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Calgary Mayoral Insights on Green Line LRT Future
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek has expressed optimism that city council may reach a decision regarding the Green Line LRT project within this month. This indication follows a productive meeting of the joint working group involving the City of Calgary and the Government of Alberta.
In her remarks to the press, Gondek labeled the meeting as “incredibly productive” and emphasized the ongoing engagement with the working group members. “When I can share any details we’re working through, I will definitely do that,” she stated, underlining the city’s commitment to developing a viable north-south transit line.
Gondek noted that a decision on the revised alignment suggested by the province could occur by the end of January, contingent upon recommendations from city administration. This timeline aligns with Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen’s call for a decision after the province introduced its updated alignment plans late last year.
Key Changes to the Green Line Proposal
The province’s revised alignment introduces an elevated track running above 10 Avenue S.E. This design would then head west and shift north along 2 Street S.W., concluding above the existing Red and Blue LRT lines on 7 Avenue, as opposed to a previously planned tunnel beneath the downtown area.
Claiming that this change could save $1 billion, the provincial government suggests the funds could allow the LRT line’s extension further south to Shepard. However, the city disputes this assessment, arguing that the province’s figures do not take into account an additional $1.3 billion in known costs and associated risks.
Following this week’s working group session, Gondek mentioned that some uncertainties highlighted at the end of last year have been addressed through discussions within the group and inter-administration communications. “We are working very well together to try to come up with a solution,” she reiterated.
Urgency for Decision Amid Funding Considerations
Experts emphasize the urgency for a timely decision, as the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP)—the federal funding source for part of the project—will conclude on March 31. David Cooper, principal at Leading Mobility, remarked, “If this conversation carries on beyond March, it would lead to discussions around the Canada Public Transit Fund, which won’t begin disbursing funds until 2026.” He emphasized the necessity of defining the project scope before the end of March.
Gondek confirmed that Dreeshen has been in discussions with federal authorities and noted that a fresh business case reflecting the new alignment would need submission to secure funding. “I believe our administrations are already compiling what will be required for that business case, so I think we’ll be in good shape,” she said.
Additionally, Gondek remarked that the prorogation of Parliament is not likely to heavily impact the process, as treasury board meetings are ongoing and cabinet ministers are still active. However, she acknowledged that the timeline for the project remains tight.
The Green Line project faced a significant setback last September when the council voted to halt progress following the province’s decision to withdraw funding due to cost overruns associated with the first phase of the line. The project’s budget has since been adjusted to $6.2 billion, and negotiations with the province have allowed for the preservation of certain contracts, enabling continued design work on the at-grade segment of the Green Line between Victoria Park and Shepard.
On Tuesday evening, Calgary city council received a confidential update regarding the recent working group meeting, but details from that briefing were not disclosed to the public.
Source
globalnews.ca