Quebec City’s mayor said they can learn a lot from Calgary’s experience with its current water infrastructure woes, as they and other Canadian cities are dealing with similar issues.

Mayor Jeromy Farkas hosted a delegation from Quebec City on March 18, including Mayor Bruno Marchand, members of their city council, and members of the Quebec media. In February, Couns. Mike Jamieson and Harrison Clark went to Quebec City as a part of a delgation for Carnivale.

It was a visit between the two sister cities that have been paired for more than 70 years, and there was a lot of business and learning to do on the trip.

Marchand said when cities across Canada look at their infrastructure, they’re all in trouble.

“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 said.

“We have built it many decades ago and let it aside, thinking that it will be eternal.”

Marchand said it’s not an easy choice for any city to spend taxpayer dollars “under the ground,” referring to the invisible pipes that transport water, wastewater and stormwater across the city.

Calgary recently approved an additional $609 million in capital and operational spending specifically for water utility improvements.

“We need to learn from Calgary what they have done, what they have done during crisis time, what they have done with citizens, what they have done to communicate, what they have done to plan the future,” Mayor Marchand said.

The pair exchanged gifts – from Calgary a tie in the city’s tartan blend, and from Quebec a highly coveted vest from the upcoming 2027 Jeux du Canada (Canada Winter Games) – and, of course, Marchand received a white cowboy hat and took the oath necessary for Calgary’s traditional white-hatting to be bestowed upon him.

Common spirit between the two cities: Farkas

Mayor Farkas described to Marchand Calgary’s deep history with the Francophone community and the origins of the community of Rouleauville, now Mission in the southwest.

He said it’s visits like the one this week that strengthen the bond between the two cities.

“Quebec City is one of North America’s great historic cities, a place where culture, language and history are visible on every street, and here in Calgary, by contrast, we’re one of Canada’s youngest and fastest growing major cities built by people who came here seeking opportunity and a better future,” Farkas said.

“But despite those differences, we share a very common spirit. Both of our cities are proud, resilient and deeply committed to building strong communities for the next generation.”

Farkas said that these visits not only allow for the exchange of ideas, but it’s an opportunity for the cities to learn from one another to do their respective jobs better.

“It’s also an opportunity to showcase the incredible momentum that’s happening here in our city, from our growing economy and vibrant downtown to the infrastructure projects that are helping us prepare for a future where Calgary will welcome many, many more families in the years ahead.”

Mayor Marchand said they would also be examining the Calgary transit system, including how they’re building the Green Line. He said it’s an area where they are far behind other Canadian cities, including Calgary. They are building their own new tramway, which is scheduled for construction in 2027, and service by 2033, Marchand said.

“We’re late in Quebec City, and we have to learn from an Alberta city,” he said.

The group will be in Calgary for the next couple of days visiting different institutions and meeting with local officials and members of the business and economic community.