Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek has traveled to Norway to attend the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP) meeting and pursue a bid for the organization’s vice-presidency, all while Calgary grapples with its never-ending water crisis.
The WECP, which includes 18 major global energy hubs like Houston and Aberdeen, focuses on energy sustainability—a topic Gondek has prioritized since becoming mayor.
Gondek’s international aspirations come amid Calgary’s months-long water crisis that included asking residents not to shower or shave. Last week, officials announced the city’s planned return to Stage 4 outdoor water restrictions due to critical repairs needed on the Bearspaw South feeder main.
Nonetheless, in her bid for the WECP vice-presidency, Gondek says that the role would keep Calgary on the global energy map.
“It would be a great way to ensure that we stay on the map from a global perspective,” she said, adding, “It’s an excellent opportunity to be connected with a lot of energy transformation organizations (that) know what the power of this partnership is — and so we’ll see if I’m successful.”
Least popular mayor in Calgary’s history
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek received a resounding chorus of boos while being introduced at the Calgary Flames home game in March at the Scotiabank Saddledome.
According to ThinkHQ data, Gondek is the least popular Calgary mayor in recorded history.
