Hundreds Pack City Hall for Marathon Green Line LRT Public Hearing
Supporters and opponents debate the project’s cost, route, and impact during a 14-hour hearing.
Hundreds of Calgarians packed City Hall chambers for a marathon 14-hour public hearing on the Green Line LRT project, reflecting the deep divisions and strong emotions surrounding the city’s most expensive infrastructure project.
The Debate
Over 200 speakers addressed council, with opinions roughly split between supporters who called the Green Line a once-in-a-generation investment and opponents who questioned the rising costs and reduced scope.
Transit advocate Chris Turner urged council to proceed, arguing that “every great city invests in transit, and every city that delays pays more in the long run.”
Opponent Terry Wong, a retired engineer, challenged the project’s cost estimates, calling them “unrealistic given current construction inflation” and urging a full independent review.
Community Impact
Speakers from southeast communities, where the project would provide new transit access, were overwhelmingly supportive. Residents from Shepard, Seton, and Quarry Park described hour-long commutes and inadequate bus service.
“We’ve been promised transit for 15 years. If not now, when?” asked Seton resident Amara Osei, drawing applause from the gallery.
Business Concerns
Downtown business owners along the tunnelling route expressed mixed views. Some worry about years of construction disruption; others see long-term benefits from improved transit access to their doorsteps.
Council is expected to vote on the project’s final scope and budget within the coming weeks. The outcome will define Calgary’s transit future for decades.
