Alberta invests in Edmonton LRT
The Government of Alberta is providing an additional $176-million grant to the City of Edmonton for construction of the southeast leg of the Valley Line LRT.
Valley Line LRT Concept Rendering - Final Design may be subject to change.
The funding was originally provided to Edmonton in 2014 as an interest-free loan. The province is now converting this loan into a grant, with funds coming from Climate Leadership Plan revenues.
“The Southeast Valley Line LRT is a priority for our government, as it will help to connect Edmonton residents and visitors to essential services, education and jobs. Funding for this project will help to make life better for Albertans by supporting an affordable, accessible and environmentally sustainable transportation option in Alberta’s capital city.”
- Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation and Minister of Infrastructure
"Projects like Edmonton’s Valley Line LRT are another way our plan to take action on climate change is making life better for Albertans. Public transportation helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions while protecting our health, environment and economy. This project is expected to reduce GHG emissions by 4,500 metric tonnes each year, equal to taking nearly 1,000 cars off the road."
- Shannon Phillips, Minister of Environment and Parks and the Minister Responsible for the Climate Change Office
The southeast leg of the Valley Line will run 13 kilometres between downtown and Mill Woods and will support transit-oriented development along the entire right-of-way, including in the Quarters, Holyrood and Mill Woods neighbourhoods.
"I'm pleased to see the province's continued support and commitment for LRT expansion in our city, which itself is a key part of our greater transit strategy for the Edmonton Metro region. I look forward to working with our funding partners on upcoming projects which will bring even greater transit choice to Edmontonians."
- Don Iveson, Mayor of Edmonton
This decision brings the Government of Alberta’s total contribution for the Southeast Valley Line LRT to $600 million, or one-third of the $1.8-billion project cost. The construction of the project is expected to support 17,000 direct and indirect jobs in Alberta and another 1,600 in other parts of Canada. Up to 150 permanent jobs are expected to be supported for the operations and maintenance of the Southeast Valley Line.
“Our organization’s vision is to inspire and influence the evolution of integrated urban mobility. Support for projects like Edmonton’s Valley Line LRT clearly shows that the Government of Alberta and the City of Edmonton share this vision, one where public transit is critical to creating livable, efficient and healthy communities across the city and the province.”
- Kevin Wenzel, past chair of the Canadian Urban Transit Association Prairie Provinces and Territories Chapter and manager of public transportation, Leduc
The Government of Alberta will continue working with the City of Edmonton as detailed plans and finances for the city’s full LRT expansion are developed.
Quick facts
- Carbon levy revenue from the Climate Leadership Plan is reinvested to grow and diversify Alberta’s economy, including green infrastructure projects, like transit.
- As of March 2016, the Government of Alberta had already committed $424 million toward the Southeast Valley Line LRT project: $274 million for construction and an additional $150-million grant for the Southeast Valley Line to match federal funding under the former federal government’s New Building Canada Fund.
- Including today’s announcement, the Government of Alberta has committed nearly $1.1 billion to Edmonton’s LRT system.
- The Southeast Valley Line LRT project will help address Edmonton’s growing demand for public transit options, with the line expected to serve up to 32,800 people per day in 2020.
Listen to the news conference
Listen to the news conference
Media inquiries
https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm?xID=486083AE6C446-A3FC-6222-8321F954FC8859DD
