Full Breakdown
Calgary City Council Chooses Surface-Level Green Line Route Through Downtown
By Drooid · · How we work
Council Approves Downtown Alignment
Calgary city council voted 12-2 to adopt a surface-level alignment along 10th Avenue S.W., ending at a new station between First and Second Street S.W. The decision finalizes the downtown segment of the Green Line LRT but leaves the precise northward route across the Bow River to be determined later. The approved option was the least expensive of three alternatives presented earlier in the month.
Budget and Project Scope
The Green Line carries a $6.25 billion price tag, the largest infrastructure investment in Calgary’s history. City administration noted that the chosen alignment projects the lowest initial ridership—about 41,000 daily riders—and was the only option that fit within the current budget envelope. By contrast, an elevated downtown route would have added roughly $1 billion to costs, while a tunnel option would have required an additional $1.5 billion that the Alberta government withdrew in 2024. The province’s withdrawal prompted the shift from the original tunnel plan to the present surface design.
Official Statements & Responses
Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen confirmed the province will sign off on the surface alignment after hearing concerns from downtown businesses and residents. Wendy Tynan, director of the Green Line LRT, said the city will begin meeting with affected business owners and community groups to address impacts.
Business and Community Concerns
Councillors Raj Dhaliwal and Jennifer Wyness voiced opposition, citing “too many unknowns” and the lack of a direct connection to the existing C-Train network. Local bar owner Geoff Allan warned that the alignment could have “generational impacts” on his business, questioning parking, delivery access, and the location of a required switchback.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Obviously, there’s impacts no matter which way this was going to happen, but I think this at-grade along 10th Avenue is the best downtown alignment that we can come up with,” — Devin Dreeshen, transportation minister
- “It was the only one that fit within the budget envelope,” — Willem Klumpenhouwer, independent transit consultant
- “We don’t think it’s good enough,” — Geoff Allan
- “They don’t answer, they haven’t set up any meetings, we don’t have any answers yet.” — Wendy Tynan, director of the Green Line LRT
- “It’s been on a long journey and if it doesn’t benefit everybody that’s directly affected by it and if they can’t survive, then why are we doing this?” — Coun. Nathaniel Schmidt