City says Green Line on track, despite key departure

On-time opening expected in 2026

Calgary’s transportation general manager says the multibillion-dollar Green Line LRT project is still on track for a 2026 ribbon cutting.

Postmedia first reported Friday that Green Line project lead Paul Giannelia left his position with the city after less than a year on the job.

Michael Thompson, general manager of transportation for the city, said he’s confident the $4.6-billion dollar project will stay on schedule despite Giannelia’s departure from the role.

“(We’re) a little bit behind where I want to be right now, but still comfortable and confident that we’re going to be open on time in 2026,” Thompson said.

Thompson said the city is “in discussion with (Giannelia) right now” about staying on with the project in “an advisory capacity,” adding he “can’t get into details.”

On Thursday, Coun. Shane Keating, the transportation committee chair, said Giannelia contributed a lot to the Green Line and could continue working on the project in a different role.

Keating said Giannelia’s departure was an “HR matter,” adding he was also not able to comment further.

Giannelia oversaw construction of a number of impressive megaprojects before taking on his role at the city, including Calgary’s Olympic Oval and the Confederation Bridge, linking P.E.I. and New Brunswick.

But back in May, city manager Jeff Fielding said Giannelia’s experience in the private sector could “ruffle a few feathers” with city employees and members of council.

“My expectation is that Paul will live up to a standard that reflects the respectful workplace that we put in place here for the city,” city manager Jeff Fielding said in May.

“Paul is also going to bring some energy to the project that might, at a certain point in time, ruffle a few feathers. (We’re) going to have some give and take on both sides in order for that relationship to work.”

Council will hear from the Green Line team in December for a quarterly update on the project.

The first stage of the Green Line, a 20-kilometre section from Crescent Heights to Shepard, will begin construction in 2020.

Thompson said the “main contracts” for the project are not yet open for bidding, adding city staff are still “in the background working away on those.”

“We are still focused on 2026 and doing everything we can to make that happen,” he said.