Green Line LRT Delayed Again by Calgary Council Concerns

Calgary's Green Line light rail transit (LRT) project has been delayed once again, as Calgary's city council voted on November 21, 2023 to defer a decision on the issue.

The Green Line is a proposed 46-kilometre LRT line that would run from north to south Calgary, connecting communities like Beddington, Shepard, the University of Calgary, and Seton.

The project has been in the planning stages for over a decade and was originally scheduled to be completed in 2027. However, the project has been plagued by delays and cost overruns, and the latest delay is likely to push the completion date back even further.

The city council's decision to defer a decision on the Green Line was made after a marathon meeting that lasted over 12 hours. During the meeting, council members raised concerns about the project's cost, its environmental impact, and its impact on traffic.

The Green Line is estimated to cost $5.5 billion to build, and some council members argued that the city cannot afford such a large expense at a time when it is facing a budget deficit.

Others expressed concerns about the project's environmental impact, arguing that it would cut down too many trees and destroy too much green space.

Still others argued that the Green Line would worsen traffic congestion in Calgary, especially in the downtown core.

The city council's decision to defer a decision on the Green Line is a major setback for the project. It is unclear when the council will next consider the issue, and it is possible that the project could be delayed for years.

The Green Line is a critical infrastructure project for Calgary, and its delay is a disappointment for many residents.

The project would provide much-needed transportation options for Calgarians, and it would help to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

It is hoped that the city council will reconsider its decision and approve the Green Line project as soon as possible.