Calgary city officials have presented three potential downtown routes for the long-awaited Green Line LRT to city councillors for consideration. The city assessed technical studies and engineering analyses to evaluate the impact of each option on street activity, local businesses, and the overall downtown environment.
The first option in the report aligns with the provincial government’s proposed route, which involves an elevated path along 10th Avenue and Second Street S.W., connecting near the Red and Blue network on Seventh Avenue S.W. This option is deemed the most advanced, anticipating the highest ridership of the three at 51,000 daily passengers but also comes with a projected cost overrun of $1 billion.
With a current budget of $6.25 billion, the Green Line project already stands as the largest infrastructure investment in Calgary’s history. The elevated infrastructure along Second Street S.W. could have significant implications for adjacent properties and public spaces in the downtown corridor.
Initially, the city had suggested an underground route for the Green Line, which was rejected by the province in 2024, leading to a temporary withdrawal of funding. Subsequently, the province reintroduced its support with an alternative proposal for an elevated downtown route. Construction on the project commenced last summer, aiming to be operational by 2031.
In June, city councillors voted for the city administration to develop alternative proposals for downtown routes, with Option 2 and Option 3 emerging. Option 2, also elevated, would run along 10th Avenue and First Street S.E., projecting slightly lower ridership than Option 1 at 43,000 daily passengers but with a lower cost overrun of half a billion dollars.
Option 3, unlike the first two, could be accommodated within the designated funding for the downtown segment of the Green Line. This option would operate at surface level in a dedicated lane along 10th Avenue, ending at a station between First and Second Street S.W., catering to 41,000 daily riders.
Some stakeholders have expressed support for Option 3, emphasizing its integration of rapid transit into the street environment. Mayor Jeromy Farkas has emphasized the need for swift progress on the project, leaning towards Option 3 to allocate funds for the remainder of the line and potentially exploring underground tunneling options in the future.
Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen affirmed the province’s stance against underground routes, emphasizing a commitment to delivering an above-ground alignment that respects commuters and taxpayer dollars.