Public Demands Shape Calgary's 2026 Budget Priorities
The second day of Calgary's 2026 budget deliberations on Tuesday saw residents and community organizations deliver powerful testimony to city council, with recreation infrastructure and affordable housing emerging as the dominant concerns. The public hearing, which began Monday and featured more than 130 scheduled speakers, revealed a clear divide between citizens calling for increased funding in specific areas and those urging fiscal restraint.
Indoor Sports Facilities Face Critical Shortage
Representatives from Calgary's soccer community made an impassioned plea for council to address the city's severe shortage of indoor recreation spaces. Carlo Bruneau, Executive Director of the Calgary Minor Soccer Association, revealed that minor soccer participation has grown nearly 15% annually for three consecutive years, while the city relies on only three public indoor soccer facilities to meet this exploding demand.
"Demand has outpaced supply," Bruneau told council members. He explained that the association has been forced to implement stopgap measures including reducing game numbers, shortening game durations, and increasing roster sizes. The situation is particularly dire in northeast Calgary, where thousands of children lack adequate places to play organized sports.
Although the city's GamePLAN recreation strategy outlines long-term solutions for infrastructure gaps, Bruneau emphasized that children cannot wait for future budget cycles. He specifically urged council to prioritize funding for the proposed Northeast Athletic Complex indoor facility in the 2026 budget, noting this project was originally part of the city's 2021 recreation investment plan.
Mayor Acknowledges Historical Inequities
Mayor Jeromy Farkas responded to the concerns by acknowledging that past councils have failed to ensure equitable investment across Calgary. "No matter where you live in the city... we all deserve access to safe and affordable housing, and also quality infrastructure and services," Farkas told reporters. He indicated that the testimony highlighted significant disparities in recreation infrastructure that require immediate attention.
The proposed Northeast Athletic Complex would serve multiple sports communities beyond soccer, including cricket, field hockey, and football, making it a versatile solution for the underserved region.
Affordable Housing and Homelessness Supports
Alongside recreation needs, numerous speakers pressed council to maintain and expand funding for affordable housing and supports for unhoused Calgarians. The calls come as the city faces increasing housing affordability challenges and a growing population of residents experiencing homelessness.
The budget deliberations continue as council weighs these competing priorities against the backdrop of fiscal responsibility, with final decisions on the 2026 budget expected in the coming weeks.
