Budget 2026: What It Means for Calgary Residents

The Bottom Line

Budget 2026 is strongly positive for Calgary in terms of capital investment. Your city shares in $2.35 billion for LRT expansion, receives $266 million for Deerfoot Trail upgrades, and gets $202 million for the Event Centre to replace the aging Saddledome. Health facility investments across Calgary total well over $400 million, covering cancer care, neonatal intensive care, continuing care, and pharmaceutical production. The Highway 2 Balzac Interchange replacement at $146 million addresses a key commuter bottleneck. On the cost side, your education property tax increases from $2.72 to $2.84 per $1,000 of assessment, and the tourism levy jumps from 4% to 6%. The budget does not break out Calgary's specific share of the combined LRT funding -- a notable gap given the ongoing discussions around the Green Line project.

Top Measures That Affect You

LRT expansion receives $2,350 million over three years ($1,036 million in 2026-27, $750 million in 2027-28, $564 million in 2028-29) combined for Edmonton and Calgary. This is the single largest municipal transportation investment in the capital plan. Your commute options are expanding, though the specific Calgary/Edmonton split is not disclosed.

Deerfoot Trail upgrades receive $266 million over two years ($168 million in 2026-27, $98 million in 2027-28). If you drive Deerfoot, this is money aimed at Calgary's most congested north-south freeway.

Calgary River District and Event Centre receives $202 million over three years ($79 million in 2026-27, $94 million in 2027-28, $29 million in 2028-29). This is the provincial contribution to replacing the Saddledome and redeveloping the surrounding district.

Highway 2 Balzac Interchange Replacement at $146 million over three years improves a major commuter and commercial corridor north of Calgary.

Calgary Ring Roads receive $58 million over two years ($43 million in 2026-27, $15 million in 2027-28), plus $81 million over three years for P3 ring road rehabilitation.

Calgary health facilities represent a major investment:

Alberta Kidney Care: $36 million
Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre: $23 million
Bethany Continuing Care Centre: $75 million
Bridgeland Riverside Continuing Care Centre: $52 million
Calgary Radiopharmaceutical Centre: $64 million
Central Drug Production Facility: $91 million
Foothills Medical Centre Neonatal ICU: $58 million
North Calgary/Airdrie Regional Health Centre Planning: $2 million

Calgary justice and public safety facilities include the Court of Appeal Calgary ($67 million), Office of the Chief Medical Examiner Calgary ($67 million), and Calgary Remand Centre CCTV upgrades ($7 million).

Direct Financial Impact

Over $2 billion in Calgary-specific or Calgary-shared capital investment flows over the three-year plan period. The transit, highway, and health investments will improve your daily life through better commute options, reduced congestion, expanded health services, and a new entertainment venue.

Your education property tax rate increases from $2.72 to $2.84 per $1,000 of equalized assessment. On a $500,000 assessed home, that is an increase of approximately $60 per year on the education portion of your property tax bill. The tourism levy increase from 4% to 6% affects hotel stays and short-term accommodation in Calgary.

The $768 million Affordable Housing Partnership Program over three years may expand affordable housing options in Calgary, though the city-specific allocation is not specified.

Service Changes

Public transit (LRT): Major expansion with a share of $2,350 million over three years. Positive for commuters.
Deerfoot Trail freeway: $266 million in upgrades over two years to Calgary's most congested corridor. Positive.
Calgary Event Centre: $202 million provincial contribution, replacing the aging Saddledome. Positive for entertainment and sports.
Cancer care: $23 million for the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre. Positive for patients.
Neonatal care: $58 million for the Foothills Medical Centre Neonatal Intensive Care Unit over three years. Positive for families.
Continuing care: Bethany ($75 million) and Bridgeland Riverside ($52 million) continuing care centres expand seniors care capacity. Positive.
Education property tax: Rate increases from $2.72 to $2.84 per $1,000 for residential properties. Negative for homeowners.
Tourism levy: Increases from 4% to 6% on short-term accommodation effective April 1, 2026. Negative for visitors and hosts.

What's Missing

The budget does not break out how the $2,350 million LRT allocation is divided between Calgary and Edmonton. There are no specific timelines for Deerfoot Trail construction phases or lane openings. There is no detail on provincial funding for Calgary's Green Line LRT specifically, which has been a source of ongoing uncertainty. Flood mitigation specific to Calgary is limited to the Springbank Off-Stream Reservoir at $20 million. There are no housing affordability measures specific to Calgary's market despite the city's rapid growth in recent years.

Key Dates

April 1, 2026: LRT and Deerfoot Trail funding begins flowing. $1,036 million combined LRT funding in year one, plus $168 million for Deerfoot Trail upgrades.
April 1, 2026: Tourism levy increases from 4% to 6% on short-term accommodation.
April 1, 2026: Education property tax rate rises to $2.84 per $1,000 of equalized assessment for residential properties.

Where to Get Help

City of Calgary: For information on LRT expansion plans, Green Line updates, and how provincial funding flows to city transit projects. Visit calgary.ca.
Transportation and Economic Corridors Ministry: For Deerfoot Trail construction schedules and Highway 2 Balzac Interchange updates.
Municipal Affairs Ministry: For details on the Local Government Fiscal Framework and municipal infrastructure funding.
Treasury Board and Finance: For education property tax assessment and rate information. Visit alberta.ca/treasury-board-and-finance.
Calgary Municipal Land Corporation: For information on the River District and Event Centre project.