This release was issued under a previous government.

Alberta funds Edmonton Valley Line West

(L to R) Mayor Iveson, Minister Mason, Wade Coombs and Premier Notley celebrate the Alberta government investing $1 billion in the Valley Line West LRT expansion.

The route expansion will move 60,000 Edmontonians between downtown and Lewis Estates every day, providing a faster commute which will mean more time to spend with families and friends. The province is also investing in the Metro Line expansion from NAIT to the new Blatchford community, which will serve thousands more commuters daily.

“The Valley Line West project is about connecting Albertans from across this region to work, recreation, school and home. As with our support for the Southeast Valley Line LRT, this latest grant will also create much-needed local jobs, support the quality of life in the City of Edmonton and help to protect our environment now and in the future.”

Rachel Notley, Premier

The finished route will bring suburban communities and the city’s core together, running from Mill Woods through downtown to the west end, with connections to LRT and bus routes covering the entire city. The 14 stops include West Edmonton Mall, the Misericordia Hospital and the Brewery District.

“The Valley Line West LRT is a priority for the city and for our government because it will provide an extended, affordable, accessible and environmentally sustainable transportation option in Edmonton. This funding supports our government’s commitment to invest in today’s public transportation to meet the needs of our growing population.”

Brian Mason, Minister of Transportation

The Alberta government is investing $1 billion, or 40 per cent, of the city’s expected $2.6-billion Valley Line West LRT expansion cost. The province’s commitment to the Metro Line totals $131 million of the $328-million project.

"We are planning and building a city for more than a million people, and with commute times getting longer each year, now is a critical time in Edmonton’s growth to ensure we have a robust transit network in place. Today's announcement by the province helps us get one step closer to that goal, and we look forward to continuing to work with them on these types of critical infrastructure investments.”

Don Iveson, mayor, City of Edmonton

“The governments of Alberta and City of Edmonton share our vision of evolving urban public transit systems that provide more seamless mobility options for all users.”

Wade Coombs, chair, Prairie Provinces and Territories chapter, and director, Canadian Urban Transit Association Board of Directors

The Government of Alberta will continue working with the City of Edmonton as detailed plans and finances for the city’s full LRT expansion are developed.

Quick facts

  • The province is committing $1 billion to the Valley Line West and $131 million to the Metro Line expansion project.
  • Revenue from the Climate Leadership Plan, including the carbon levy, will be reinvested to grow and diversify Alberta’s economy and rebated to Albertans. Support for green infrastructure projects, like transit, are included.
  • The construction of the Valley Line West project is expected to support 20,000 direct and indirect jobs in Alberta with an additional 5,300 jobs in the rest of Canada, during construction, operations and maintenance phases.
  • The route is projected to be complete in 2026.
  • The Valley Line west is projected to move 40,000 passengers daily in 2027 and 60,000 in 2047.
  • The Valley Line Southeast expansion is expected to support 17,000 direct and indirect jobs in Alberta with an additional 1,600 jobs in the rest of Canada.
  • Phase one of the Metro Line NW LRT extension is expected to support 2,830 direct and indirect jobs in Alberta, with an additional 860 jobs in the rest of Canada, during the construction, operations and maintenance phases.
  • The Edmonton Metropolitan Region is one of the fastest growing regions in Canada, with 1.2 million residents (2016).
  • By 2044, the Edmonton Metropolitan Region is expected to nearly double in population to 2.2 million residents.