Blue Line northeast extension shows strong support, but residents want it longer
Nearly 90 percent of survey respondents backed the one-kilometre extension to 88 Avenue, yet many said it should reach Country Hills to serve more communities.
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Calgary's planned Blue Line extension to northeast Calgary has overwhelming community backing, but public feedback reveals a frustration with the scope: it doesn't go far enough.
Nearly 90 percent of 724 survey respondents were either very or somewhat supportive of the one-kilometre extension from Saddletowne Station to 88 Avenue and 60 Street NE. But the feedback also showed considerable support for extending it further.
"I am very supportive of the Blue Line extension, but I don't think the station should be at 88 Ave," one respondent said in the engagement report. "It should instead be extended to Country Hills so that it can serve a majority of the NE population that live in Cityscape, Skyview, Redstone and Savanna." Others echoed the same concern: the extension should reach Country Hills Boulevard to better serve Cornerstone, Redstone and Cityscape.
Danny Panday, leader of transit systems at Infrastructure Services, said the project is in 30 percent detailed design, with that phase likely completing in the fourth quarter of 2026. The city has already begun reviewing potential changes to the 88 Avenue design based on feedback. Comments covered pedestrian safety, crossing elements, safety gates, heated shelters, accessibility, multilingual signage, and toilets.
Parking emerged as the major concern. Of the 1,702 responses about how people would access the new station, nearly 25 percent said they'd use Park and Ride. Panday acknowledged this is difficult to accommodate given the limited space at the site. "It's always our approach to try and get people to use the buses, take them to the station," he said.
The project is estimated at roughly $160 million. Overall, survey respondents prioritized quality bus connectivity and potential traffic impact over keeping costs low. Safety and social disorder were common themes, with some requesting turnstiles, better lighting, and visible security. The Blue Line extension will eventually connect to Calgary International Airport, but that connection and any further expansion depends on funding.
Will the city extend the route to Country Hills based on the feedback, or stick with 88 Avenue?
How will the city address the Park and Ride shortage when 25 percent of users need parking?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
What percentage of survey respondents supported the Blue Line extension?
Nearly 90 percent of 724 survey respondents were either very or somewhat supportive of the one-kilometre Blue Line extension from Saddletowne Station to 88 Avenue and 60 Street NE in Calgary.
When will the detailed design phase be completed?
The Blue Line extension project is in 30 percent detailed design, with that phase likely completing in the fourth quarter of 2026.
How much is the Blue Line extension estimated to cost?
The Calgary Blue Line extension project is estimated at roughly $160 million.
What was the top concern about accessing the new station?
Parking emerged as the major concern, with nearly 25 percent of the 1,702 responses about station access indicating they would use Park and Ride.
