Transportation seems to be the most important thing on anybody’s mind in Calgary these days and with good reason. The ability to move around with ease is the key to any vibrant, exciting City. As Calgary grows, it is important we ensure Calgarians continue to be able to move about the City easily, be it by car, public transit, walking or cycling. Currently, the most important scheduled project for ensuring this is the SE LRT.
The SE LRT is such an important project for many reasons. Its’ proposed route will pass through major employment centres like the Foothills Industrial Park, as well as future employment centres at the new South Hospital. In addition, the route will provide residences in the fastest growing part of the City with a viable alternative to the car for getting to work and play. As far as residents of Ward 14 are concerned, the construction of the SE LRT will provide much needed relief to the already congested South line. With both lines running, commuting will be easier and faster for everybody, regardless of which transportation mode they choose.
The first step of the route has been completed, with initial studies having been done, and most of the route being finalized. Secondly, the initial funding has been put in place, when City Council agreed to put $800 million from the Province toward the project. However, there is still a lot that needs be done, and it is another example of the problems with the current City Council.
When the construction of the West LRT began, it almost seemed as if Council decided it could now rest as there was a major project underway. Unfortunately, in a City so far behind in its’ infrastructure like Calgary, we cannot afford to stop building. As soon as a construction began on the West LRT, the City should have begun its’ work on the SE line. Now is the time plans should be finalized for the project. Exact routes need to be determined, cost estimates need to be established, funding needs to be arranged, and most importantly, a timeline for the project needs to be established. We cannot simply rest on our laurels.
As Alderman, I plan to make this project one of my priorities. Nearly $2 billion will be needed to see it to completion, so it will be important to work with the Province and Federal Governments to arrange for their share of the money, as well as making sure the City itself is making the project a priority in its’ spending. This is the highest impact project Calgary will see in the next ten years, affecting not only the residents of Ward 14, but also the City at large. We need to see its construction started as soon as possible.
- The Butcher
www.billythebutcher.com
www.twitter.com/billtummonds
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