Calgary City Council seeks legal advice after budget leak

Calgary City Council has called a special closed-door meeting to seek legal advice following the leak of confidential preliminary budget documents. The leaked files suggest that if all departmental funding requests are met, a property tax increase of 20.2 per cent could be required in 2027.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas has characterized the figures as a “wishlist” rather than a finalized plan, noting that the numbers represent the sum of all department requests and provincial responsibilities. However, Councillor Landon Johnston, who admitted to leaking the documents, argued that the public deserves transparency regarding discussions held behind closed doors.

The leaked documents also indicate potential subsequent tax increases of approximately 8.5 to 9 per cent annually through 2030 to sustain spending levels. The situation has caused significant friction within the council, prompting discussions regarding the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive financial information.