Politics / Canada
Avalanche Incident and Property Tax Increases in Calgary
Calgarians are facing significant property tax increases attributed to the provincial budget, raising concerns about affordability for residents. The mayor emphasizes that Calgary is contributing more than its fair share to provincial funding amidst rising costs and a $9.4 billion deficit.
Source material: Two caught in avalanche at Nakiska ski resort | CTV News Calgary at Six for February 27, 2026
Summary
Calgarians are facing significant property tax increases attributed to the provincial budget, raising concerns about affordability for residents. The mayor emphasizes that Calgary is contributing more than its fair share to provincial funding amidst rising costs and a $9.4 billion deficit.
A teenager was rescued from an avalanche at Nakiska Ski Resort and is in life-threatening condition. The incident highlights the high avalanche risk in K Country due to unstable snowpack conditions, prompting warnings from authorities about backcountry skiing safety.
Calgary is implementing a backyard suites incentive program to enhance housing supply, offering homeowners up to $35,000 for construction. The city aims to build 200 units initially, responding to high interest from residents in creating additional living spaces.
The Alberta government has announced funding for 14 school projects in Calgary, which will create 12,300 student spaces to address urgent space needs. Additionally, law enforcement has been active in responding to various criminal incidents, including extortion and voyeurism cases.
Perspectives
short
Calgary Residents and Officials
- Highlight significant property tax increases due to provincial budget decisions
- Emphasize the need for transparency from the provincial government regarding funding allocations
- Express concerns about the high avalanche risk and safety protocols at ski resorts
- Advocate for the backyard suites incentive program to address housing supply issues
- Support funding for new school projects to alleviate space shortages
Provincial Government
- Defend the budget decisions as necessary for provincial funding
- Argue that all municipalities need to contribute to provincial costs
- Claim that funding will benefit Calgary in the long run despite immediate tax increases
Neutral / Shared
- Report on the avalanche incident and its implications for safety
- Discuss the snowfall warning and its impact on travel and local conditions
- Mention the rise in thefts of cough syrup and the need for community awareness
Metrics
snowfall
6 to 10 cm
amount of snowfall around Calgary
This contributes to hazardous driving conditions and visibility issues.
We've range basically from six to 10 centimeters around the city.
temperature
-19 °C
current temperature in Calgary
Extreme cold can exacerbate the dangers of winter weather.
Temperatures more like minus 19 right now.
property_tax_increase
21%
increase from the province
This represents the largest single year property increase that Calgaryans have ever faced.
a 21% jump from the province
property_tax_increase
$339 USD
portion of the tax increase going to the province
This amount significantly impacts the affordability for Calgary residents.
the portion going to the province is much higher, $339
property_tax_increase
$49 USD
average increase from the city
This indicates the disparity between city and provincial tax increases.
the average increase from the city equals $49 this year
deficit
$9.4 billion USD
Alberta's budget deficit
A large deficit can lead to increased financial pressure on municipalities.
didn't just come with a $9.4 billion deficit
property_tax_contribution
1.2 billion USD
amount Calgary is being asked to contribute
This highlights the financial burden placed on Calgary compared to other municipalities.
Calgary alone is being asked for 1.2 billion
student_spaces
12,300 units
new school projects in Calgary
This expansion is crucial for accommodating the growing student population.
The new Calgary projects will create 12,300 student spaces.
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
Calgarians are facing increased property taxes attributed to the provincial government's budget decisions, highlighting a need for transparency in the value received by residents. Additionally, an avalanche at Nakiska ski resort resulted in one skier's escape while a teenager was found unresponsive, emphasizing the high avalanche risk in K Country due to unstable snowpack conditions.
- Calgarians are facing increased property taxes. The city attributes the rise to the provincial governments budget decisions and emphasizes the need for transparency regarding the value residents receive
- An avalanche occurred at Nakiska ski resort, trapping two skiers. One skier managed to escape, while a teenager remained buried and was later found unresponsive
- Emergency crews and specially trained avalanche dogs worked to locate and rescue the teenager. The critically injured teen was transported to Alberta Childrens Hospital in life-threatening condition
- Avalanche Canada has reported a high avalanche risk in K Country. This risk is expected to remain elevated through the weekend due to recent weather conditions that have created an unstable snowpack
- Calgary is currently experiencing heavy snowfall, leading to visibility issues across the city. Environment Canada has warned that reduced visibility is making travel challenging, resulting in numerous accidents
- The city has recorded a significant number of vehicle collisions due to the winter weather. So far, 155 crashes have been reported, and snow removal efforts are ongoing with the full fleet of snow sweepers and plows deployed
05:00–10:00
Calgary is facing significant property tax increases attributed to the provincial budget, raising concerns about affordability for residents. The mayor emphasizes that Calgary is contributing more than its fair share to provincial funding amidst rising costs and a $9.4 billion deficit.
