Alberta's plan for Calgary’s Green Line LRT project revealed

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith reveals the next steps to Calgary’s Green Line LRT project after the province withdrew $1.5 Billion in funding. Phoenix Phillips reports.

[DrusillaD-kw]

so they just tore down eau claire for nothing?

[nadinewellwood]

City of Calgary spends a billion dollars with nothing to show. Taking the time to analyze options before making a commitment is wise. As fundamental infrastructure like water lines in Calgary crumble, is it not possible that there are other priorities.

[patalberta]

Province can break the contract if the original contract was a full meal deal but instead given a pineapple pizza

[FerdinandArandia-ox]

Almost all Projects in this province have always been expensive for no reason at all. Contractors are always making money at the expense of taxpayers with results that are OK but not really outstanding compared to other projects in advanced economies. It’s about time that tax payers demand more transparency in government projects and allow other bidders so we get to see competitive bids, efficient execution, and quality projects!

[dominiquepadmaraj]

If it is ridership, they are looking for, extend the blue line to the airport and future to Airdrie. There is enough population to fill those rail cars with passengers. That will remove a lot of cars from Metis trail.

[arl]

I think it's a good idea to re think this project which has been a nightmare from the start. Makes more sense to go north to the airport and Airdrie, there would be more ridership I think. I think the projected budget was way off right from the start when Nenshi started it.

[ShortsHound]

I agree that the route could be better studied as opposed to all this tunneling to nowhere

[samuelo]

The province wants to put the downtown section above ground instead of underground. If the province thinks that that is possible I want whatever drugs they are on

[dcb_]

The provincial government isn't breaking any contract - they agreed to provide $X based off of a proposal. Calgary's joke of a mayor has changed that now meaning what was agreed on isn't being done. The province didn't break the contract, the city did. If you had a contract with someone to cut your lawn and they then decided to only mow along the sidewalk, would you still pay? Of course not, they didn't fully do what was agreed to - this is the same. If people don't like it, ask the Mayor why this now costs more while the city ends up with less track.

[IshmaelPrice]

"Green Line future at risk after 86% cut in provincial funding over next 4 years" - article from 2019. The UCP caused this in the first place. They had to cut costs after that.

[kevinkarbonik]

Just cancel the whole thing and work on BRT lines.

[peterpelly]

Smith has no standing to break this contract. Calgarians pay a huge chuck of Alberta's taxes.

[spacewolfjr]

The province doesn't like the federal government interfering in their business but the province interferes with the cities... hmm

[samsee_ca]

All the questions Danielle's asking here are things the city debated and settled FOUR TO EIGHT YEARS AGO.

This includes the Deerfoot Valley alignment she mentioned here, which Calgarians resoundingly rejected for reasons that were obvious to anybody who saw a map of it.

Just more needless uncertainty from the Untrustworthy Cheapskates Party of Alberta.

[danszmidt]

No cotract was broken, simply, provincial funds were cut due to the skyrocketing OVER COSTS which taxpayers would have to pay for

[elrickthebrave]

Contracts can have outs for conditions met/unmet. That is normal as it is a protection measure for both parties within a contract framework. A fresh perspective is a good ask given all the project modifications to date. Re-alignment north along the valley and connecting to the airport would have a greater impact (financially) to the city. I would say do that first since we have a massive international airport waiting for a cost effective solution to drive people downtown.

[danperry]

Lol broken promises, please remember she once was a card carrying member of the reform party whose motto is white is right remember now?

[roberthicks]

Example of clueless politicians thanking their transportation experts or let’s reroute this to make some money for my buddies? Which one?

[stevec]

If the Calgary counsel thinks it is a good plan adjust it to fit the budget

[crazyteenagers]

If a municipality's tax base cannot fund said municipalities needs then it is being managed improperly, or is providing services beyond its means. All of Canada's large cities seem to think it is the Province and Feds responsibility to help fund their spending. Cities and Towns it is time to wake up your taxpayers and remind them that if they want more services then their taxes will need to go up. It is time to stop this pandering to higher levels of government.