the feds insisted on a number. preliminary arithmetic came up with $1.5 billion, based on cost per kilometre.
“i’m no fool,” nenshi says. “i took the $1.5 billion.
“they wanted to make the announcement and they did, later that week.
“it’s the only time in my life i’ve seen a federal government move so fast on funding.
“and it was just before the federal election, right? they were worried about losing two seats in calgary.”
on july 24, 2015,
kenney trumpeted the “the biggest single infrastructure announcement” in calgary’s history
.
he said, “it’s difficult for municipalities alone to finance this kind of expensive, modern, cutting-edge infrastructure.”
nenshi said the federal money would “change the face of this city forever.”
city of calgary signage is seen outside of the recently-closed eau claire market on tuesday, july 30, 2024 describing proposed development for the ctrain green line and other uses.
brent calver/postmedia
justin trudeau’s liberals blew the harper conservatives out of office four months later, but won only two seats in calgary — centre and skyview.
four key ridings that would benefit from the green line route — peigan, hays, southeast and north — all went comfortably conservative.
now, nenshi says, “i’m fascinated to know what the government ministers from those four ridings think of the fact that the premier and administration have just handed me their seats.”