Calgary city budget plan unveiled today

The City of Calgary has begun the budgeting process for the next four years.

Earlier this year, council set annual property tax increases of 4.7 per cent as the target for administrators to work with. 

Increases in water and sewer rates are also expected and there may be adjustments in transit fares.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi says the proposed tax hikes shouldn't go any higher as they're equal to inflation plus growth.

"I think it's important to note that that just keeps us on the treadmill, that we're not likely to see a lot of improvement or increases in service as a result of what we're looking for."

Coun. Ward Sutherland says it will be challenging to keep the tax hike at 4.7 per cent in a fast-growing city because Calgarians have expectations.

"I'm a fiscal hawk and I'm trying to push back as much as possible but there's a difference between scorch and burn and giving the proper services and people still want services and when you take them away, they get more angry."

Later this month, city council will begin two weeks of debate on the proposed four-year budget. The budget will take effect on Jan.1, 2015.

The city moved to a four-year cycle to align budgeting with the term of office served by the mayor and councillors.

• Follow the live blog below as CBC's Scott Dippel posts the latest updates from the budget information session held today. On mobile? Click here