How does a great city fall apart? Bit by bit, then all at once.

Calgary is a great city. Not like New York, Paris or London, of course. People don’t flock here to visit an array of world-famous sights or immerse themselves in art or history. Instead, they come seeking a new life for themselves.

When it comes to discovering a great place to live, this city on the Bow has proven an irresistible magnet for all types of newcomers over the years. It still holds such allure today, even as cracks start to show.

But how long before the wheels fall off? How long before the current chaos surrounding City Hall does permanent damage to Calgary’s reputation? No amount of multimillion-dollar rebranding campaigns can hide the fact things are heading downhill at an ever-increasing pace.

It was Ward 1 Coun. Sonya Sharp who recently mentioned the word chaos in describing the state of play at City Hall. With an insider’s view of current goings-on, such a harsh verdict shouldn’t be dismissed. “Everyone feels like everything is chaotic. Everything that comes to council is chaotic. Every decision we’ve made,” said Sharp.

She was just getting warmed up. “Calgarians are saying, Now what? What’s next? People ask, How much more can we deal with? I think everyone is mentally exhausted. Chaos brings on mental........

© Calgary Herald