As Ottawa prepares to unveil its next federal budget, Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas is making his city's priorities crystal clear. In a detailed submission to federal Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, Farkas has outlined what he believes Calgary needs to not only recover from the pandemic but to thrive in the years ahead.
Job Creation Takes Center Stage
The mayor's budget request places significant emphasis on employment opportunities, particularly focusing on Calgary's hard-hit energy sector. Farkas is advocating for federal support to help transition oil and gas workers into new roles within the evolving energy landscape.
"We need to ensure that we're not leaving any Calgarians behind," Farkas emphasized during a recent media briefing. "This means creating pathways for workers in traditional industries to transition into emerging sectors."
Transit and Infrastructure Investments
Among the most pressing items on Farkas's list is securing federal funding for Calgary's Green Line LRT project. The massive transit initiative represents one of the city's most significant infrastructure undertakings, and the mayor is pushing for Ottawa to fulfill its financial commitments.
- Complete funding for the Green Line LRT project
- Support for operational transit costs amid ridership challenges
- Investment in critical infrastructure maintenance and upgrades
Downtown Revitalization Efforts
With downtown office vacancies reaching record highs, Farkas is calling for federal support to transform empty commercial spaces into residential and mixed-use properties. This initiative aims to breathe new life into Calgary's urban core while addressing housing needs.
"Our downtown cannot survive as a nine-to-five business district anymore," Farkas noted. "We need creative solutions and federal partnership to reimagine what our city center can become."
Balancing Environmental and Economic Goals
The mayor's submission also highlights the importance of supporting Calgary's transition toward a greener economy while maintaining its position as an energy leader. Farkas argues that federal investment should recognize Calgary's potential to become a hub for clean energy innovation and technology.
With the federal budget expected in the coming weeks, all eyes will be on Ottawa to see how many of Calgary's priorities make the final cut. For Mayor Farkas and the city he represents, the stakes for economic recovery couldn't be higher.
