Increased LRT capacity, affordable housing for Calgarians, and even an upgrade to the Devonian Gardens were on the Mayor’s agenda yesterday.
Mayor Dave Bronconnier met with other Canadian big city mayors and members of the federal government to discuss the federal budget, and he wasn’t shy in pressing Calgary’s case.
“I don’t think anyone is under the illusion that governments can spend their way out of this recession, but as a stimulus, infrastructure is a wise investment,” said Bronconnier.
Proposed projects to improve Calgary Transit include a Stephen Avenue LRT tunnel at $550 million and a southeast LRT to Quarry Park. Bronconnier admits the projects are not realistically going to happen, as in total it would cost about $3.5 billion.
“The intent was to try to give them a flavour for the types of ‘shovel ready’ projects we have. This isn’t us going to them with a project list asking for money. It’s a what-if scenario,” he said.
Christopher Bruce, economics professor at the University of Calgary, said he thinks the economy in Alberta will recover by summer or fall regardless.
