The idea of a train to Calgary’s airport appears to be gaining momentum.
City councilors on the Infrastructure and Planning Committee received a briefing this week on the progress and next steps of the Calgary Airport Rail Connection study, including the city’s preferred route for a rail line to the airport.
The briefing underlined the importance of east-west rail connections between the Calgary International Airport, an extended Blue Line LRT and the future northern section of the Green Line, while also connecting to the province’s proposed regional and high-speed rail lines at Deerfoot Trail. Added. aisle.
A map showing how the proposed rail connector at Calgary’s International Airport would integrate with other rail projects.
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The briefing said, “Based on the findings of the 2020 Airport Transit Line study, the preferred option ensures that the east-west connection remains intact, connecting the north-east and north-west Calgary communities where the airport serves approximately 60 Percentage demand was identified.”
The study began in late 2023 when the Alberta government allocated $3 million to the City of Calgary to find the optimal route for a rail line connecting the city to the airport.
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According to the briefing, input for the study was gathered from the Alberta government, the City of Calgary, the Canada Infrastructure Bank, the Calgary Airport Authority, Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railways and private rail developers.
“The airport connection is important, that’s why so many of us are interested in it, and that’s why we need to look very closely at it.” Ward 3 County. Chameli Mian told reporters. “Of all of our transit priorities, connecting to the airport is really at the top of the list for a lot of Calgarians.”
It’s a sentiment shared by the Calgary Airport Authority, which said in a statement that it is “open to potential future rail expansion” to YYC.
“As a vital connector and key economic driver, the Authority is committed to collaborating with the City of Calgary, the Province of Alberta and all other partners to enhance connectivity across the City, the Province and beyond for the benefit of the communities we serve. Can be increased.” The statement said.
The briefing note said the study has identified the eastern portion of the line as a potential first phase, which would connect to the Blue Line LRT at a future station at 88.th Avenue NE
Currently, the line ends at Saddletown.
The province allocated $43.3 million over three years to build the extended Blue Line, with city council also earmarking money to help with design and area studies.
According to the city, the total cost of extending the Blue Line LRT is estimated at $160.6 million.
Mian said there are many competing priorities with several rail projects proposed between Banff, Calgary and Edmonton.
“It will really depend on which of these rail projects gets funding and how it progresses,” Mian said. “But I think what’s important is that we’re committed to working together.”
Before the study’s final report is released to the public in the next few months, it will be shared with the provincial government, in hopes of integrating it with its developing passenger rail master plan.
“The Government of Alberta recognizes the importance of passenger rail to the future of our rapidly growing province,” Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said in a statement. “Any decision on passenger rail must be planned carefully and in an integrated way that makes the best use of tax dollars to provide a passenger rail system that serves Albertans.”
When a project might start is still up in the air, but hopefully a train to Calgary’s airport could be flying soon, with everyone involved.
“I don’t think we should speculate on when rail projects will be completed,” Mian said. “Let’s hope that with a lot of political will this rapprochement happens as soon as possible.”
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