City Council Prioritizes Investment in Calgary's Emergency Services
Calgary City Council recently reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering the city's emergency services, emphasizing the critical need for continued investment in these vital departments. Discussions with the Calgary Firefighters Association underscored a shared vision for enhancing safety measures and support for those on the front lines protecting Calgarians.
This renewed focus comes as Calgary grapples with rapid population growth, which has placed significant demands on emergency response capabilities. The 2025 City Budget already allocated additional millions to improve emergency response, and the Calgary Fire Department, for instance, has seen a 50 percent jump in call volumes since 2020. To address this, the department is undertaking its largest recruitment and training initiative in years, crucial for maintaining service levels amidst urban sprawl.
However, challenges persist. The Calgary Firefighters Association has voiced concerns about equipment shortages, advocating for consistent funding to ensure firefighters have the resources necessary to respond effectively. Similarly, paramedics across Alberta, including those serving Calgary, are experiencing thousands of hours of overtime monthly as staffing levels struggle to keep pace with population growth.
The importance of these investments resonates with residents. A recent Fall 2025 survey indicated an increased willingness among Calgarians to accept inflation-based property tax increases to maintain or enhance essential city services, recognizing the pressing need to invest in a growing metropolis. As City Council deliberates the 2026 budget this month, these ongoing dialogues and community sentiments are shaping critical decisions about the future of public safety in our city.
