Calgary’s mayor is seeking provincial co-operation and funding certainty for the city’s Green Line transit project, as new concerns arise over the feasibility of the province’s proposed changes.

A report commissioned by the Alberta government, which was partially released Wednesday, suggests potential challenges with the province’s proposed above-ground alignment for the Green Line. These include noise, construction complexity, and impacts on nearby properties, according to Mayor Jyoti Gondek.

“This omission raises serious questions about the feasibility of constructing an elevated Green Line through Calgary’s downtown core,” said Gondek in a joint statement with Councillors Andre Chabot and Peter Demong.

The statement further criticized the report for “superficially considering” the potential noise impacts and other effects of an elevated train downtown.

The report, prepared by engineering firm AECOM, also revealed that key assessments, such as a structural analysis and a detailed constructability review, were not completed.

Concerns intensified after Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen announced the alignment last Friday, claiming it would cost the same as the city’s original plan. However, city officials estimate that the provincial proposal would add $1.3 billion in costs.

“We are not comfortable with the current level of uncertainty and risk associated with the proposed alignment and need to have real discussions with the province before bringing this proposal back to council,” Gondek stated.

Premier Danielle Smith attributed the cost discrepancies to “improper scoping” and “improper costing” by the city, while Dreeshen insisted that the city must bear responsibility for unexpected risks and expenses.

Meanwhile, Councillor Sonya Sharp expressed frustration over the political infighting between the municipal and provincial governments, describing it as a source of “uncertainty for Calgarians.”

She added: “We have to stop this … [and] figure out the best path forward for Calgarians.”

With the federal government’s $1.5=billion funding for the Green Line set to expire in March unless the alignment is finalized, city leaders are urging collaboration to resolve the project’s uncertainties.

“We urge all stakeholders involved to take these concerns seriously and to work collaboratively towards a solution that truly benefits the city of Calgary,” Gondek and the councillors concluded.

In recent days, Gondek has also pushed back against the Alberta government’s tight deadline for approving the city’s revised Green Line route, raising concerns about financial risks and fairness to Calgarians.

Rendering: Calgary Green Line LRT