Calgary's city council is poised to make a pivotal decision this Tuesday that could see the termination of the city's top bureaucrat, City Manager David Duckworth. The potential move comes in the wake of a damning independent panel report on the city's handling of a catastrophic water feeder main break in 2024, which has been labelled a "clown show" and a massive failure of leadership.
A Crisis of Accountability
The political pressure for a significant leadership change at city hall has reached a boiling point. According to sources, a majority on council is now prepared to "hit the eject button" on Duckworth, who serves as the chief administrative officer (CAO) and reports directly to the elected council. The panel's review of the water system crisis served as a final catalyst, highlighting systemic failures and a lack of accountability within the city's administration.
Councillor Landon Johnston, who represents a southeast ward, has been vocal about the need for change. "Even before this water issue we needed a major leadership change," Johnston stated. He pointed to a lingering toxic culture at city hall, blaming the tenures of former mayors Naheed Nenshi and Jyoti Gondek. "There still is Gondek’s and Nenshi’s aura stenching up these halls and we’ve got to change that culture," Johnston said, describing it as a culture that "favours bureaucracy over progress and over the people."
A History of Criticism Comes to a Head
The water pipe disaster is not an isolated incident but rather the latest in a long series of controversies that have plagued Calgary's municipal government. For years, critics have lambasted city hall's operations, awarding it failing grades and coining nicknames like the "Cowtown Kremlin" for its secrecy and the "Big Blue Playpen" for its perceived poor decisions.
The expert panel convened to investigate the 2024 water main break delivered a brutal assessment, effectively crucifying the city's management of the essential utility. When asked what should be done with senior leadership, the panel's implied message was clear: the status quo cannot continue, and brass must be held accountable. This external validation of internal criticism has given council the impetus to act.
The Decision Lies with Council
As the city manager, David Duckworth is an employee of Calgary's city council. The authority to hire and fire the CAO rests solely with the elected body. The special council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 13, 2026, will be a critical test of council's resolve. While the "smart money" suggests a majority is ready to dismiss Duckworth, observers note that actions will speak louder than words.
For many Calgarians, the possibility of a high-profile dismissal represents a long-overdue step toward justice and tangible change. The water crisis exposed profound vulnerabilities and operational flaws, making the position of the city's top manager untenable in the eyes of many citizens and politicians alike. The Tuesday vote will determine whether council follows through on the widespread demand for a new direction and a clean break from the administrative practices of the past.
