The Green Line LRT project in Calgary has faced uncertainty, particularly around the downtown alignment. In response to this, commercial real estate firms NAIOP and Boma Calgary, along with the Calgary Downtown Association (CDA), have requested an advisory committee to provide input on the future alignment. These organizations represent billions of dollars in real estate investments in Calgary and believe that the Green Line should enhance connectivity and sustain the city’s future needs. CDA executive director Mark Garner emphasized the importance of the Green Line for transportation to the downtown core, especially with Calgary’s growing population.
Despite challenges, agreements have been reached on a portion of the Green Line, with existing contracts being maintained and design work continuing on the line between Victoria Park and Shepard in the city’s southeast. Calgary mayor Jyoti Gondek and Alberta transportation minister Devin Dreeshen are optimistic about building a southeast LRT line, even after Calgary city council voted to wind down the project in response to budget concerns. The provincial funding has been recommitted, allowing for the retention of 700 jobs. However, uncertainty remains around how the Green Line will extend into the downtown core, with tunneling plans being a point of contention for the province.
In response to the province’s concerns about tunneling costs and uncertainty, engineering firm AECOM has been tasked with finding an alternative alignment for the Green Line through the downtown core. This alignment could potentially be either at grade or elevated and must connect to existing transit lines and community hubs. Commercial real estate firms such as NAIOP and Boma Calgary are advocating for their input to be considered in the new alignment. Industry experts, including David Wallach with Barclay Street Real Estate, have recommended against an elevated route due to potential negative impacts on commercial real estate values and disruptions in the downtown area.
The city of Calgary has studied both at-grade and tunneling options for the Green Line, with challenges presented by the shorter north-south blocks in the downtown area. Repurposing traffic lanes for LRT stations and trains would be necessary for an at-grade alignment, which could impact existing infrastructure. The Minister of Transportation has stated that work is ongoing with the City of Calgary to address stakeholder considerations, and opportunities for feedback will be provided as the project progresses. The revised alignment from AECOM is expected to be made public by the end of the year, providing further clarity on the future of the Green Line LRT project in Calgary. Commercial real estate organizations are advocating to have a seat at the table in decision-making processes to ensure that the project benefits the city’s future needs and does not negatively impact property values.
