Calgary city council recently voted to wind down the Green Line LRT project, but discussions between the city and the provincial government are underway to potentially salvage portions of the project. Mayor Jyoti Gondek sent a letter to the province urging them to preserve existing work and contracts, such as the contract for low-floor light-rail vehicles and design work for a segment of the Green Line. The mayor estimated that keeping these contracts could save costs and jobs, as starting from scratch would require a new procurement process.
The Government of Alberta has hired engineering firm AECOM to explore alternate alignments for the Green Line that would stay within the project’s budget of $6.2 billion. The new plan would involve running the line at-grade from the downtown core to Seton in the southeast of the city. Both parties are committed to finding a new alignment that is cost-effective, quick to deliver, and maintains the initial vision for the project to connect the north and south of Calgary. The province has agreed to review the city’s existing contracts, despite previously rejecting the idea.
After weeks of tension between the city council and provincial government, a meeting between Mayor Gondek, Premier Danielle Smith, Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen, and other officials was described as positive and productive. Dreeshen emphasized the importance of salvaging the Green Line and working together to achieve this goal. The project had been in limbo since the province threatened to pull its funding unless changes were made to the route. The costs to wind down the project are estimated to be significant, but both the city and province are focused on finding a way forward.
Mayor Gondek and Minister Dreeshen highlighted the need for a quick decision-making process regarding existing contracts in order to move the project forward. The city is facing potential costs of $850 million to wind down the project, with an additional $2.1 billion in money already spent. The province has stated that it will not assist with these costs, leaving the city responsible for overseeing the construction of the future LRT line. City and provincial officials are working together to review existing contracts and make decisions in a timely manner.
As discussions continue between the city and province, both parties are emphasizing the importance of collaboration and finding a solution that benefits taxpayers and ensures the completion of the Green Line project. The mayor and minister have expressed a commitment to working together to salvage the project and deliver a new alignment that meets the needs of residents. Time is of the essence as decisions need to be made quickly regarding existing contracts and the future of the Green Line LRT. Mayor Gondek and Minister Dreeshen are hopeful that a resolution can be reached to move the project forward in a cost-effective and efficient manner.
