Public Claims Calgary Council is "Doubling Down On Stupidity."
Calgary Council's Swift Actions Spark Heated Debate
Just weeks after a significant municipal election, Calgary's City Council finds itself under immediate public scrutiny. On November 19, 2025, a widely shared social media post criticized the new council for "doubling down on stupidity," suggesting a rapid return to old frustrations and no improvement over their predecessors. This sentiment follows swiftly on the heels of the October 2025 election, which ushered in Mayor Jeromy Farkas and several new councillors.
A key area of contention is the city-wide rezoning policy. Originally approved by the previous council in May 2024 to address housing supply, it allowed for multi-unit dwellings in single-family zones. Notably, a motion to repeal this blanket rezoning successfully cleared an executive committee hurdle just two days before the public criticism, aligning with a central campaign promise of many newly elected officials.
Further fueling public discourse is the proposed 2026 city budget, unveiled on November 10, 2025. It includes a 3.6% municipal property tax increase, compounded by a provincial education tax hike, posing a considerable financial burden for homeowners. Mayor Farkas has publicly vowed to reduce the municipal portion of this increase. These early, decisive actions by the new council highlight a period of active policy revision and a distinct shift in civic direction.
