The City of Calgary invites public feedback on an elevated alignment for the Green Line LRT through the downtown core, as original tunneling plans face uncertainty. Residents can submit input via an online survey and attend virtual or in-person sessions until March 2. This consultation shapes a functional study, set for public release later this year.
Proposed Elevated Route Details
The plan features an elevated track from Event Centre/Grand Central Station in Victoria Park, along 10 Avenue S in the Beltline, turning north over CPKC Rail tracks to 2 Street S.W., and ending above 7 Avenue S.W., where Red and Blue lines run at-grade.
The functional study advances design refinements, validates cost estimates, assesses impacts on infrastructure, and confirms broad public support before construction begins.
Resident and Business Concerns
The elevated design sparks criticism from locals and businesses along the route, citing safety risks and disruptions to public spaces, traffic, and access. John Batas, owner of Michael’s Restaurant on the proposed path, stated, “We’ve been through a lot, but this is like another punch in the gut. I think walking traffic will be almost non-existent, it’s going to be harder to get here, and then having to deal with who knows what around.”
Project Background and Funding Shifts
An engineering firm, hired by the provincial government in 2024, developed the elevated option. Initial tunneling under downtown was abandoned after the province withdrew its $1.5 billion commitment amid rising costs. City council endorsed the revised alignment in early 2025, enabling southeast leg construction from Shepard to Victoria Park.
No final choice exists between elevated or underground routes; the study provides council recommendations.
Officials Weigh In
Mayor Jeromy Farkas anticipates valid concerns from consultations. “There are some very legitimate concerns that I’m anticipating to hear through the consultation process that I’m sure are going to be daylighted,” he told reporters. “I can’t speak for the provincial government but I’m sure they’ll be looking in good faith at these considerations if there may be future adjustments or changes that are required down the road.”
Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen defends the elevated path. “The elevated alignment avoids billions of dollars in tunnelling costs, allowing the project to reach more neighbourhoods, deliver five more stations, and boosts commuter ridership by 60 per cent,” he said in a statement. “Our focus is on a transit system that’s practical, affordable, and built to serve Calgary for decades to come.”
Ward 7 Coun. Myke Atkinson calls for tunneling cost comparisons. “I think we have to be looking at what does tunnelling look like when we’re talking about cut and cover, versus tunnelling with a boring machine as we’re doing with the new water pipe right now,” he noted. “Those are very different ways of going about tunnelling that have different outcomes and different costs associated with it.”
Expert Perspective and Funding Breakdown
Experts doubt the province will revisit tunneling. David Cooper, principal at Leading Mobility, observed, “If your three funders don’t agree on how to build a project, the project is not going to happen. The province has been very clear it doesn’t want to see a tunnel. I don’t think a tunnel is going to proceed if one of your key funders doesn’t agree with it.”
Calgary funds 46 percent of the $6.2-billion project, with federal government at 27 percent and province at 26 percent.
Upcoming Engagement Opportunities
A virtual session occurs on Feb. 28, alongside in-person drop-ins at Memorial Park Library from Feb. 18 to 22.
