Calgary’s newest infrastructure megaproject has been given a boost courtesy of the Government of Canada.
The federal government confirmed on May 15 that it will put $1.53-billon towards the first stage of the Green Line, a new light rapid transit (LRT) line that will link Calgary’s north and south neighbourhoods.
While the Trudeau government has reaffirmed federal commitment to the project, the original pledge to help fund the Green Line came from the previous government under former prime minister Stephen Harper.
Reaction to the announcement from Alberta construction industry stakeholders has been positive.
“The Alberta Construction Association welcomes the significant public investment in the Green Line, especially with private investment not fully recovered,” said Alberta Construction Association executive director Ken Gibson.
“The $1.5-billion investment will support thousands of construction jobs and the LRT will keep Calgarians on the move.”
Alberta’s construction labour sector also expressed optimism about the government announcement.
“We’re glad to see work is proceeding with the project. Hopefully this will mean work for our members in what’s been a slow period for the industrial sector in Calgary,” stated Building Trades of Alberta executive director Terry Parker. “Any construction work is a good thing.”
Major construction of the Green Line will begin in 2020 with work running from 16 Ave N to 126 Ave SE. Completion has been scheduled for 2026.
The project will consist of 14 stations, eight bridges, a kilometre of elevated track between the Inglewood/Ramsay to 26 Ave stations, and a four kilometre Centre City tunnel from 16 Ave N to Macleod Trail. The first stage will also include a light rail vehicle maintenance and storage facility north of 126 Ave SE, and approximately 70 low floor vehicles. The capital construction cost for the project is $4.65 billion.
Progressive Contractors Association of Canada president Paul de Jong said the announced funding is not only good news but indicates commitment on the part of the federal and Alberta governments.
“This is good and welcome news that the federal and provincial governments are working with Calgary on an important infrastructure project,” de Jong said.
He added the project will bring needed construction jobs to Calgary and ease the worries of local construction firms affected by a continued economic downturn for the city.
“It’s a great signal for construction companies concerned with the downturn. It’s a good sign, along with the Calgary Ring Road. It will bring opportunities and that’s good news all round,” de Jong said.
Municipal officials have also indicated their commitment to the project.
“The Green Line is an incredibly important investment in Calgary’s future, that will create jobs, and provide Calgarians from Crescent Heights to Shepard with fast, reliable and modern public transportation,” said Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi in a release.
“We have the experience and expertise to design and deliver the Green Line project. Calgary builds world-class LRT, and we’re ready to deliver excellent transit service,” City of Calgary transportation general manager Michael Thompson added.
Part of the investment for the Green Line is from $3.3 billion in funding from a bilateral agreement signed between Alberta and the federal government on April 3 to support public transit and green infrastructure projects.
Alberta committed in 2017 to spend $1.53-billion over eight years on the first stage of the Green Line using revenue from the province’s Climate Leadership Plan including carbon levies. Once the Green Line is complete, the provincial government estimates it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55,000 tonnes of CO2 annually by 2048.
In December 2015, the City of Calgary committed $1.56 billion over 30 years, contingent on support at the federal and provincial level.
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