A lack of progress in Calgary’s proposed Green line is leaving both city councillors and board members frustrated, as made evident in a March 31st meeting. Don Fairbairn, chair of the Green Line Technical and Risk Committee (TRC), began his presentation by outlining the advances made thus far, which proved to be controversial.
Councillor Jyoti Gondek cast the lone vote against formally accepting Fairbairn’s report and was particularly vocal when discussing the process with Michael Thompson, general manager of Calgary’s transportation department
“Are you okay with the fact that we are not going to start construction this year,” said Gondek, “Don’t you feel that’s a failure?”
Thomson’s answers up to this point were mostly assurances to the council that the board was working closely with the Alberta Government on “technical issues”, of which the definition was also a point of contention. He did eventually show a sliver of doubt. “[Are] we frustrated that we’re not there yet? Yes. Am I frustrated? For sure.”
Gondek went on to ask Thompson what they need from the board to keep the project moving, and he responded with “support”. This statement was echoed by Fairbarn as he re-entered the discussion.
“From the perspective of the Board absolutely what we need is the leadership on your part to allow us to do our work. I hear and feel and acknowledge the frustration of members of the committee and members of the public today. Michael Thompson has expressed his personal challenges. But I have to say that what really matters as far as those who get delegated this significant accountability [in] conducting the board, but [what] really matters, at least for me [as a representative] speaking on behalf of the board is that we gain a full understanding, we gain sufficient confidence.”
The council also heard from two concerned citizens, Jane Ebbern of the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good (CACG) and Jeff Binks of the LRT on the Green Foundation (LRTGF)- both of whom were unimpressed with the delays. Ebbern suggested that the CACG would protest the lack of the results once they are capable of planning large gatherings.
An added source of frustration is the insistence from the UCP government that council and board members do not discuss the project publicly. “[What] we’ve heard over the months is “don’t go to the media” but apparently they’ll go to the media whenever they feel like it” said Council Chair Shane Keating.
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