Calgary is launching another round of engagement on its Green Line LRT mega project, and it appears a below-ground option for the train is not off the table. City officials are working on a functional plan and determining the cost for an elevated train line through the Beltline and core, but public feedback now underway could shape the future of the project. “We just need to have a fulsome discussion around the different options that are on the table—elevated, cut-and-cover, tunnelling—different ways of delivering this transit system through the downtown,” said Myke Atkinson, the councillor for Ward 7. The stop-and-go project started rolling again in 2024 after the provincial government raised concerns with a previously approved plan to tunnel the train line. In January 2025, council and the province agreed to explore an elevated option along 10th Avenue and up 2nd Street S.W. “The elevated alignment avoids billions of dollars in tunnelling costs, allowing the project to reach more neighbourhoods, deliver five more stations, and boost commuter ridership by 60 per cent,” read part of a statement from Devin Dreeshen, the province’s transportation minister. An elevated train line is preferred by the province due to cost and efficiency, but the city’s engagement page says a final decision on whether the downtown segment will be elevated or underground has “not yet” been made. “There are some very legitimate concerns that I am anticipating to hear through the consultation process that I’m sure are going to be daylighted,” said Mayor Jeromy Farkas. “I can’t speak for the provincial government, but I’m sure that they’ll be looking in good faith at these considerations if there may be future adjustments or changes that are required down the road,” he said. Online engagement is open now, and in-person sessions will take place from Feb. 18 to 22 at the Memorial Park Library.
