Calgary gets lion's share as public transit in Alberta gets $500M boost

From solar charging storage for electric buses in Grande Prairie, to new buses for Red Deer, to big investments paving the way for Calgary's Green Line LRT, the federal and provincial governments loosened the purse strings for transit on Saturday. 

In total, municipalities across Alberta will see $506 million worth of investment for 89 projects, with the province contributing just shy of $236 million and Ottawa chipping in almost $133 million. The remainder of the funds, $137 million, will come directly from the municipalities. 

"I think this is a real example of cooperative federalism and how we're working well with our provincial partners and municipal partners," said Calgary MP and Veteran's Affairs Minister Kent Hehr.

"I know when I wake up in the morning, probably many of us when we wake up in the morning, we say 'My goodness, how long is it going to take me to get to work?' Or when we come home 'How long is it going to take to get home to see my kids or my family?' That's what this is about. To make our cities, our country, more efficient, more effective and more ready for the challenges which lie ahead."

Calgary gets lion's share

Calgary is the big winner in Saturday's announcement, with $258.9 million earmarked to lay the groundwork for the Green Line LRT expansion — including utility relocations along the route, bus upgrades and land preparation.

"You've heard me say many, many, many, many times, that investments in transit are amongst the most important investments that any government can make," said Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi. 

"They're not only investments in mobility, they're investments in the environment, they're investments in social mobility — by helping people get to school and work without needing a car — and they're investments in connection, helping people feel part of the community in which they belong." 

Nenshi said with low interest, higher unemployment and low construction costs, now is the time to invest in major transit projects. 

Alberta Infrastructure Minister Brian Mason said the NDP government is still working with the city on additional funding for the Green Line, stressing the immensity of the project, both in size and costs. The city and the federal government have each pledged $1.5 billion for the project, estimated to cost around $5 billion.

Green Line

However, Mason said it's important to invest in infrastructure, particularly in Calgary.

"In the very near future, this city will again be the economic powerhouse and the dynamic business centre of Western Canada," he said. 

"Our government is committed to helping Calgary to respond when that happens with major infrastructure spending on the services that Calgarians need."

He said the investments throughout the province help support his government's job stimulus plans as well as its climate leadership plan. 

For Calgary councillor Shane Keating, Saturday's announcement was an important milestone after six years of championing the Green Line project. 

"It has now gone from an 'if' statement to a 'when' statement, and that's crucial," he said. 

"You don't spend a few hundred million dollars on a project that isn't going to go ahead."

Edmonton received money in September

Absent from the long list of municipalities receiving funding was Edmonton, although St. Albert, Strathcona County and other nearby areas did receive funds. 

The money comes from the federal government's Public Transit Infrastructure Fund, set up earlier this year, as well as the province's Green Transit Incentives Program. 

The PTIF allocated $347.2 million for Alberta. 

In September, the two government's announced $318.2 million in transit funding for 49 projects. 

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