Below are the speaking notes Mayor Jyoti Gondek delivered on the Green Line Downtown Alignment during a media availability on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at approximately 2:00 p.m.
The Green Line is a once-in-a-generation infrastructure project that will shape Calgary’s downtown forever. It represents a critical investment in our city’s future, one that will determine how we move, work, and grow for decades to come.
To start, I want to thank the Federal Government, Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Minister Nate Erskine-Smith and his staff for working hard to secure the federal Green Line funding before the March 31 deadline and before a federal election. Their contribution of $1.53 billion is valued by all of us at the City of Calgary.
This confirmation brings the good news that we can finally get building the SE leg of the Green Line.
However, it wasn’t all great news yesterday as the province, without consulting their federal or municipal partners issued a news release that suggested we are moving full steam ahead with the downtown alignment, even though significant risks and unanswered questions remain.
Calgarians need and deserve a safe, efficient, and well-planned transit system – one that connects the southeast to Eau Claire and eventually to the north. But we cannot afford to rush into a plan that ignores critical risks, increases taxpayer burdens, and threatens the long-term viability of our downtown core.
The AECOM report commissioned by the province is only at 5% design completion. Within the report, the authors clearly acknowledge that this report lacks the necessary analysis and stakeholder engagement to responsibly move forward, and it raises serious concerns about feasibility, cost, and long-term impacts.
Some of the biggest concerns include…
Property and structural impacts: There is no clear plan to address how this alignment will affect properties along the route, including commercial spaces and major downtown employers. This could have a devastating impact on the economy, jobs and property values, something we have been working hard to grow to fund the services Calgarians rely on.
Negotiations with CPKC: The proposed alignment crosses Canadian Pacific Kansas City’s rail right-of-way, yet there is no agreement in place for the necessary air rights. Without this agreement, there is no way to guarantee this alignment can even proceed as designed.
Environmental and noise concerns: There has been no comprehensive environmental impact assessment for flooding, stormwater impacts, or noise and vibration. These are fundamental studies that must be completed before we can responsibly commit.
Traffic and transit system impacts: There has been no clear assessment of how this alignment will affect downtown traffic flow, transit connectivity, or pedestrian movement. A poorly planned alignment could create more congestion and reduce transit efficiency instead of improving it.
We all want the Green Line to succeed. It is a project that has the potential to deliver real benefits for Calgary. Our goals must be:
A transit connection from the southeast to Eau Claire, making it easier for Calgarians to commute to work and move across the city, particularly to enjoy the nightlife and shopping of an attractive and energetic downtown core.
A downtown that is safe, walkable, and attractive to businesses and residents.
A downtown that continues to attract head offices, from industries like tech, energy, film, and retail, supporting economic growth and local jobs.
A strong tax base, which ensures we have the dollars flowing from downtown property taxes to fund the services Calgarians expect – from public safety to parks and recreation.
But we cannot afford to risk jeopardizing those goals with a rushed and incomplete plan.
As a Council, we were clear. We directed administration that we need a full and transparent review before any further commitments are made. We need to ensure that:
ONE: All financial risks are fully understood and Calgary taxpayers are not left paying the bill for cost overruns.
TWO: All agreements are in place, including CPKC’s approval, before proceeding with an alignment that relies on their cooperation.
THREE: The impact on property values and downtown businesses is fully assessed so we do not undermine the long-term economic health of our core.
FOUR: A comprehensive environmental and transit impact study is completed to ensure this alignment works for Calgary – not against it.
I will continue to push for a transparent and responsible approach to the Green Line. This is too important to get wrong. The decisions we make today will define Calgary’s future – and we owe it to every Calgarian to ensure we do it right.