the infrastructure funding gap; a mix may be needed.
• Council did not approve a new levy, tax increase, fee, asset sale or borrowing through this decision.
• Council had already approved a one-time $2.8 million transfer in 2026 and an ongoing annual $17.2 million transfer starting in 2026 to a capital and maintenance reserve.

What it means for you#

• Residents and businesses: This decision does not directly change your taxes, utility rates or fees. Those could be considered in future budgets, but Council has not selected an option.
• Calgary City Council and staff: Council will use the report’s information in preparing the 2027–2030 budgets. Staff will continue work on infrastructure planning, prioritization, reporting and funding analysis.
• People who rely on City services: The report does not create a new service or promise a particular service level. City staff warn that delayed renewal could increase the risk of asset failures and service disruptions.

Money#

This decision does not approve a new funding mechanism or give a cost estimate for closing the infrastructure gap.

• The previously approved transfers are $2.8 million once in 2026 and $17.2 million annually starting in 2026.
• The report says addressing the gap will require additional or reallocated funding, but gives no total estimate.
• Options such as a property-tax levy, higher property-tax support, utility rates, debt or reserve changes are for future consideration, not approved by this decision.

What is unclear#

• Which funding options, if any, Council will choose in the 2027–2030 budgets.
• How much additional funding infrastructure renewal needs, and how any future costs would be shared.
• Whether public engagement will happen before new funding mechanisms are proposed. The report says engagement may be considered in future phases; none was done for this report.

Case for#

• City staff say aging assets, growth and rising costs are widening the gap between infrastructure needs and available funding. Reviewing several options could help Council weigh stability, affordability and other trade-offs.
• City staff say better asset management and prioritization can help direct funding to higher-risk needs.
• The report identifies risks of delaying renewal, including service disruptions and higher costs from deferred maintenance.

Case against#

• The report presents options but does not identify a specific stable funding mechanism, leaving the main funding choice to future budgets.
• The report says every option has trade-offs, including affordability impacts. It does not show what a particular option would cost residents or businesses.
• No public engagement was done for this report. How residents and businesses might be affected or involved in future decisions remains unclear.