Following a vote by Calgary councillors late Tuesday, Alberta’s transportation minister says he’s “relieved” to see a new Green Line plan approved that would see construction start in the southeast while a downtown design is developed.
The provincial government released a commissioned report in December showing its preferred alignment for a train through the Beltline and downtown is on an elevated track instead of a tunnel.
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With council’s approval, the first phase of the Green Line will essentially be split in two: track and station construction will start as early as this spring from Shepard to Victoria park, while a plan for downtown is developed over the next two years.
“(I’m) just really relieved that the Calgary council voted in favour of this better Green Line alignment,” said Devin Dreeshen, Alberta’s transportation minister.
“It’s just great to finally put this saga to bed and to know that we can finally have the construction of the Green Line happen this spring, in 2025. And I think that’s just great news for Calgary and Calgary commuters,” Dreeshen told CTV News on Wednesday, adding the province will now work with the city to put together a business case for the new plan to send to the federal government.
While council green-lit the newest plan for the transit megaproject, several councillors appeared to do so reluctantly.
The city was forced into a corner by the province with little choice to keep the project alive, some councillors said.
“I just don’t think the way that we’re being forced to make a decision to take it or leave it, hostage-type situation with a blank cheque is responsible governance,” said Ward 3 Coun. Jasmine Mian.
“I respect that council’s decided to go that direction, but I can’t be a part of that,” Mian said, adding she will not be running for re-election in October and the Green Line situation was “the last straw.”
The province estimates the first phase of the Green Line could cost $6.2 billion, but Calgary officials say they’ve identified at least $1.3 billion in additional costs the city will have to cover.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who voted against the new Green Line plan, accused the province of being “overlords” of the project.
“The one thing I’m 100 per cent confident in is that the province will bully their way through this project,” Gondek said Wednesday.
“They have said, ‘you know what? We’re not going to put in any more money. We’re not taking any risk. But here’s exactly what we want.’”
She cited concerns from business groups and people living in the Beltline for why she is not in favour of an elevated track.
Earlier this week, four business and construction associations called the proposed elevated alignment “reckless” given the concerns about noise, vibration and the impact on property values along 10th Avenue and Second Street.
Part of the downtown design work will look at potential impacts an elevated Green Line would have, city officials said.
On Wednesday, the Calgary Construction Association (CCA) said it is “cautiously optimistic” about the newly approved plan.
The CCA was part of the group pushing for more assessments to be done on impacts of the Green Line.
“We are encouraged to see council’s recommendations align with this approach, allowing critical infrastructure to proceed while ensuring further due diligence on downtown connectivity and feasibility,” reads a statement.
Major construction on the southeast leg of the Green Line would start this year, while downtown construction could happen by 2027.
