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4w ago

Calgary Councillors Seek To Rescind Climate Emergency as Motion Heads to Council Debate

The proposal would trigger a value-for-money review of climate spending, with results expected during November budget talks.

The motion calls for Calgary's climate declaration to be rescinded and for administration to conduct "a comprehensive value for money audit" of all city climate-related spending.
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Mayor Jyoti Gondek speaks during the opening of the 6th annual Calgary Climate Symposium at the Central Library in October 2024.
Calgary Ward 9 Coun. Gian-Carlo Carra at a council meeting in July.

Overview

  • Councillors Sonya Sharp, Terry Wong, Dan McLean and Andre Chabot advanced a motion that passed a technical review and is set for a full council debate next week.
  • The motion orders a comprehensive audit of all climate-related spending, with city-confirmed figures citing a $26 million base budget in 2025, $22 million in one-time programs, $22.7 million in capital, and $214.6 million planned across departments.
  • A city spokesperson confirmed that next year’s plan includes $165 million for an electric bus fleet, which would be included in the audit scope.
  • Mayor Jyoti Gondek defended the 2021 declaration and criticized the councillors for election-season politicking, while the councillors argue the declaration is symbolic and say funding assumptions have changed under Alberta’s Bill 18.
  • The 2021 declaration set climate action as a strategic priority with a net-zero by 2050 target, and if council approves the motion, audit findings would be released publicly during budget deliberations in November.