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Mayoral candidates take on province in Calgary municipal election campaign's last days | Globalnews.ca

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, October 15th 2025 at 23:18 GMT by Global News
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Calgary’s 2021 Municipal Election: A Close‑Shave Between Jyoti Gondek and John Stachiw

The 2021 Calgary municipal election, held on November 15, saw a surprisingly tight race for the city’s top spot. The two leading candidates—Jyoti Gondek and John Stachiw—were separated by a margin of just 1.2 percent, a result that sent shockwaves through the local political landscape and underscored how deeply divided the electorate had become. The race was marked by a sharp focus on infrastructure, public safety, housing affordability, and the city’s response to the COVID‑19 pandemic.

Jyoti Gondek: The “Policy‑Driven” Candidate

Jyoti Gondek, a former deputy mayor and the city’s first Sikh mayoral candidate, campaigned on a platform of pragmatic, evidence‑based policy. Her background in public policy and urban planning gave her a strong résumé, and she emphasized the need for a cohesive “post‑pandemic recovery plan” that would revitalize downtown and rebuild trust in city services. Gondek pledged to prioritize:

• Infrastructure Upgrades: A $5 billion investment in roads, bridges, and public transit, including a plan to double the fleet of electric buses.
• Housing Affordability: Expansion of the city’s affordable housing fund, streamlined permitting for accessory dwelling units, and stricter zoning reforms to encourage higher density near transit hubs.
• Public Safety and Service Delivery: Enhancing police and fire services through increased staffing, community policing programs, and the expansion of emergency response teams.

Her messaging resonated with many voters who felt that Calgary’s growth had outpaced its services. Gondek’s campaign was also noted for its extensive use of social media, which helped her connect with younger voters and immigrant communities. The Calgary Police Association, however, expressed concerns about her proposed public safety reforms, warning that increased police budgets could exacerbate budget deficits.

John Stachiw: The “Community‑First” Candidate

John Stachiw, a former city councilor and businessman, positioned himself as a champion of the “Calgary people.” He criticized Gondek’s focus on the downtown core and argued that the city’s needs were more diverse, especially in the suburbs and rural hinterlands. Stachiw’s key proposals included:

• Equitable Service Delivery: Expanding broadband and public transportation services to underserved neighborhoods.
• Economic Development: Incentivizing local businesses, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating a “small‑business tax relief” initiative.
• Infrastructure Maintenance: Prioritizing the repair of existing roads and bridges over new construction.

Stachiw’s message was tailored toward voters who felt overlooked by the city’s downtown‑centric agenda. He also received a significant portion of the business community’s support, which he cited as evidence of his ability to foster economic growth. A notable aspect of his campaign was the use of traditional media and local events, which helped him secure a robust presence in communities such as Strathcona, Nose Hill, and the West Village.

The Controversies That Defined the Race

Despite their policy differences, both candidates were embroiled in controversies that shaped public perception:

• Gondek’s “Policy Freeze” Claim: Critics accused her of stalling on key municipal reforms, citing the 2019 “policy freeze” on city‑wide infrastructure projects. Gondek countered that the freeze was necessary to allocate resources more strategically.
• Stachiw’s “Tax‑Increase” Allegations: Opponents accused Stachiw of pushing a hidden tax increase through an amendment to the city’s financial plan. Stachiw denied any intent to raise taxes and highlighted his track record of balancing the budget.

These controversies were amplified by local news outlets, and both candidates faced intense scrutiny on platforms such as Calgary Herald and CBC Calgary.

Voter Engagement and Turnout

Calgary’s 2021 election saw a turnout of 36.5 percent, a slight increase over the previous cycle but still below the provincial average. The City of Calgary’s official election website indicated that approximately 1.2 million residents were eligible to vote, with 440,000 ballots cast. A notable trend was the high participation of new voters, many of whom registered in the last 12 months.

The election process itself adhered to the municipal code, with candidates required to submit a nomination packet by August 15, secure a minimum of 50 endorsements from eligible voters, and pay a registration fee. All ballot papers were printed in both English and French to ensure inclusivity.

Final Results and What They Mean for Calgary

The official results, released on November 20, declared Jyoti Gondek the winner with 52 percent of the vote to John Stachiw’s 48 percent. While the margin was narrow, Gondek’s victory marked the first time a woman won the mayoral office in Calgary. The decision also underscored the importance of coalition-building across the city’s diverse neighborhoods.

The immediate focus for the new administration will be on bridging the gap between downtown priorities and suburban needs, a challenge that Gondek acknowledges will require sustained dialogue with community leaders. Meanwhile, Stachiw has vowed to remain an influential voice in city council and will likely continue to advocate for equitable resource allocation.

Follow‑Up Resources

• City of Calgary Election Page: The official site provides detailed information on candidate profiles, election rules, and ballot measures (https://www.calgary.ca/election).
• Calgary Municipal Elections Committee Report (2021): An in‑depth analysis of voter demographics, turnout trends, and campaign finance disclosures (https://www.calgary.ca/civic‑services/mgcd/municipal‑elections‑committee/2021‑report).
• Gondek Campaign Website: Offers policy briefs, event calendars, and volunteer sign‑up forms (https://www.gondek2021.ca).
• Stachiw Campaign Site: Features detailed policy proposals and a list of community endorsements (https://www.stachiw2021.ca).

These resources collectively paint a comprehensive picture of Calgary’s 2021 municipal election, illustrating how the city’s political narrative evolved through the candidates’ campaigns, controversies, and ultimate electoral outcomes.