- Emergency crews are warning people to take precautions on sidewalks and to clear snow promptly. This is crucial for ensuring safety for first responders and delivery services
- Avalanche Canada has reported a high avalanche risk in several parts of Alberta and British Columbia. Recent weather conditions have created unstable snowpacks, leading to fatalities in the area
- Calgarys mayor is addressing the significant tax hike for property owners following Albertas budget announcement. The mayor emphasizes that Calgary is contributing more than its fair share to provincial funding
- The provincial finance minister stated that all municipalities need to contribute to the budget. However, Calgary is facing the largest increase, raising concerns about affordability for residents
- The budget includes funding for advancing 14 school projects in Calgary. This initiative aims to improve educational infrastructure in the city amidst rising property taxes
- Visibility issues due to snowfall have caused delays at Calgary International Airport. Environment Canada has issued warnings about reduced visibility affecting travel conditions in and around the city
10:00–15:00
The Alberta government has announced funding for 14 school projects in Calgary, which will create 12,300 student spaces to address urgent space needs. Additionally, law enforcement has been active in responding to various criminal incidents, including extortion and voyeurism cases.
- The Alberta government has announced funding for 14 school projects in Calgary. These projects will enter the design and planning phases, including new schools and expansions to address urgent space needs
- The new Calgary school projects will create 12,300 student spaces. This will significantly alleviate growth pressures, as the education budget has increased to reflect rising enrollment and classroom complexity across Alberta
- The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have charged a 24-year-old man with extortion and firearms offenses. The man was arrested in Red Deer but has since vanished, prompting a search by law enforcement agencies
- Police have arrested a man for voyeurism after he allegedly recorded videos of six women at a department store. This incident is part of a series of voyeurism cases linked to the same suspect, who is currently in custody
- A suspect has been arrested following threats made against staff at RBC branches in Calgary. This situation led to temporary closures, and police are investigating the nature of the threats
- Carl Grinmeyer, an astrophysicist with ties to the University of Calgary, was tragically shot and killed at his home in California. His death has shocked the academic community due to his significant contributions to the understanding of galaxies and space
15:00–20:00
Calgary is implementing a backyard suites incentive program to enhance housing supply, offering homeowners up to $35,000 for construction. The city aims to build 200 units initially, responding to high interest from residents in creating additional living spaces.
- Calgary is launching a backyard suites incentive program to increase housing supply. Homeowners can receive up to $35,000 to build new residential spaces on their properties
- Jack Chung shared her experience of building a two-bedroom backyard suite for her parents. The suite allows for comfortable multi-generational living as her parents visit from China
- The city aims to construct 200 backyard units initially, with a goal of 300 units over two years. Currently, there are fewer than 400 backyard suites in Calgary
- An online study revealed that 88% of respondents are interested in building backyard suites. Many homeowners have family members in mind when developing these additional living spaces
- Jason Badershow, a builder, noted a surge in demand for backyard suites since the COVID-19 pandemic. His company has constructed over 60 units, with many clients seeking extra living space instead of rental opportunities
- Applications for the backyard suites program will open on March 2nd. More information will be available on the citys website as part of Calgarys efforts to address housing needs
20:00–25:00
A snowfall warning is in effect for communities from Rocky Mountain House through Calgary, with some areas expecting up to 30 centimeters of snow. Police in Taber have issued a warning about a rise in thefts of cough syrup, particularly products containing Dextral Methophane, urging parents to monitor medications at home.
- A snowfall warning remains in effect for communities from Rocky Mountain House through Calgary and into southern Alberta. Some areas could see up to 30 centimeters of snow by the end of the storm
- Calgary is expected to receive an additional three to five centimeters of snow before the system moves south. The snowfall is anticipated to taper off by early morning, with flurries lingering until around 5 a.m
- Temperatures in Calgary have dropped significantly, with a high of minus six degrees Celsius earlier in the day. The wind chill makes it feel even colder, with temperatures around minus 19 degrees Celsius
- Police in Taber have issued a warning about a rise in thefts of cough syrup, particularly products containing Dextral Methophane or DXM. This ingredient is safe in moderation but poses serious health risks when abused by teens
- Parents are encouraged to monitor medications in their homes and discuss the dangers of substance misuse with their children. The police chief emphasized the importance of community awareness regarding this issue
- The Canadian Pediatric Society has released new guidance recommending cholesterol screening for all children aged two to ten. Early detection of cholesterol disorders can lead to timely interventions and prevent long-term health issues
25:00–30:00
Uday Shahan, a 13-year-old boy, has been named the Alberta Children's Hospital Foundation's Champion for 2026 after recovering from a severe medical condition. His story highlights the critical role of community support and advanced medical care in achieving positive health outcomes.
- A 13-year-old boy named Uday Shahan has been recognized as the Alberta Childrens Hospital Foundations Champion for 2026. He was rushed to the hospital after suffering a severe headache that affected his ability to walk and breathe
- Doctors discovered 13 blood clots in Udays brain along with a spinal injury. His recovery was made possible by a donor-funded MRI and the efforts of the Neuro Critical Care Program
- Udays remarkable recovery took just 25 days, and he was released from the hospital. He now aspires to become a neurologist and hopes to inspire other children facing similar challenges
- The Alberta Childrens Hospital provides life-saving care to over 100,000 kids and families each year. Udays story exemplifies the extraordinary care and community support that contribute to successful outcomes
- The Winter Classic Dog Show has returned to San Pete Park after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 500 dogs and their owners are competing in various categories, including Best in Show
- The dog show features competitions in rally obedience, canine good behavior, and confirmation. Organizers are excited about the turnout and encourage attendees to enjoy the event and learn more about different dog breeds