Downtown LRT Fact Sheet
Downtown LRT Map - Existing and Proposed Routes
Downtown LRT - Models from Europe and North America
A new Downtown LRT connection
With the decision in December 2009 to pursue future LRT expansions for West and Southeast LRT as a
separate line, work is now underway through the Capital City Downtown Plan to determine a future alignment
for the LRT corridor that will connect the future West LRT line at Grant MacEwan University (104 Avenue/109
Street) to the Southeast line at the future Quarters development (102 Avenue/96 Street).
The LRT Network Plan also calls for the development of a Central
Area LRT Circulator that will connect the downtown core to high
activity areas near the University and Old Strathcona areas. Work
underway through the Capital City Downtown Plan will define the
corridors this circulator will use within the downtown core. Future
study will be required to define how this would cross the North
Saskatchewan River and connect through Old Strathcona to the
future Southeast LRT line.
An urban-style approach to LRT will be used, which means the LRT
will include smaller scale stations with close connections to the
existing LRT stations. When designing an urban-style system, an
emphasis will be placed on aesthetics and fit within the surrounding
area; integration with transit, pedestrian and cyclist connections; and
operations that fit safely with reduced right-of-way and fewer barriers.
Downtown LRT – Corridor options
In reviewing the LRT with the work already undertaken by the Capital City Downtown Plan, two potential LRT
corridor options were identified using a combination of 107 or 108 Streets, and 102 or 103 Avenues. Further
assessment identified that a combination of 107 Street and 102 Avenue corridors best meet both the
objectives for future LRT and would best support the Downtown Plan and wider City objectives.
The review has found 107 Street has important
attributes for integrated LRT/land use planning,
including opportunities to integrate a stop with
the existing Corona LRT station, and a stop
more directly connected to Grant MacEwan
University.
102 Avenue features shorter walking distance
to existing developed areas of Downtown;
proximity to the Downtown core and high-use
activity centres. It also offers potential to
support the extension of higher density
development north of Jasper Avenue through to
103 Avenue, integration with bus service on
101 Street, and great potential for integrated
urban realm improvements on more active
streets.
New Low Floor LRT Station in Portland
Proposed Downtown LRT corridor