Calgary mayoral candidates debate housing, safety and transit

Six of Calgary's mayoral candidate met Monday night for a debate. Mason DePatie reports.

Six of Calgary’s mayoral candidates took to the stage Monday night in a spirited debate that touched on everything from housing and public safety to the future of the Green Line transit project.

Hosted by Ethnik Festivals Association, the debate marked one of the first major faceoffs of the municipal election campaign.

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One of the most divisive issues of the night was blanket rezoning — a city policy aiming to allow for more housing density in established neighbourhoods.

Both Coun. Sonya Sharp and former councillor Jeff Davison pledged to repeal the policy if elected.

“I did not think this was going to work, and blanket rezoning has actually been a failure and has not provided any affordable housing stock to the market,” Sharp said.

Davison added that the policy is “pitting neighbours against each other,” arguing the current approach lacks consensus.

Incumbent Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who is seeking a second term, defended the rezoning, saying the city must take bold steps to address housing supply and affordability. She added that she is open to making modifications.

Green Line debate

The most heated exchange of the night came over the Green Line, Calgary’s multi-billion-dollar LRT expansion project.

Candidates sparred over rising costs, construction delays and whether the project is still viable in its current form.

While some argued for re-evaluation, others insisted that stopping now would waste years of planning and investment.

Public safety also featured prominently, with several candidates supporting the idea of reopening a downtown police station as part of a broader effort to address crime.

Candidates also debated whether party politics should play a role in municipal government. Some expressed concern that partisanship could further divide city council and stall decision-making.

The other candidates at the forum were Jeremy Farkas, Jaeger Gustafson, and Brian Thiessen.

The municipal election is set for Oct. 20, with advance voting starting Oct. 6.