Calgarians may be left literally holding the bag if a city council decision isn’t reversed “soon.”

In an 8-7 vote last night, aldermen elected to can the entire waste and recycling services budget, leaving the future of Calgary’s curbside recycling program and all garbage pickup in the air and mayor Dave Bronconnier scratching his head.

“This is amazing,” said Bronconnier, left virtually speechless after the final vote was read. “Unfortunately with that, the city is obligated with many tens of millions of dollars in financial contracts and possible exposure if this isn’t dealt with very quickly.”

The city has already bought and paid for 300,000 blue bins for the curbside program, which is slated to begin next spring, and if the decision isn’t rectified, city residents will be on their own to deal with their garbage disposal.

“We’re going to have garbage piling up everywhere because we have no money for collection,” said Ald. Linda Fox-Mellway.

Council also approved increased transit fees and a $3 per day fee for commuters to utilize city park and ride lots.

Budget by number 

• 7.3 per cent: The current projected tax increase after day 3 of city council budget deliberations, after cuts have dropped the hike from the initial 9.6 per cent.
• $3: The fee approved by city council yesterday, applied to all park and ride transit passengers.