Farkas's Fresh Start: Less Drama, More Savings (and Some New Headaches) for Calgary?
People are talking about Mayor Farkas's vision for a more laid-back city hall by 2026. Is less drama what Calgary needs, or do we thrive on a little excitement?
The New Sheriff in Town
After a whirlwind 2025 municipal election, Calgary's new Mayor, Jeromy Farkas, officially took the reins on October 29, 2025. For those keeping score at home, Farkas clinched the mayoral victory, unseating incumbent Jyoti Gondek and also besting city councillor Sonya Sharp. This wasn't his first rodeo, either; he previously served Ward 11 as a City Councillor from 2017 to 2021, and gave the top job a run in 2021, placing second to Gondek. His rallying cry for 2026? To “make city hall boring again.” But as any Calgarian knows, even a quiet day at City Hall can stir up a good debate, especially when it touches your wallet or your neighbourhood.
Pocketbook Politics on Stephen Ave
Mayor Farkas's tenure kicked off with immediate action on your bottom line. City Council, under his leadership, approved the 2026 City of Calgary Budget with a significantly trimmed property tax increase. Instead of the initially proposed 3.6%, Calgarians are now looking at a 1.64% hike. What does that mean for your family budget? Compared to the original proposal, typical homeowners are set to save over $100 annually. Instead of a larger hit, the approved tax increase is estimated to add about $4.50 a month to your 2025 tax bill. This move, coupled with a commitment to a “zero-based review” budgeting process across city departments, signals a clear focus on finding efficiencies and tightening the municipal belt. It’s the kind of fiscal conservatism that might just make paying property taxes feel a little less dramatic.
Zoning Shuffle & The City Hall Flag Flap
Beyond the budget, there's another major shift brewing that could significantly impact how our city grows. In December 2025, City Council, with a decisive 13-2 vote, initiated the process to repeal the controversial Citywide Residential Zoning Bylaw. Public hearings on this are expected to roll out in Spring 2026, meaning your chance to weigh in on how your community develops is just around the corner. This decision could reshape everything from infill housing to the character of our beloved Ward 11 neighbourhoods. But not all of Farkas's moves are aimed at reducing drama. His proposal for a ban on national flags at City Hall, intended to foster a “neutral” space, has already sparked significant debate. The Palestinian Community Association voiced strong opposition, stating the ban felt “very hurtful” and targeted, especially following their first flag-raising event. So much for boring, right?
Is "Boring" Truly Possible?
From Deerfoot Trail traffic to property tax bills, every decision made at The Bow’s doorstep echoes across our city. While Mayor Farkas aims for a less dramatic, more fiscally prudent City Hall, the early days of his term show that even attempts at neutrality or efficiency can ignite passionate conversations. Whether it’s saving a hundred bucks on taxes, grappling with new zoning rules, or debating what symbols fly over our civic institutions, the impact on everyday Calgarians is immediate and tangible. The question remains: can Calgary really embrace 'boring' when so much is always on the line?
