Quebec City’s Mayor Bruno Marchand visited Calgary to gain insights into the city’s infrastructure improvements, particularly in transit. This visit comes as Calgary approved an additional $609 million for water utility improvements, highlighting the city’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its infrastructure.
During his visit, Mayor Marchand noted that Quebec City is lagging behind other Canadian cities in transit development. “We can’t look at Calgary and say we’re not in the same trouble. We all have a lot of trouble with our infrastructure,” he stated, emphasizing the need for progress in his own city.
Quebec City is planning to construct a new tramway, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 and service expected to commence by 2033. This ambitious project aims to modernize the city’s transit system and improve connectivity for residents.
In Calgary, public engagement for the 2027–2030 Business Plans and Budgets is set to run from March 18 to April 15. Calgarians are encouraged to share their perspectives, which will inform the development and approval of the budget in November.
Les Tochor, a city representative, remarked, “The four‑year budget guides how Calgary invests in the services and programs people rely on every day,” underscoring the importance of community feedback in shaping future investments.
Calgary and Quebec City have maintained a sister city relationship for over 70 years, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between the two municipalities.
As Calgary prepares for its budget discussions, the input from residents will be crucial in determining how funds are allocated, particularly in areas such as transit, which is vital for urban mobility.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific outcomes of Mayor Marchand’s visit and how Calgary’s insights might influence Quebec City’s transit plans.