"1000 Bogus Excuses": Calgary Alderman Calls for Lower Property Taxes

Kaitlin MacLeod-Rogers

Opinion Reporter

With the upcoming city budget up for debate at the end of the month, some Calgary aldermen 

are criticizing the current plan to increase property taxes by 5%.  The city counters that citizens' 

expectations for more graffiti control, the Race City relocation, and increased snow removal all 

require the tax hike.  Two alderman, Ric McIver and Joe Connelly, state that this is simply not 

necessary and even "bogus". McIver supports a 3% increase: "My expectation is that there's going 

to be 1000 bogus excuses why that can't be done but if the will is there then the way will also be

there."   Likewise, Connelly is proposing an increase of only 2.5%, outlining his stand on the 

issue as something Calgarians really want to see.  "I'm choosing an aggressive target because I 

think that's the right thing to do because I think Calgarians want us to cut it back as far as we 

can." Whatever side eventually wins over majority support, Mayor Dave Bronconnier raises a 

worthy point.  He states that he is committed to low tax increases and a balanced budget, and 

notes that whatever increase is chosen, Calgary will still have the lowest property taxes in 

Canada.  

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