Calgary targets 5 Ramsay properties for expropriation to make room for Green Line LRT

The City of Calgary is starting the process to expropriate five properties in the southeast community of Ramsay as it continues preparations for the Green Line.

Construction on the $4.65 billion LRT line is not set to start until 2020.

Gathering the land needed for the project has been underway for the past couple of years. More land will be needed by the city before construction starts as preparation work is required.

The properties in Ramsay that the city has signalled its notice of intent to expropriate are:

• 1002 EighthStreet S.E.
• 1027 26th Avenue S.E.
• 1009 26th Avenue S.E.
• Portions of 1020 NinthStreet S.E.
• Portions of 1024 NinthStreet S.E.

Sarah Quayle, the manager of real estate for the Green Line project,saysgiving notice of intent to expropriate does not necessarily mean it will come to that.

"It is our intention to always negotiate with property owners and expropriation is last resort," she said.

"The reason we are moving forward at this time is to ensure that we have land available to meet the construction timelines for the enabling works projects supporting the Green Line."

Expropriation does not happen overnight

She said the expropriation process can take up to a year to complete, so the city gives plenty of advance notice.

As well, the city only moves to acquire or expropriate the land it actually needs.

"If we don't need the entire property, we just identify the areas that are required for construction and leave the remaining parcel with the owner so they still have enjoyment of the property," said Quayle.

Sometimes the city's moves to buy the land it needs arewell known.

For example, it bought the Shamrock Hotel. The Ramsay landmark was demolished late last year, part of making way for the Green Line.

Quayle said there are 74 properties that the city still needs to acquire along the first stage of the Green Line route, although more may be identified as the design process of the rapid transit corridor continues.

The 20 kilometre-long LRT line will run from Centre Street and 16th Avenue N.to Shepard station in the city's southeast.

Opening day is currently scheduled for 2026.

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