The proposed elevated alignment for Calgary’s Green Line LRT through the downtown core has sparked significant concerns from a coalition of business, property owner, and construction industry organizations. These groups, including NAIOP Calgary, BOMA Calgary, the Calgary Construction Association (CCA), and the Calgary Downtown Association (CDA), have jointly expressed their apprehension in a letter to Premier Danielle Smith and Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen, characterizing the current plan as “reckless.” Their primary contention is the lack of comprehensive information, data, and financial details to justify the elevated design, particularly given previously identified challenges associated with such an alignment through the Beltline and downtown core. The organizations cite a range of specific concerns, including potential negative impacts on downtown property values, tenant retention, shadowing and vibrations caused by the elevated structure, disruptions to the Plus 15 network, and the absence of a thorough cost analysis. Furthermore, the proposed termination point at 7 Avenue and 2 Street S.W. is viewed as isolating the Eau Claire district from the Green Line’s benefits.
The coalition emphasizes the need for a more informed decision-making process based on comprehensive data. Mark Garner, executive director of the CDA, points to the lack of a full cost analysis, including assessments of potential property value declines and retail impacts. The provincial proposal, developed by AECOM, outlines an elevated route along 10 Avenue S.E., turning north above the CPKC Rail tracks to 2 Street S.W. before terminating above 7 Avenue S.W., where the existing Red and Blue lines operate at street level. Bill Black, president of the CCA, warns that the recent changes to the alignment pose a significant risk of halting the entire Green Line project. He acknowledges the inherent complexities of integrating the LRT into Calgary’s existing downtown infrastructure but stresses the importance of finding a viable solution.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek echoes the concerns raised by the coalition, acknowledging the critical need to execute the $6.2 billion project correctly to avoid irreversible damage to the downtown core. She highlights the substantial investments made by businesses in the area and the city’s own half-billion-dollar investment in downtown revitalization. Gondek notes that the current level of design detail, covering only five percent of the downtown alignment, contributes to the existing uncertainty among businesses along the proposed route. She emphasizes the importance of engaging with stakeholders to address their concerns and ensure the project aligns with the city’s long-term vision.
Minister Dreeshen, in response to the concerns, has affirmed his engagement with the organizations and his consideration of their perspectives. He contends that many of the identified challenges can be mitigated through further design development. However, he also cautions against delays or re-evaluations, citing the risk of jeopardizing federal funding, escalating costs, and depriving Calgary of a crucial transit solution. The coalition, while supportive of Green Line construction from Shepard to Victoria Park, has made their support contingent on a commitment to revisit the Beltline and downtown alignment through a detailed review involving all stakeholders. They emphasize the necessity of a collaborative approach to arrive at a suitable solution for the downtown core.
The coalition advocates for a pragmatic approach, suggesting prioritizing construction on the segments from Shepard to Victoria Park while simultaneously engaging in a more comprehensive discussion on the downtown alignment. This approach would allow progress on the less contentious sections while providing time for a more thorough and inclusive planning process for the downtown core. This approach is viewed as crucial to ensuring that the final alignment addresses the concerns of all stakeholders and integrates seamlessly with the existing urban fabric. The coalition stresses the need for a collaborative process that incorporates the expertise and perspectives of businesses, property owners, and the construction industry to achieve the best possible outcome for the Green Line project.
The upcoming closed-door briefing of Calgary city council by city administration is anticipated to provide crucial insights and recommendations on the path forward. The council’s deliberations will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Green Line and determining how the project can best serve the needs of Calgary’s residents and businesses while minimizing disruptions and maximizing the long-term benefits of this transformative infrastructure project. The focus will likely be on balancing the need for efficient project delivery with the imperative of addressing stakeholder concerns and ensuring the project’s long-term viability and integration with the downtown core.
