RCMP investigating Calgary city hall corruption allegations, court documents reveal

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are investigating allegations that money was exchanged for a city council vote at Calgary city hall last summer, according to court documents obtained by Global News. The revelations emerge months after the RCMP executed search warrants at the homes of former mayor Jyoti Gondek, former Ward 4 councillor Sean Chu, and current Ward 10 councillor Andre Chabot.

The court documents are part of an application to extend existing warrants, which would allow police to retain Gondek's phone for several more months. An affidavit from Det. Matt White of the Calgary Police Service, seconded to the RCMP, states the investigation focuses on allegations of municipal corruption, obstruction of justice, and fabricating evidence. None of these allegations have been proven in court, and no charges have been laid.

The probe began following circumstances surrounding a proposed land-use change in downtown Bankview. This proposal was defeated 6-6 by the council on July 16, 2025, with Chu voting against it. Later in the meeting, Chu moved to reconsider the vote, stating, “I realize that I voted wrong.” The land-use change was subsequently approved 8-5 after Chu changed his vote, with Gondek also voting in favor. This occurred four months before the fall municipal election.

According to the affidavit, initial police information suggested that David White, who runs CivicWorks, a company that helps developers navigate city processes, had offered campaign donations exceeding legal limits to councillors in exchange for a reconsideration motion. White's phone was seized in September, and the search reportedly yielded evidence of offenses. The document also indicated that Gondek provided guidance to White on approaching another councillor to secure a reconsideration motion. Police seek to keep Gondek's phone, believing it contains evidence of her counseling White, but have been unable to unlock it.

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I realize that I voted wrong.