The Calgary Construction Association (CCA) is calling the recent provincial announcement of pulling funding for the Green Line LRT project “a devasting blow” to the industry and the city.
“The Green Line LRT is not just a transit project; it is an economic lifeline that our industry has been counting on. The delays caused by the funding pull threaten to stall progress, erode confidence, and result in missed opportunities for local businesses and workers,” said Bill Black, president and CEO of the Calgary Construction Association.
The Green Line LRT project, which has long been heralded as a transformative infrastructure project for Calgary, now faces an uncertain future, putting jobs, economic growth, and the city’s transportation infrastructure at risk.
The Alberta government’s abrupt decision to reduce its financial commitment to the Green Line project is a significant setback not only for Calgary’s construction industry but also for the broader community that has been anticipating the benefits of this vital transit expansion. The Green Line, envisioned to be Calgary’s largest infrastructure project, has already faced numerous delays, and this latest development only compounds the challenges.
The association said the government’s decision to unilaterally claw back funding for the Green Line LRT sets a concerning precedent for all future infrastructure projects across Alberta. It could jeopardize future investments, delay critical infrastructure developments, and hinder economic recovery efforts across the province.
The construction industry in Calgary has been eagerly awaiting the full-scale launch of the Green Line LRT, recognizing it as a critical project that would provide substantial employment opportunities and drive economic activity in the region. With the provincial funding pullback, the timeline for the project is now more uncertain than ever, leading to increased uncertainty for contractors, workers, and suppliers and the risk of further escalation.
“Calgary continues to grow at unprecedented rate, and Calgarians need safe and comprehensive access to a transit network and associated connectivity. We cannot afford to lose any further momentum on the Green Line,” concluded Black. “It is essential that we come together to ensure that this project, which holds so much promise for our city, is completed without further delay.”
