Calgary Infrastructure Crisis: Risk Report Ignites Urgency

CALGARY — Today, concerns about Calgary's infrastructure have intensified as the city's 2025 Year-End Principal Corporate Risk Report reveals that 11% of its capital infrastructure is in poor or very poor condition. The report, which will be reviewed by the Audit Committee on January 22, 2026, indicates that the risk level has risen to "extensive," suggesting inevitable failures without intervention. This escalation has prompted urgent discussions about the city's maintenance priorities and budget allocations.

The Deeper Context

The infrastructure crisis in Calgary is not new, but it has reached a critical stage. The city’s assets, including water systems, roads, and bridges, have been under strain due to aging infrastructure, deferred maintenance, and rapid population growth. The recent ruptures of the Bearspaw South feeder main in June 2024 and December 2025 highlight the vulnerabilities within the water infrastructure, prompting a $1.1 billion allocation for repairs and expansion. Mayor Jeromy Farkas emphasizes the need for transparency and decisive action, stating, "We need to tackle our infrastructure deficit once and for all." The city’s 2026 Budget, approved on December 3, 2025, has allocated $201 million for additional infrastructure spending, a move supported by the Calgary Construction Association amid rising costs and labour shortages.

The Critics & Costs

The Calgary Chamber of Commerce has raised alarms over the city's infrastructure, citing the internal risk assessment's findings. The chamber's concerns align with broader public support for infrastructure improvements, as indicated by their October 2025 "Business Matters" platform. Despite the budget increases, critics, including councillors like Raj Dhaliwal, demand more detailed public information on specific assets in poor condition. The Calgary Construction Association's Bill Black has noted the urgency of addressing the $7-billion-plus infrastructure deficit, emphasizing the need for quick decisions to secure resources amid inflationary pressures. The city's infrastructure woes have also impacted its liveability, with Calgary dropping to 18th in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s 2025 Global Liveability Index.

Looking forward, the upcoming Audit Committee review on January 22, 2026, will be crucial in determining the city's next steps. The incorporation of recommendations from the Bearspaw review and adherence to Bylaw 42M2025 will play significant roles in shaping Calgary's infrastructure strategy and ensuring transparency and accountability in future projects.