In Calgary’s mayoral race, five candidates participated in a dynamic debate addressing key issues like public safety, growth, and zoning. Jeff Davison, Jeromy Farkas, Jyoti Gondek, Sonya Sharp, and Brian Thiessen are among the top contenders, with a notable portion of voters still undecided. The debate, hosted by CBC Calgary at McMahon Stadium’s Red and White Club, offered a crucial platform for candidates to engage with voters before the upcoming election.
Public safety emerged as a central concern for voters, reflecting a recent decline in Calgary’s crime severity index and the absence of a significant portion of police officers due to leave or accommodation. Sonya Sharp, endorsed by the police union, proposed hiring 500 additional officers to enhance safety. However, Brian Thiessen, a former police commission chair, challenged the feasibility and cost of Sharp’s plan. Jeff Davison advocated for reforming Calgary’s public safety approach, emphasizing collaboration with the federal government on bail reform.
Growth management was another hot topic, spurred by Calgary’s population nearing two million. Candidate Jyoti Gondek attributed the rapid growth to the province’s campaign without adequate infrastructure support. Jeff Davison criticized the city’s handling of growth, proposing a tax freeze to alleviate financial burdens on residents. Brian Thiessen cautioned against Davison’s tax freeze plan, citing the need for emergency funding post-incidents like water main failures.
The debate also delved into the contentious issue of blanket rezoning, allowing townhomes and row houses without rezoning. Four front-runners pledged to repeal or amend this policy, acknowledging community division. Sonya Sharp and Jeff Davison vowed to repeal the policy, emphasizing the importance of community input. Jeromy Farkas highlighted the broken trust between council members and the community due to the rezoning issue.
Leadership and collaboration with the provincial government were scrutinized during the debate, with candidates sharing differing views on working with the Alberta government. Sonya Sharp emphasized the need for a productive relationship with the government, while Jeromy Farkas positioned himself as the sole independent candidate. The mayoral election in Calgary is scheduled for October 20, 2025.
