Last night, City Council wrestled with approving the next stage of the Green Line LRT project that included a shortened alignment and increased labour, material, contracting, and equipment costs that exceeded the capital funding envelope of $4.9B (approved by the federal, provincial, and municipal governments in 2019- by $705M which will be covered by additional municipal investments.
The Green Line LRT Board provided two scenarios to City Council: 'Best value Scenario' with the approved Eau Claire to Shepard (18 km, 12 station, 3 park and ride, and 1 maintenance & storage facility) alignment that was well in excess of the available $4.9B funding envelope, and the 'Build the Core Scenario’ with a shorter and viable alignment from Eau Claire to Lynnwood / Millican (10 km, 7 stations, 1 park and ride, and 1 maintenance & storage facility) which is achievable with an additional $705M municipal investments.
I voted along with nine other City Council members in favour of the Build the Core Scenario that draws from previous savings, future efficiencies, and both operating and capital budget reallocations totaling $705M and no new taxes. I voted in favour for the following reasons that the Green Line LRT will:
- Enhance people's and community's connectivity to the vital downtown core, which is essential to Calgary's economy's economic growth and vitality. Many jobs, business and personal incomes, public services, and cultural experiences, including Arts Commons, Glenbow Museum, Contemporary Calgary, National Music Centre, the new Scotia Place arena, Chinatown, and more which are enjoyed by many Calgarians.
- Provide greater travel alternatives connections to and from the southeast through Lynnwood/Millican and new BRT connections thereafter to destinations such as the South Health Campus and other southeast communities.
- Stimulate significant downtown economic investments and expand tourism / visitor economic development through greater, climate-friendly transit access.
- Enhance our investments in public space at Eau Claire along the Riverwalk Pathway, Prince's Island, Sien Lok Park, Devonian Gardens, Century Gardens, and Cowboy’s (formerly Shaw Millenium) Park and more.
- Provide rapid transit services for students in the southeast to SAIT and University of Calgary in the northwest, Bow Valley College in downtown, and to the Peter Lougheed Hospital and the airport in the northeast via the Red and Blue Line connection; and most importantly,
- Stage the Green Line for further expansion to the southeast and eventually north central Calgary.
As with any large-scale project in today’s high-inflation and debt financing climate, tough decisions must be made. I made the tough decision, while it may be disappointing to some, it was right thing to move forward with now before it becomes more costly later, this project will also support Calgary’s growth and increased demand for rapid transit across the city.
LRT is a transformative investment in Calgary’s future. Investing in a robust public transit system like the Green Line is crucial for sustaining Calgary's high quality of life, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability in the future. With our city's remarkable growth and the expected surge in population by 77% to 2.5 million by 2076, embracing these changes and challenges ahead will substantially benefit our community.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we work towards a brighter, more connected future for Calgary.
- Terry Wong, Ward 7 City Councillor
Categories: Downtown, Transportation, Updates, Ward 7