Taxpayer group says Bow River phone line was a waste of money

A couple paddle a raft in the Bow River trying to beat the heat in Calgary, Alta., Wednesday, June 30, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Calgarians were charged $65,000 to support an art project that allowed residents to listen to the gurgling waters of the Bow River, a funding watchdog says.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is lashing out against the Reconnecting to the Bow project, a city-funded initiative that involved a hotline connecting callers to the sound of the Bow River at any time.

CTF says the project was unnecessary and a waste of money.

“If someone wants to listen to a river, they can go sit next to one, but the City of Calgary should not force taxpayers to pay for this,” said Kris Sims, CTF Alberta director, in a news release.

“If phoning a river floats your boat, you do you, but don’t force your neighbour to pay for your art choices.”

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The phone line, which was accessed by calling 1-855-BOW-LSTN (1-855-269-5786), was originally introduced in 2014 and reintroduced by the Calgary Arts Development Authority last year.

The authority said during the first 10 days of launch thousands of people called the hotline.

The phone line has since been disconnected and the number now connects callers with Calgary Arts Development.