Civic partner funding under scrutiny as council searches for budget savings

Calgary Council is looking to chip away at a proposed double-digit tax hike. That means funding for the city's civic partners is facing scrutiny. This includes organizations like the zoo and the library. I'm not against all these civic partners. They have value. But every year, give me more, give me more, give me more. Maybe this is a year that we say, okay, let's hold tight The city's four-year budget proposes a $6 million increase in total operating funding for civic partners next year, followed by a $27 million increase in 2028. But McLean is floating the idea of all civic partners taking a 10% haircut. I don't know how many people use the libraries to check out books anymore, but maybe we can not spend so much more expanding our library system. Calgary Arts and Development, we all love the arts, but maybe you can just tighten your belt this year. But some civic partners are already facing proposed cuts in the upcoming budget. Calgary Arts Development could see roughly half a million dollars less in funding next year. The organization says it uses most of the money to support local artists and events. We provide these incredible services and programs for the benefit of Calgarians and we do so for raising two dollars against everyone that comes from the city. Platform Calgary could also see its funding reduced by more than 20 percent in 2027. The non-profit supports the city's tech sector. You know we'll have a big impact on how we operate, how are we open as much as we are, do we need to you know cut programmings and services. If council pursues deeper cuts Heritage Calgary says key heritage assets in the city could disappear. And that's not all that's at stake. We'd be losing jobs, you'd be losing staff, team members. You know, each of the civic partners, and I think specifically Heritage Calgary, runs pretty lean. You know, these are well-run operations. Pahn says she appreciates the city needs to pay for infrastructure, but she's asking council not to forget about the arts. That's what's going to create a thriving city and a thriving economy. That's how we're going to be remembered, as an amazing city. It ain't going to be about the potholes. Civic Partners will have a chance to make a case for their funding starting November 23rd. Earlier this week, Council approved a motion to lift a no lobbying rule for Civic Partners during budget talks. Brendan Coulter, CBC News, Calgary City Hall.