RCMP investigating Calgary corruption allegations involving city hall
Court documents reveal probe into alleged bribes tied to a rezoning vote, with former mayor Gondek and sitting councillor Chabot under scrutiny.
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The RCMP is investigating allegations that money was offered in exchange for city council votes at Calgary city hall, according to court documents obtained by Global News.
The investigation centres on a proposed land-use change in downtown Bankview that came before council on July 16, 2025. The rezoning application was defeated 6-6, but after former Ward 4 councillor Sean Chu changed his vote, it was ultimately approved 8-5. Former mayor Jyoti Gondek voted in favour after being absent for the initial vote.
According to an affidavit by Det. Matt White, a Calgary Police Service investigator seconded to the RCMP, the probe focuses on allegations of municipal corruption, obstruction of justice, and fabricating evidence.
Court documents reveal that David White, who runs CivicWorks — a company that assists developers navigate City of Calgary processes — allegedly offered campaign donations exceeding the legal maximum to councillors in exchange for tabling a reconsideration motion.
"It was determined that Gondek had provided guidance to White on a tactic to approach another councillor in an effort to secure a reconsideration motion," the affidavit read.
None of the allegations have been proven in court and no charges have been laid. Gondek's lawyer, Rebecca Snukal, argues investigators' application is "on the basis of speculation alone" and that Gondek's vote was "mathematically superfluous to the outcome."
A hearing is scheduled later this month for Snukal to cross-examine police. Calgary's current mayor, Jeromy Farkas, said the situation raises "important questions" about how influence is exercised at city hall.