CALGARY — After being delayed due to procurement, cost and timeline concerns, the Province of Alberta and Ottawa have given Calgary’s Green Line project the green light.
“By investing in smart public transit projects, we’re reducing gridlock, helping more Calgarians get to and from work, creating good middle-class jobs, growing the economy, and fighting climate change,” said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a press release. “As we set the course for an inclusive recovery from COVID-19, we will keep focusing on laying the foundations for long-term, sustainable growth to create a Canada that is cleaner, more competitive and more resilient for generations to come.” Trudeau also reaffirmed the Government of Canada’s commitment to contribute $1.53 billion to the project. Alberta is contributing $1.53 billion and the city is contributing $1.59 billion. It will be the largest infrastructure project in Calgary’s history.
Once fully built, 250,000 residents will live within a 15-minute bus trip of the Green Line alignment.
The city was sent back to the drawing board after being told by Ric McIver, minister of transportation, that the city’s plans were at high-risk for going over budget.
The city submitted a revised business case to the provincial and federal governments after altering the alignment of the Green Line LRT in June 2020. At the same time, the provincial government launched a review of the project to ensure it was technically and financially sound.
“I’m grateful for the hard work done by the technical experts at the province and the city to make the Green Line a functional project that connects to the rest of the LRT network,” said McIver. “I am confident that the Green Line is in a stronger, more certain position today, and is in the capable hands of an experienced project team that can take this important project forward”
Phase one of the project consists of 18 kilometres of LRT from Shepard to Eau Claire, which includes bus rapid transit enhancements along Centre Street to 160 Avenue. Phase two will be two kilometres of LRT from Eau Claire to 16 Avenue North.
“Investments in transit are among the very best investments for a community,” said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “The Green Line is more than a train, it is a way for people to get to work and school and better participate in our community. Calgarians have been waiting for this for so long and it’s great to take this important step.”
Recent Comments
comments for this post are closed