Streetcar comeback possible after LRT to Mount Royal University overlooked

There hasn't been a streetcar running in Calgary since the last routewent out of service in 1950, but that could change thanks to a mistake that prevents a C-Train route to Mount Royal University.

A city report this week hintedthere could be a streetcar comebackin the southwest connecting MRU, the CurrieBarracks area and the West LRT.

But city councillors say a lot more work must be done to determine if it's possible.

The report also foundan LRT spur line from Westbrook Station south along 37th StreetS.W. isn't possible, primarily because that was overlooked during the construction of the Westbrook tunnel.

"My goal in 2008 was to preserve all options and not take one off the table, and unfortunately, one is. One which may have been the best one who knows? Can't even be considered," said Coun. Brian Pincottat City Hall.

The Currie Barracks and MRU area isset to be served by the future Southwest bus rapid transit (BRT)route.

The committee wants city administration to take a more detailed look at the streetcar idea, but notedit'snot currently in the city's 30-year transit plan.

"We've talked about how do we get improved transit down to Mount Royal University and Currie Barracks, as it's still developing. There's a huge, amazing hub that's building right now," Pincotttold the Calgary Eyeopener prior to the council meeting.

He has pushed for improvedtransit connections to theareafor years.

Calgary Eyeopener6:29Transit link proposed between West LRT and Mount Royal University

Transit planners are looking at the idea of a streetcar running between the West LRT line and Mount Royal University. Coun. Brian Pincott joins us to discuss the idea.

Pincott saidtransportation ideas are needed, because on top of all the people going to the university, the new Currie Barracks development will add as many as 12,000people to the area.Two nearby business parks are also under construction.

"While we're dreaming of these nodes in 20 or 30 years in other places, it's actually happening right now at Mount RoyalCurrieBarracks," hesaid.

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With files from the Calgary Eyeopener and Scott Dippel