Calgary’s mayor wants provincial politicians to see the impacts of a potential downtown Green Line alignment, and she’s invited them to a walkabout to see it firsthand.
Mayor Jyoti Gondek issued a statement Tuesday afternoon, invited Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen, along with other members of the government’s Calgary caucus, to walk the proposed provincial downtown alignment.
Previously downtown businesses, building owners and commercial real estate operators expressed their concerns about the elevated alignment in Calgary’s downtown. They cited safety issues, business impact, accessibility issues, sound, property values and more as problems with the elevated version.
The statement issued by the mayor said that the engagement process was an important one, and this would be a part of it.
“This initiative is crucial as it will allow us to see firsthand the potential impacts of the proposed elevated line on our community,” she wrote.
“And it will be the first step in this important engagement process.”
Mayor Gondek said this wasn’t a question of the aesthetics of a downtown alignment.
“We need to understand the practical, day-to-day impacts that could alter how we live, work, and socialize in these spaces,” she said.
“The input from those affected is invaluable in shaping a project that will serve Calgarians for generations to come.”
Outside council chambers during the Feb. 4, 2028 public hearing meeting of council, Mayor Gondek said that they’ve provided a few dates to the province for the walk.
“I want to be very accommodating, but this is something that needs to be done soon so people can see what an elevated line could potentially do in terms of harm,” she said.
Important to experience the route in person: Mayor Gondek
Mayor Gondek was asked why it’s important for attendees to go along the route on foot. She said she’s been on the route in a vehicle and on foot and there’s nothing like experiencing what might happen if a train goes through the area.
“I think it’s important to go in there and experience what the business owners and their patrons will be experiencing,” the mayor said.
“Not to mention having those conversations with people that have been running their businesses for 40 plus years and there hasn’t ever been a conversation. I think it’s critical.”
The mayor said the invite would be open to the rest of her city council colleagues.
LWC asked the province if they are open to walking the route with the mayor and council.
“We look forward to finally seeing construction start this year on the Green Line after a decade of delay,” read an emailed statement from Minister Dreeshen.
“Regarding the downtown alignment, there is more than a year’s worth of detailed design work that needs to be done. Local concerns regarding the downtown alignment will be carefully considered and resolved during that time.”
Meanwhile, Calgary city councillors heard from Infrastructure Services GM Michael Thompson on the progress of the business case.
He said that a business case would be prepared with the prior direction from Calgary city council. Once the business case is submitted for approval, it’s not typically changed by any of the approving parties.
