Calgary Businesses and Property Owners Voice Strong Opposition to Elevated Green Line LRT
A comprehensive survey conducted among businesses and property owners along the proposed Green Line LRT route in Calgary has revealed overwhelming opposition to the elevated alignment through the downtown core. The findings, which were shared with Postmedia, indicate that 93% of business owners would oppose the elevated track if it were presented as the only option compared to doing nothing at all.
Survey Details and Methodology
The questionnaire was administered in late December and January by a consortium of prominent Calgary associations, including the Calgary Downtown Association, commercial property management groups BOMA and NAIOP Calgary, and the Calgary Construction Association. Respondents included both property owners and tenants along 2nd Street S.W., where the multibillion-dollar train line is planned for construction.
Andrew Doudican, director of urban strategy and special projects for the Calgary Downtown Association, emphasized that the survey results validate what the association has consistently heard from its extensive membership base of over 2,500 members. "It's beneficial to have this documented evidence," Doudican stated. "For organizations like ours, having concrete data to demonstrate widespread opposition helps us communicate more effectively with municipal and provincial authorities."
Key Findings from the Survey
The survey uncovered several critical insights regarding business and property owner sentiments:
- 98% of business owners expressed support for the Green Line project overall, indicating that opposition is specific to the elevated design rather than the project itself.
- 93% would oppose the elevated alignment if it were the only alternative to inaction.
- 89% of business and property owners prefer a different alignment option.
- 80% believe an elevated track would negatively impact their business operations.
- Nearly half of businesses surveyed indicated they would consider selling their properties if the elevated route proceeds.
- 87% of business operators along 2nd Street support an underground alignment instead.
Project Background and Current Status
With a current budget exceeding $6.2 billion, the Green Line represents Calgary's largest infrastructure project in history. Construction commenced in the southeast sector last summer, marking the beginning of this transformative transportation initiative.
Earlier this month, the city launched a public feedback campaign that will continue until next Tuesday, aimed at informing the functional planning for the downtown alignment. The proposed elevated alignment would see tracks constructed above 10th Avenue S. in the Beltline area, turning right at 2nd Street S.W. before terminating above 7th Avenue.
Business Community Concerns
Since the elevated alignment was included in the Green Line's most recent business case, operators of storefronts, restaurants, and other businesses along the affected downtown stretch have voiced numerous concerns. These include potential negative impacts from construction activities, increased noise levels, shadowing effects, reduced parking availability, and disruptions to traffic flow patterns.
The survey results provide quantitative evidence supporting these qualitative concerns, demonstrating that the business community's opposition is both widespread and deeply felt. The data suggests that while Calgary's business sector generally supports improved public transportation infrastructure, they have significant reservations about the specific elevated design currently under consideration.
As the city continues its public consultation process and moves forward with planning for this critical infrastructure project, these survey findings will likely play an important role in shaping the final decisions regarding the Green Line's downtown alignment.
