Naheed Nenshi promises to tackle 'sprawl subsidy'

Naheed Nenshi saysif he is re-elected in Calgary's municipal election Oct. 21 he will push to remove what he calls the "sprawl subsidy."

In his first formal news conference of the campaign, Nenshi went after the development industry.

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He says everyhouse built in a new neighbourhood costs Calgary taxpayers $4,800or $33 milliona year.

"That is a subsidy that goes directly to one industry and is born by all of us," said Nenshi. "Over the course of the 10 years before this council was elected, that same subsidy led to about $1.5 billion in debt for the City of Calgary debt that we, our kids and ourgrandkidswill continue to pay off."

Nenshi says that is the same as a three per cent increase in property taxes and he wants it to end.

"I will push to remove the growth subsidy or the 'sprawl subsidy' and return us to a level playing field where growth in every part of the city is expected to pay for itself," he said.

"That will lead to more choices of more homes in more neighbourhoods."

The development industry was quick to respond.

Guy Huntingford, who speaks for the Urban Development Institute,says eliminating the subsidy would actually eliminate choice for homeowners and drive up prices.

• Watch the video above for more on Nenshi's first campaign promisefrom CBC's Bryan Labby.