‘Death sentence’: 10th Ave businesses voice frustration over downtown Green Line plan
Posted Sep 11, 2026 5:33 pm.
Some Calgary businesses along 10 Avenue SW say the city’s decision to run the Downtown Green Line LRT at street level threatens their livelihoods.
The concerns follow council’s vote Tuesday to proceed with a surface‑level alignment through the Beltline, rejecting elevated and underground options as too expensive.
Under the approved route, trains would run directly along 10 Avenue and terminate at 2 Street SW.
Bottlescrew Bill’s, located at 10 Avenue and 1 Street SW, has launched a tongue‑in‑cheek product called Death Sentence in response. The renamed beer is a jab at what owner Geoff Allan believes the construction period will mean for his business.
“There’s gonna be detours, road closures; it’s going to be harder to get to us. It’s going to be loud, dusty, dirty,” Allan said, adding that even loyal customers may choose easier destinations.
“The reality is I don’t think anybody has the bankroll to make it through the three to four years that it’s going to take them to finish it.”
Just down the block, Michael’s Restaurant and Pizza owner John Batas shares the same fears.
“Just be fair to us. Don’t put it in the middle of the street, don’t ruin our livelihood,” Batas said. “Look at 7th Avenue, how many businesses are thriving on 7th Avenue right now?
“Whatever’s left is now closed. You’ve already destroyed that street, why destroy this one also.”
Batas argues the impacts will extend beyond restaurants.
“All these parkades have to dump onto 10th Avenue, and the traffic heading westbound and eastbound is tremendous. If you take away lanes, where are they gonna go.”
Business owners point to recent examples elsewhere. In July, Greta Bar closed its Edmonton location, citing “years of simultaneous construction tied to the Valley Line West LRT, Jasper Avenue, etc.” as a contributing factor.
