LETTER: In 2023, the Calgary Airport – Banff Rail (CABR) project marked significant progress, advancing towards establishing an express rail service from Calgary Airport to Downtown Calgary, with extended service to Banff.
Editor:
In 2023, the Calgary Airport – Banff Rail (CABR) project marked significant progress, advancing towards establishing an express rail service from Calgary Airport to Downtown Calgary, with extended service to Banff. The Alberta government-funded Calgary airport rail connection study, now underway, is crucial for finalizing the design before construction begins, aligning with the UCP government's election commitment.
The project enjoys widespread public approval, with 76 per cent of Albertans and 85 per cent of Calgarians in favour, according to a poll from Janet Brown Opinion Research run from May 1-11, 2023 to 900 Albertans, recognizing the project's benefits for the downtown express connection and Banff's sustainability. This support is mirrored by the business community, evidenced by over 35 organizations endorsing the project.
Unlike typical infrastructure projects, CABR promises a quicker turnaround as a private-public partnership with financial viability, forecasting significant economic benefits for Alberta and operational by 2028. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) with CPKC Rail (formerly CP Rail) ensures cost-effective service between communities in the Bow Valley by leveraging their existing rail alignment.
This partnership allows for a dual benefit: accommodating 80 per cent of the ridership with low-cost public transit service while offering premium services to tourists, effectively subsidizing public transit costs, and minimizing taxpayer burden. CABR's economic impact is anticipated to generate enough tax revenue to offset the cost for Alberta.
However, to realize CABR and avoid delays, a resolution for Inglewood and Downtown 'pinch points' is necessary. This requires a commercial and technical agreement with CPKC Rail, facilitated by CABR proponents under the MOU, to determine train lengths, frequency of service and the resulting revenue capacity.
The project's financial and commercial strategy was outlined in an unsolicited proposal to the Alberta government in 2021, including options for low-cost financing through the Canada Infrastructure Bank. Yet, this proposal remains unevaluated by the government, a step vital for the airport rail connection study to be meaningful.
To maintain the project's momentum in the face of inflation and fulfil UCP's mandate, proponents urge parallel progress on the pinch point study and advancement of the unsolicited proposal alongside the airport rail connection study. Sequential progress risks uninformed recommendations and unnecessary delays before an investment decision.
CABR stands as the immediate solution to connect the Calgary airport to downtown Calgary, essential for Calgary's global city aspirations and downtown revitalization. Additionally, it addresses the mountain parks' congestion and CO2 emission reduction through proposed hydrogen train technology. The decision now is whether to adopt the CABR solution promptly or face a prolonged, costlier alternative in the future.
Bruce Graham,
Executive director,
Friends of Calgary Airport – Banff (CABR)
