Okotoks is in the mix as the Government of Alberta embarks on a plan to move passenger rail in the province further down the track.
Premier Danielle Smith announced plans to develop a Passenger Rail Master Plan during a press conference on April 29 that will evaluate the potential of regional, commuter and high-speed rail services in the province.
Smith said it will lay the groundwork for fast, safe and reliable transportation.
“We want to build stronger connections along Alberta's busiest corridor and to Alberta's top tourist destination,” Smith said.
The announcement comes after Devin Dreeshen, minister of transportation and economic corridors, was tasked by Smith to examine the feasibility of a commuter rail service between Airdrie and Okotoks last year.
Smith said commuter lines from Okotoks and Airdrie to the City of Calgary will be included in the master plan.
“We see the value in a commuter passenger line that connects folks in those communities to the Calgary airport and then on to the downtown core,” she said.
There are also plans for a similar network in the Edmonton area, she said.
Other aspects include a regional line from Banff and Jasper, and a high-speed rail link between Calgary to Edmonton, with a stop in Red Deer.
“We also want to open up direct access to our breathtaking and adventure-rich national parks,” Smith said.
During the press conference, Dreeshen said the plan looks decades ahead and will identify how to build the best-possible passenger rail network.
“The master plan will provide government with evidence-based information to make decisions that will have a massive impact over the coming decades,” Dreeshen said.
The provincial government’s plan includes a province-led Crown corporation to develop the infrastructure and oversee daily operations, fare collection and booking systems, system maintenance, and planning for future system expansion.
Feasibility studies and cost-benefit analysis will determine what elements of a passenger rail system should proceed and when, using triggers like population and ridership, he said.
The master plan is expected to be completed by next summer and $9 million has been earmarked in this year's provincial budget for the work.
There will be a 15-year delivery plan to prioritize and sequence investment, the Province said.
“Part of it is taking this in pieces and doing the things that make the most sense right now,” Smith said.
-with files from Cathy Ellis/Rocky Mountain Outlook
