Calgary Households Brace for 2026: Financial Pressures Mount Despite Relief Efforts

Calgary's Financial Squeeze Persists

As 2025 draws to a close, a recent Angus Reid Institute report revealing Canadians’ deep financial pressure resonates strongly in Calgary. Many residents anticipate little relief next year, mirroring national sentiment amidst the rising cost of living.

Record Demand at Food Banks

Local data underscores the severity, with the Calgary Food Bank serving approximately 800 families daily. Food bank visits across Alberta surged by 134.4% since 2019, reaching over 210,000 monthly visits in 2025. This alarming trend indicates that even employed individuals are struggling to meet basic needs.

Balancing Budgets: City and Province Weigh In

Balancing Budgets: City and Province Weigh In On December 4, 2025, Calgary City Council approved a 2026 budget with a significantly reduced 1.64% property tax increase, down from the originally proposed 3.6%. Mayor Jeromy Farkas and council aimed to balance affordability with essential services, resulting in an estimated $4.50 monthly increase for the typical homeowner, alongside a $5.29 utility hike.

At the provincial level, measures introduced earlier this year in Budget 2025 are also playing a role. The new 8% personal income tax bracket for incomes up to $60,000 is expected to save Albertans up to $750. While the province continued funding for the Low Income Transit Pass and targeted 2,700 new affordable housing units, the previously announced increase in the education property tax has added an average of $239 annually to Calgarians' bills.

The Road Ahead

While Calgary's housing market sees some moderation in rent increases, affordability remains a significant hurdle. Despite governmental efforts, the pervasive financial pressure suggests many Calgarians will head into 2026 feeling “Not So Merry.”