Calgary to Banff passenger rail train moves one step closer to reality
Catching a train from Calgary to Banff could soon be more than a dream, as three companies have just signed a memorandum of understanding in support of the new rail.
On Tuesday, Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU), alongside the Building Trades of Alberta (BTA) and Friends of Calgary Airport – Banff Rail (CABR), announced they had signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize their support in the building of the Calgary Airport – Downtown – Bow Valley – Banff passenger rail system.
“This agreement reflects our members’ readiness to build nation-building infrastructure that delivers good jobs and long-term public value,” Sean Strickland, executive director of CBTU, said in a release.Â
According to the release, the construction of the rail would support roughly 1,700 full-time jobs and generate nearly $700 million in economic output over a three-year build. In the long term, it is projected to support more than 22,000 jobs through tourism and related economic activity.
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According to the CABR website, the train will allow passengers to travel between the Calgary International Airport and the Banff train station, while linking the communities of Cochrane, Kananaskis, and Canmore.Â
It will include seven stations: the Calgary International Airport, downtown Calgary, west Calgary, Cochrane, Kananskis, Canmore, and Banff.Â
“CABR is designed to run every 20 minutes, offering fast, reliable, all-season service for both commuters and visitors in the same amount of time or less than it takes to drive,” the website states.
The memorandum of understanding emphasized safety, quality, apprenticeship training, and an inclusive workforce.
“Advancing CABR now would increase good-paying unionized employment and bring more opportunity to Alberta’s next generation of major infrastructure projects.”
You can learn more about the project online.