A District Accessible to All
The Culture + Entertainment District will be Calgary’s next great city neighbourhood, the next chapter in downtown life, and an engine of development and tourism in a dynamic, evolving city.
The C+E will become – and has always been – a place of inspiring people and big ideas. Today, as work has initiated to make way for the Green Line LRT, we spoke with the team from the Green Line to learn more about the largest infrastructure project in Calgary’s history and what we can expect in The C+E as construction commences.
This blog will periodically feature guest writers and thought-leaders— experts in the fields of placemaking, community-building and development to highlight how The C+E is shaping Calgary’s future. Check back here often as the story continues to unfold.
Green Line LRT Project Profile
The Green Line LRT is Calgary’s next LRT line and the largest infrastructure project in our city’s history. Phase 1 of the Green Line runs from Shepard (126 Avenue S.E.) to Eau Claire and, at 18 kilometres, is the longest stretch of LRT built in Calgary at one time. The line runs underground starting at Eau Claire and passes through downtown. As it prepares to exit the downtown core it’s final stop is an underground station right in the heart of The Culture + Entertainment District.
The new 4 Street S.E. station, located underground 11 Avenue S., connects the rest of Calgary to the vibrancy of the The C+E District. Transit riders can walk or ride their bike, skateboard or scooter to this station thanks to the proximity of the 12 Avenue Cycle Track, and the Elbow and Bow River pathways.
Thirteen new LRT stations will be built for Green Line Stage 1 and will feature design concepts inspired by the Chinook arch, the Rocky Mountains and steam from early locomotives. There will be room for 3-car trains with the ability to expand to 4 cars and will connect to pathways and the cycle network where possible. Some of the stations will incorporate plazas and spaces for people to gather and host special events.
If you’ve been down to The District lately, you may have noticed that Green Line construction is already underway along 12th Avenue between 4th and 6th Streets with the Beltline and Downtown Utility Relocation Project. Over the next two to three years utilities will be moved and upgraded to make way for Green Line. This work will ensure that the infrastructure is in place for the future growth and expansion within the District, while clearing the path for the underground track and stations.
Phase 1 will include 13 stations, multiple LRT bridges, elevated track and underground track and stations through the Beltline and Downtown. While the new fleet of low-floor light rail vehicles (LRVs) will allow for lower station platforms creating improved accessibility, improved ability to integrate with traffic, enhanced vehicle and pedestrian safety and a sleek clean look.
As Calgarians from across the city, and people from across the world, come to The C+E District to explore, gather and celebrate, the Green Line will provide increased, easy and affordable access to everything the area has to offer. From cheering on the Flames to whooping it up at the Calgary Stampede, discovering local restaurants and makers, learning about the future of energy or strolling along the river, The District is home to experiences big and small.
This is a transformational project for Calgary as both a transit system and platform for long-term city building. It will provide additional transit options for people who will live, work and visit the C+E District and plays an important role in the future of the area. Green Line is more than a long-awaited investment in our transit network, but an investment in Calgary’s future.
To learn more about the importance of this significant project visit Calgary.ca/GreenLine.
