Overview

• Freedom of information records show the city paid $107,324 for external communications consulting and empathy training for Mayor Gondek’s office.
• A Canadian Taxpayers Federation request revealed a $65,000 expenditure on the 'listen to the Bow River' public art project.
• Calgary’s ranking in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index tumbled from fifth to 18th place, marking the steepest decline among 173 major cities.
• Opponents including councillor Sonya Sharp cite budget overruns, a water main break and other infrastructure failures as evidence of a lack of transparency and mismanagement.
• Despite low approval ratings, Gondek remains the front-runner for the October municipal election, buoyed by strong name recognition and potential vote splitting among challengers.