Following above-ground alignment, Alberta claims it will reinstate financing for the Green Line
On September 4, Minister Dreeshen expressed concerns over recent project updates, calling the Green Line a “multi-billion dollar boondoggle” that would serve too few people.
Despite pulling financial support last week, the Alberta government says it remains committed to Calgary's Green Line LRT project, but only if it's constructed above ground.
In a statement to CityNews, Premier Danielle Smith’s Press Secretary, Savannah Johannsen, confirmed that both Premier Smith and Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen met with Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek on Monday to discuss the future of the Green Line.
Johannsen stated that the province remains dedicated to the project, emphasizing a new above-ground alignment to benefit more residents.
On September 4, Minister Dreeshen expressed concerns over recent project updates, calling the Green Line a “multi-billion dollar boondoggle” that would serve too few people.
As a result, the province withdrew its $1.53 billion funding commitment.
Earlier this year, Calgary City Council approved a scaled-down version of the Green Line, reducing the total capital budget to $6.248 billion.
The revised plan focused on building the core section from Eau Claire to Lynwood/Millican in the southeast, with future expansions contingent on additional funding.
However, following the province's decision to pull financial support, the city council voted last week to begin winding down the project.
They have requested recommendations on how to proceed, potentially transferring the project's risk and costs to the province. Further discussions are set for September 17.
