Contrary to popular belief, the Green Line LRT project is not dead. It’s a vital project for our city’s future. Only the high-cost, high-risk tunnels under our downtown river system are off the table.
The question now is, where do we go from here? Can we come together to find an effective solution?
The city and province have different and legitimate views on the Green Line. The city approved a much shorter route with a higher price tag and fewer paying commuters as the core for future development.
Premier Danielle Smith said the cost to Alberta taxpayers was too steep with too few benefits and would not support the business case for the truncated line. She also confirmed provincial funding would be available if the proposed route ran from downtown through East Village and as far south as possible, with no tunnels.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek says the withdrawal of funding means the project is no longer financially viable for the city and recommends winding it down or handing it off to the province. A majority of councillors support her position.
Despite the promises and passionate commitment of Green Line supporters, this project has been shrouded in secrecy with countless behind-closed-door meetings and limited freedom of information. More importantly, there has never been a comprehensive business case, detailed project plan or realistic funding model for the entire line.
The decade of debate about the Green Line is water under the bridge. Today is an opportunity to clear the air and move forward with a viable, comprehensive and transparent transit plan. Decision-makers have a narrow window of opportunity to find common ground and get this train back on track. Our citizens’ group is optimistic that a path forward can be found and an affordable Green Line can be built that works for commuters, taxpayers and generations of Calgarians.
To that end, we urge the city and province to engage in constructive dialogue and focus on a proactive action plan that aligns the route with realistic funding targets.
Our commitment to the Green Line remains steadfast. We have advocated for an affordable, aboveground option from city hall to the South Health Campus and the surrounding communities for years. Our primary concern has always been the city’s plan to build high-risk, high-cost underground tunnels in a complex geological floodplain. Local experts and their real-world experience building in downtown Calgary have informed our position.
Like most Calgarians, we also support the province’s priority of extending the LRT to the airport.
Along with other advocacy groups and the premier, we support a full review of affordable options that meet the transit needs of communities in the north.
We also encourage examining innovative options beyond fixed rail, including flexible transit approaches that minimize costs and increase transit safety and efficiencies throughout Calgary.
But there’s no time to lose. Funding from provincial and federal taxpayers to build a financially viable Green Line may still be available. Decision-makers must act quickly and responsibly to leverage the work completed, mitigate costs, retain contractors and staff before they move on, and save jobs for Calgary workers.
The downside of doing nothing is a losing proposition for everyone. There could be decades of litigation, potentially billions of dollars in damages and no line to the south, north or airport for decades.
The upside is much more promising. An affordable line that provides an effective transit line to take people where they want to go. It would guarantee many more new riders and funds to help offset operational costs. It could also lead to improved mobility, reduced traffic and a boost to the local economy.
We ask our elected officials to collaborate in good faith, preserve the investment’s value thus far, and limit liabilities and risks. By devising a viable plan, they can create a winning scenario for Calgarians, commuters and taxpayers.
The Green Line is not dead; it’s just derailed.
Can it get back on track? Absolutely — with sound decisions and an action plan.
If there’s a will, there’s a way.
Jim Gray, Steve Allan, and Brian Felesky, on behalf of the Rethink the Green Line ad hoc citizens committee.