Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackArcher101
If Alberta gov approves funding this, I will have no idea how based on the below:
1. They barely thought the Green Line was worth it, and that's directly effecting voters and commuters. Don't see how a tourism focused line would be more viable for the government unless it saved them from adding two lanes to Hwy 1 in the near future (which I don't think is planned).
2. It's primarily for a federal park. No way Kenney gives money to help anything related to the feds. He would demand Banff be handed over to Alberta.
But then again, this government surprises me left right and center, so it'll be approved  |
The money is for private infrastructure and the Waterous family has ties to the UCP. They will definitely approve it. They'll probably even back the risk too!
Adam and Jan Waterous are husband and wife, and more importantly: UCP Donors. They're in the inner circle. Hell, both Kenney and Miranda Rosin have already pumped the tires on this project.
https://albertaviews.ca/an-unwanted-voice/
https://kimsiever.ca/2020/07/30/ceo-...ucp-donations/
https://calgaryherald.com/business/v...t-expectations
But even though I hate the UCP with the rage of a thousand BC wildfires, I find myself torn.
- I think a train to Banff is sorely needed, and the timing seems right. In a world of climate change, it's much better to get tourists to the busiest national park in the country off the roads and in by mass transit. I know the parks are busier than ever, but these people are coming whether we like it or not.
- Stopping downtown would be a real kick in the pants for the Calgary economy and for urbanism in this city. This is greatly needed right now with the hollowing out of downtown oil money.
- Negotiating use of an existing right of way and the Waterous family bringing in their existing train station / parking lot in Banff is all smart cost management.
- It's easy to see a P3 partnership with the infrastructure bank, the province, and maybe the City of Calgary throws in something for the downtown station. Ideally the First Nations along the route get involved as well (last time this story came up they had negotiated with CPR but not consulted with Indigenous leaders so I hope that has happened by now).
But dammit the Waterous connection stinks to high heaven of cronyism. This shouldn't be how business is done in our province.
Between redevelopment of the train station area in Banff, the previously rejected gondola proposal that I'm sure they'll resubmit, and their other political connections it sure seems like they've got a lot to gain from this project. Then again, the province also stands to gain, as does the economic corridor between Calgary and Banff. If this thing were to happen, there are a lot of people who stand to benefit.