Calgary residents will have to tighten their belts in the coming years as the city announces changes to its fees for 2025.
According to city officials, the changes are necessary to address the growing financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic downturn.
Starting in 2025, residents can expect to see an increase in fees for services such as transit, recreation, and parking. The city also plans to introduce new fees for services that were previously free, such as garbage collection for multi-family homes.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi stated that these changes are not easy, but they are necessary to ensure the city’s financial stability. He also emphasized that the city is committed to keeping the fees as low as possible while still providing essential services to its residents.
The city’s budget for 2025 includes a 3.5% property tax increase, which is lower than the 4.7% increase initially proposed. However, this still means an additional $70 for the average homeowner.
City officials also announced that they will be reviewing the fees every year to ensure they are fair and reasonable. They also plan to consult with residents and businesses to gather feedback and make adjustments as needed.
Some residents have expressed concern over the fee increases, stating that it will be a burden on their already tight budgets. However, city officials assure that they are doing everything they can to minimize the impact on residents.
In addition to the fee changes, the city also plans to reduce its workforce by 10% over the next four years. This will result in a savings of $60 million, which will help offset the financial strain caused by the pandemic.
Overall, the changes to city fees in 2025 are a necessary step to ensure the city’s financial stability and continue providing essential services to its residents. City officials urge residents to stay informed and provide feedback as the changes are implemented.
