Quote:
Originally Posted by MalcolmTucker
Calgary is in a much better situation since almost all of our utility functions are supported through fees, not taxes. Calgary if my memory is correct has the most expensive water in the country which has supported first rate treatment. Even looking at services, recreation centres in Calgary are much more expensive to use than in Toronto (it was scandelous when they increased user fees to pools to $3 in Toronto last budget cycle!)
The city survived the oil price plunge in the 80s, government pull backs in the 90s, and is roaring again (in moderation) after the financial crisis. The city is a pretty lean machine, and the revenue neutral tax system really helps, because in a crunch in a big downturn tax supported services will still have their funding, unlike cities in the USA that are reliant on sales taxes, and cities like Mississauga that have been reliant on development charges to fund city services.
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Don't underestimate the unicity municipal structure as a key to Calgary's success. Unfortunately, that advantage seems to be deteriorating as surrounding communities grow at faster rates and successive city councils erode the property and business tax advantages that Calgary once enjoyed relative to Airdrie, Cochrane etc.