Council commits to $671M for LRT, rec centres

Despite concern by some aldermen that money is being spent too quickly, Calgary city council has giventhe green light to expanding public transitand building new recreation centres.

The city has $3 billion from a sustainability deal with the province that was announced in September to spend on infrastructure over the next decade.

An urgent council meeting Tuesday called by the mayor saw an initial approval of $371 million to start designs for the west leg of the Light Rapid Transit, as well as to extend the northwest and northeast sections with new stations in Royal Oak and Saddle Ridge.

Council also signed off on up to $300 million for three recreation centres, seven ice rinks and four soccer fields over the next 10 years.

The swift approvals are part of Mayor Dave Bronconnier's 60-day plan after he was re-elected last month.

Ald. Bob Hawkesworth, who opposed the LRT extensions, said he felt rushed in voting for the spending without more information.

"I just don't know if we are getting the best bang for our buck," said the Ward 4 alderman. "They are big expenditures, big-ticket items and I am not sure the benefit is at the best place we should be spending our LRT money at the moment."

Ward 7 Ald. Druh Farrell said council isfixated on transportation issues at the expense of arts, culture and open spaces.

"Are we saying that these aren't as important? For example, parks in the beltline that is probably one of our biggest needs in the city," she said Tuesday.

But the mayor was unapologetic.

"I know sometimes people feel rushed, but for our citizens who are getting tired of waiting, I think this is an important decision."