Province to review Green Line LRT: Transportation Minister
Posted Jun 18, 2020 8:02 am.
Last Updated Jun 18, 2020 10:02 am.
CALGARY (660 NEWS) – Even with overwhelming approval by city council, the provincial government plans to take a closer look at the Green Line LRT.
In a letter to council, Transportation Minister Ric McIver said the UCP will review the project to analyze the risks and benefits and ensure tax dollars are being used responsibly.
So far the province has committed $1.53 billion to the over $5 billion price tag for the Green Line.
Last night Calgary City Council voted for a Green Line plan. The Government of Alberta will now review that specific proposal with an open mind. #ableg #yyccc pic.twitter.com/H6n7q3TsrF
— Ric McIver (@RicMcIver) June 17, 2020
“Our government has reiterated its commitment to building a Green Line LRT and we remain in favour of the goals of the project and the desire to provide accessible mass transit for Calgarians,” the letter reads.
On Tuesday, council approved a revised version of Stage 1 of the project which would see almost 20 kilometres of track built from 16 Ave. north to Shepard Road SE.
The remaining routes will be serviced by Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) until more money is available to build that part of the line.
WATCH: The Green Line gets the green light
Critics argue this plan shortchanges some areas of the city, including the far north.
Meanwhile, former Finance Minister and Calgary-Buffalo MLA Joe Ceci said he’s also keeping tabs on the UCP review.
He’s encouraging the government to keep its commitment to funding the project and not withdraw following the review.
We are on it. A letter is being drafted to all Calgary MLAs as well as McIver and Kenney and we will be asking our members to reach out
— Calgary Alliance for the Common Good (@CommonGoodYYC) June 18, 2020
That’s prompted the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good to write to all Calgary MLAs including McIver and Premier Jason Kenney ensuring they keep their end of the bargain.
Right now. there’s no word on when the review of the Green Line will happen or how long it will last.
