Calgary’s mainstreets support local businesses and their surrounding communities. But underinvestment in these streets has resulted in most of the planned revitalization projects for our mainstreets sitting on the shelf while Council approved $100M’s for new communities on the city’s fringe. City Council must fund the 10 approved mainstreets that have been sitting on the shelf unfunded since 2018.

The proposed 2023-2026 City Budget only funds about 2 of the 10 approved mainstreets. At that rate, it would take over 30 years to complete the existing backlog of Main Streets projects.

Notably, the budget does include $110-million for Downtown revitalization. However, the budget also proposes redirecting $24-million in public funds from existing communities to build a new interchange for new sprawl communities.

Grade: B-

The proposed 2023-2026 City Budget includes $60-million - enough to cover revitalizing just two of 10 approved Calgary’s Main Streets. 

10 approved Main Streets projects in Calgary remain on the shelf unfunded. The proposed 2023-2026 Budget includes only enough funding for possibly two of these. 

The proposed 2023-2026 City Budget includes $110-million in funding for Downtown revitalization.

Highlights: Proposed budget 2023-2026 for Main Streets and Downtown Revitalization

• Main Streets: funding for roughly two of the ten approved Main Streets projects. At that rate of funding it would take 30+ years to complete the current backlog of Main Streets projects.
• Downtown Revitalization: $110-million in funding for public realm and revitalization projections for Greater Downtown Calgary.
• Major Sprawl Infrastructure: 144 Ave/Nose Creek - Phase 1 - Diversion of funding from existing communities to build a new suburban interchange and 6-lane road expansion for new sprawl communities - $24.0-million

Rather than responding to Calgary's Climate Strategy and funding more main streets, the City of Calgary 2023-2026 Budget proposes redirecting $24-million in public funds from existing communities to build a new interchange and 6-lane roadway expansion at 144 Avenue NW (north of the ring road) to support future sprawl communities.

TAKE ACTION: We need your help to tell City Council prioritize funding revitalization of our Main Streets and Downtown

💬 1) Speak at the City Council public budget hearings

Sign up to speak at the City Council budget public hearings on Tuesday, November 22nd. Language translation services are available if needed.

📨 2) Sign up for Project Calgary email updates on the 2023-2026 City budget

Stay connected on the latest news and advocacy.