New transit-based housing, but no LRT Station for SE Calgary community 

A new transit-oriented housing project is full steam ahead in southeast Calgary without a new Green Line LRT Station.

Calgary’s Green Line LRT has been squashed, at least for the time being, as the province pulled it’s portion of the $6.248 billion project.

Despite this, some transit-oriented projects are still going ahead, like a new housing development just 600 metres from the planned South Hill LRT Station, pushed out of Phase 1.

“I’m annoyed that they still are putting up this development,” resident Calista Wintrip told CityNews. “I don’t see the point at all, no. I think since the city said they were only going to build up to Lynnwood they should’ve stopped this development entirely and left this space alone. 

“It was a bit easier to swallow when they were here, they were selling it as a package with the LRT station and maybe that would help values a little bit,” said resident Cane Hussey. “But, they took that away from us and now we’re just left with this busy street that’s going to depress values.”

Area Councillor Kourtney Penner told CityNews just because the Green Line would no longer reach Riverbend in phase one, that doesn’t mean it’s never coming.

“So, we need to continue to plan and build in our established communities and our established city,” she said.

She made these comments ahead of news Tuesday the province would be pulling its funding for the project, calling the future of the Green Line into question.

With the housing project and new road developments some residents don’t feel safe with their kids playing in the front yard anymore. 

‘”The road definitely is a huge concern. It’s not only this road that they want to open, they want to open Rivercrest Crescent as well,” Wintrip said. “So, there would be two access points for people to come through, which is a big problem.”

“My daughter loves sidewalk chalk, we’ve been doing sidewalk chalk constantly, I’m not going to be able to do that with her anymore,” said another resident. “So I’m very worried about the safety of the children on the street for sure.”

With the new project expected to house nearly 1,000 residents and delays with the South Hill LRT station, parking is another concern for residents. 

“There’s never enough parking that’s designed into those neighbourhoods, and we’re always looking for parking outside the neighbourhood on neighbourhood streets, which means they’re going to be looking for parking over here as well,” said resident Kathryn Daniels.

Penner says parking permits could be an option but has not given a timeline.