Green Line Update: Progress Downtown & What It Means for the North
On September 8th, the Executive Committee of Council decisively agreed on a surface alignment for the Downtown Segment of the Green Line LRT. The alignment connects the Event Centre/Grand Central Station to an at-grade station at 10 Avenue and 2 Street SW, using the design of the new low-floor vehicle fleet. This decision allows design, planning, and procurement to move forward, alongside targeted engagement with property and business owners along 10 Avenue South.
With construction already underway on the Southeast Project, from Shepard to the Event Centre/Grand Central Station, this decision marks the final step needed to deliver Phase 1 of the Green Line LRT program.
Service Over Studies: Updates for the North Corridor & MAX Green BRT
The Executive Committee also recommended that planning, design, and budget development move forward for both the south extension (Shepard to Seton) and the north corridor, shifting away from a strictly south-to-north build sequence so that work can progress as funding becomes available.
A Notice of Motion brought forward by Councillor Yule directed administration to report back on capital cost estimates for a full build-out of the MAX Green Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line from Keystone Hills to downtown, including planning for a downtown BRT loop and station. Council also directed administration to investigate LRT service options for the north corridor.
For Ward 3 specifically, the MAX Green BRT direction is a significant step. Years of delay on this file have lead to massive cost escalations and being able to do less with the funding envelope originally available. An LRT extension to the north would still require significant planning, design, and funding work before construction could begin, meaning the MAX Green BRT build-out, by contrast, represents a transit improvement that could be advanced within the current four-year budget cycle, bringing more immediate progress on transit service to communities along the corridor.
More About the Downtown Route
The Downtown Segment of the Green Line will travel at-grade along 10 Avenue, from the Event Centre/Grand Central Station to 2 Street SW. The LRT will run down the centre of 10 Avenue S, allowing for a lane of traffic on either side to ensure access to parkades and businesses is maintained.
Connected to the station will be a new climate-controlled pedestrian access that will bring transit riders directly into the Plus 15 Network to connect to the Red and Blue Lines, four MAX BRT Lines and downtown office towers. Improvements to the pedestrian underpass at 1 Street SW will also be undertaken to maximize the experience for those walking, cycling and scooting to and from the station area.
What's Next
Admin will return to Executive Committee on November 3 with updates on the planning and design activities for the southeast extension and north corridor, and the MAX Green Line BRT work.
While the investigation into LRT North service is a welcome step, it remains an early-stage planning exercise without a confirmed funding path or timeline. In the meantime, securing funding and priority for the MAX Green BRT build-out within this four-year budget will be a key focus for Ward 3 - prioritizing service over more studies, to ensure improved transit service reaches northern communities without waiting on a longer-term LRT process.
Comments