Calgary mayor sets out what she wants to see from federal leaders

Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek says a proposal to reduce or eliminate fees paid by developers of new communities could harm cities.

Mayor Jyoti Gondek says she wants the federal leaders to focus on jobs, the economy and infrastructure.

She shared her thoughts about what she’s listening for in the English language debate, scheduled for Thursday.

Her priorities are protecting jobs from U.S. tariffs, supporting the city’s energy sector and economy and boosting funding for infrastructure projects.

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Gondek said a policy, proposed by both the Liberal and Conservative parties, to reduce or eliminate the development charges builders pay ahead of construction would be “a disaster.”

“Those fees fund the very infrastructure that new housing needs. If they’re eliminated, cities would be forced to increase property taxes to cover the gap,” she said.

The English language debate will take place at 5 p.m. MT.