Traffic deaths spike as Calgary seeks stronger safety measures

Calgary is moving in the wrong direction on traffic safety, with fatal collisions surging and city council calling for a more aggressive response.

The city recorded 38 fatal collisions last year, including 15 pedestrians and two cyclists. This year, the tally stands at 12 traffic fatalities, six of which were pedestrians. The figures contradict Calgary's safer mobility plan, which aimed to decrease major injuries and deaths by 25 percent by 2028—instead, the city's rate per 100,000 residents has increased roughly 37 percent since 2021.

City administration presented a report this week on safer mobility, but councillors voted Wednesday for staff to return in September with stronger policy recommendations rather than just targeted improvements. Ward 7 Councillor Myke Atkinson said the current approach isn't working. "We have to do something differently," he said. "The same old same old is not meeting the moment."

Police Traffic Unit Staff Sergeant Andy Woodward said he'd like to see all crosswalks marked like zebra crossings with flashing lights, though he acknowledged the investment may not be realistic. Most pedestrian deaths occur when people are struck in marked crosswalks.

Administration cited multiple factors contributing to the rise: population growth as Calgary approaches two million residents, speeding becoming more normalized, the province scaling back photo radar, more new drivers on the road, and smartphone distraction. Road infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with the city's expansion, Woodward added.

Ward 4 Councillor DJ Kelly said every councillor is hearing daily from constituents about pedestrian safety and wants more detail on where investment will be prioritized.