Full Breakdown
Calgary City Committee Approves Surface Alignment for Downtown Green Line LRT
9/9/2026, 10:40:39 PM
Decision on Downtown Alignment
The city’s executive committee voted 12-1 to adopt a surface route for the Green Line LRT along 10 Avenue SW, terminating at a station between 1 and 2 Street SW. The option was the only one that fit within the $6.2 billion project’s available funding. Ward 2 Councillor Jennifer Wyness cast the sole dissenting vote.
Background and Funding Shifts
The original plan called for tunnelling beneath Calgary’s core, but the provincial government withdrew its $1.5 billion contribution after cost escalations, prompting a redesign. Two alternative elevated alignments—one extending to 2 Street SW and another turning north at 1 Street SE—were each projected to exceed the budget by $500 million to $1 billion.
Key Figures and Positions
- Jeromy Farkas – Mayor of Calgary, supporting the surface option.
- DJ Kelly – Ward 4 Councillor, emphasizing fiscal limits.
- Andrew Yule – Ward 3 Councillor, concerned about north-side transit connections.
- Wendy Tynan – Green Line director, overseeing funding compliance.
Data and Project Status
- Estimated ridership for the eliminated elevated option was 51,000 daily trips.
- To date, $2.2 billion in costs have been committed, with $209 million in contracts awarded and $400 million slated for spending this year.
- Six construction projects are active on the southeast leg, including a maintenance facility and an elevated guideway over Blackfoot Trail.
Official Statements & Reactions
Mayor Farkas noted the decision avoids further delays that would increase costs. Councillor Yule warned that the new alignment could affect future north-side transit plans, urging a review of the MAX Green BRT line. Green Line officials expressed confidence in meeting funding conditions.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I will admit, this is the first time I will actually vote to support the Green Line,” — Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas
- “It’s obvious to me that Option 1 and Option 2 require money we simply do not have,” — Ward
- “It is our belief we will be meeting the conditions of the funding agreement,” — Green Line, project officials
- “I can’t rely on sunshine and rainbows, I have to do something that’s actually going to be effective for Ward 3 residents,” — Coun. Andrew Yule
