A plan has been put forward to the federal government for a hydrogen-fueled passenger train linking Calgary and Banff with hopes of expediting the process. Liricon Capital and Plenary Americas are set to finance the connection between the city and the mountain town, on the condition that the provincial government covers a railway linking Calgary International Airport to downtown.
Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas emphasized the significance of the initiative, citing it as a pivotal economic development opportunity and a practical solution for daily commuters. He highlighted that the rail service would not only cater to tourists exploring Calgary and its surroundings but would also benefit local commuters by providing efficient access to the airport and workplaces.
The rail proposal, intended to include stops in Cochrane, Mînî Thnî, and Canmore, is expected to enhance economic prospects for various communities in southern Alberta, fostering collaboration and capitalizing on economic ventures, as per Mayor Farkas.
Joe Pavelka, an ecotourism and outdoor leadership professor at Mount Royal University, emphasized the prospective advantages of the rail system in addressing traffic concerns in Banff and the Bow Valley, potentially streamlining visitor management in the area. Pavelka anticipated that the rail service’s primary users would be commuters and airport travelers, rather than tourists, foreseeing a boost in Calgary’s competitiveness in hosting conferences and conventions without the reliance on personal vehicles.
Noting that provincial support is a critical hurdle, Paul Martin from Plenary Americas suggested that pending provincial endorsement, construction on the rail project could commence by 2028, with passenger operations beginning by 2030. The key challenge, as Martin pointed out, lies in securing government backing for the initiative.
Despite the prolonged deliberation on the proposal, the previous administration under Jason Kenney did not allocate funds for the project. Provincial Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen highlighted the need for thorough consultations with municipalities, First Nations, and a strategic evaluation to align the project with the province’s rail strategy before committing to the project.
Jan Waterous, managing partner at Liricon, expressed optimism that endorsement from Ottawa’s Major Projects Office could facilitate the provincial government’s approval process, signaling a step towards realizing the project. While the Major Projects Office has recommended 11 projects for fast-tracking under Prime Minister Mark Carney, none are located in Alberta.