THESE STAKEHOLDERS WANT CABR TO HAPPEN – HERE’S WHY

“The Calgary Airport to Banff Rail project will put Calgary on track to help meet our climate targets through sustainable transit, boost our economy, and provide a connection for Calgarians to access the airport from downtown. The low-carbon rail line will be a game changer for the tourism sector, bringing visitors downtown to enjoy all that Calgary has to offer, adding Banff as a bonus addition to their travel.”

“The Calgary Airport to Banff Rail project will be transformational for Cochrane in providing a reliable mass transit system for our resident commuters and increasing mobility throughout the Bow Valley Corridor. In addition to providing stress-free access to the mountains, the train will expand our visitor economy as tourists have the opportunity to experience all that Cochrane has to offer. The financial model is compelling as the train will encourage travellers to opt for mass transit and take personal vehicles off the road network, thereby saving the costs that otherwise would be directed to investing in highway infrastructure.”

“I’m excited as regular passenger rail service from Calgary promises benefits that align with a number of the Town of Canmore’s priorities. Just to name a few – these include lowering GHG emissions, reducing traffic congestion, and increasing labour mobility to address staffing shortages. I expect the train will be well used by visitors and residents alike.”

“We are excited to see progress in this important proposal to bring back passenger rail connecting Banff with the world through the Calgary International Airport. Banff needs convenient and affordable mass transit between Calgary and Banff as the solution to three priorities: reducing traffic congestion in Canada’s first national park, cutting greenhouse gas emissions from this protected place in the Rockies, and expanding a commuter service for our Bow Valley workforce. It would be wonderful to have people arrive without a personal vehicle, walk or cycle around town, then use our transit system to go anywhere in the park.As a town that strives to be a model environmental community, we also look forward to the possibility of a hydrogen-powered train leading the way for low-carbon transit.”

“Calgary Airport Banff Rail reflects many of your Government’s priorities and would provide a solid means of obtaining many of the objectives outlined in your 2020-2023 Strategic Plan, including:

• supporting job creation through building public infrastructure and making Alberta more dynamic, innovative and sustainable;
• prioritizing infrastructure projects that will promote economic growth and recovery, create jobs, support opportunities in multiple sectors and enable future private sector investment. This includes clearing transportation bottlenecks and reducing congestion in key trade and industrial corridors;
• making Alberta more dynamic, innovative and sustainable; and
• adopting a smart approach to innovation and make Alberta competitive for global high- tech investment.

As the proposed project progresses from a vision to a reality, our individual communities are exploring how we would integrate this project locally, suggesting train station locations, identifying multimodal connections, reviewing pedestrian access, identifying parking opportunities, and more.”

“We understand that the Government of Alberta is considering whether to proceed into the design and development of the Banff Passenger Rail Project; therefore, the Stoney Nakoda Nations should be immediately engaged on this project, even before the design phase is further underway. While the Stoney Nakada Nations have certain concerns regarding the project that should be addressed through consultation, the combination of environmental and socio-economic benefits that this project may represent are of interest to Stoney Nakada Nations, and we welcome further exploration of the concept that has been presented. This letter serves as notice that the Stoney Nakoda Nations are willing to formally engage in consultation with respect to the project with Liricon, its partner Plenary Americas Ltd., and the Government of Alberta.”

“A rail connection between Banff and YYC Calgary International Airport is a critical way to connect travelers to one of Canada’s most awe-inspiring destinations while providing long-term economic, social and environmental benefits to the region. We look forward to helping advance this transformative project.”

“With this direct rail connection between Calgary and the communities in the Bow Valley, including the Stoney Nakoda Nation and Canada’s flagship National Park, Calgary would be the only city in North America with a direct rail link to a world-class tourism destination. This rail system could make Calgary an ideal entry point into Canada for international visitors seeking a unique travel experience.

From our perspective, we would support such an initiative and would evaluate the possible network opportunities, as well as assess the commercial opportunities that could arise with CABR, to facilitate transfer passengers with Air Canada.”

“Calgary Airport Banff Rail will help tourists and our customers seamlessly connect to downtown Calgary and to the mountains, making travel to Alberta even more appealing.

In addition to the tourism opportunities offered by the Calgary Airport-Banff Rail project, WestJet is excited by the prospect of a ten-minute commute between the Calgary Airport and downtown, the fastest of any major airport to a downtown centre in North America. This would have a meaningful impact on Calgary’s business community, as the world returns to in-person meetings and work-related travel. The rail segment to Banff would also reduce car traffic volumes for those heading to the mountains and reduce overall travel carbon footprints.”

“A link from the Calgary Airport is significant to maintaining and building our tourism economy. This new link is particularly important given the significant current and planned investment in downtown Calgary and the Cultural + Entertainment District.

The proposed stops enroute to Banff, connect passengers to unique tourism components of the Bow Valley Corridor – the western outskirts of Calgary close to WinSport and the University of Calgary; and, Cochrane, Morley, and Canmore, which are locations of much of our rich unique heritage, our mountains, clear skies, and wide open spaces.”

“The CHA passionately believes that Calgary Airport Banff Rail will have significant impact on all facets of the travel, tourism and visitor economy in the Calgary area, Bow Valley, and Banff-Lake Louise and potentially (very) significant positive impact for all of Alberta’s visitor economy. The connection between YYC, downtown Calgary and Banff will increase Calgary’s attractiveness as a convention destination, given the ability to easily provide transport to convention delegates. Further, the ability to provide easy stop-over will benefit Calgary’s arts, entertainment, dining, and retail’s sectors facilitating stop-over for those travellers desiring world-class city amenities as part of their travel to Banff National Park. Collectively, CABR will enhance the Calgary hotel industry whilst having a significant positive impact on the broad visitor economy, overall.”

“With mounting pressures on time, consumer choices and behaviours are increasingly influenced by convenience. As Southern Alberta competes in the international market, convenience will be critical to our competitiveness as a convention and tourism destination. The CABR would provide an opportunity for visitors to arrive to the expanded Calgary International Airport and proceed easily and directly to Stampede Park and then on to enjoy the Rocky Mountains. This would not only improve access during the annual Calgary Stampede event each summer, but would serve as a tremendous value-add for convention organizers considering the expanded BMO Convention Centre as a recurring destination for their events.”

“CMLC understands a new passenger rail connecting Calgary’s International Airport through downtown Calgary, to other municipalities like Banff is in the works. This train may include a stop in east Victoria Park within the Rivers District. As the land development stewards of the Rivers District, CMLC strongly supports a new passenger rail connecting Calgary’s airport to downtown and Banff, for the following reasons:

• The new passenger rail can leverage $1.5B public infrastructure investment within a 4-block radius providing a strong connection to Calgary’s largest tourist destinations (Stampede 10-day event, expanded BMO Centre, Saddledome NHL arena, etc).
• Proximity to the Culture + Entertainment District including access to the BMO Convention Centre, Opera Centre and Stampede Park (Youth Campus, SAM Centre, Casino, Elbow River Park, Big Four Roadhouse, etc).
• Proximity to East Village (National Music Centre, Central Library, two hotels, Music Mile).
• Proximity to four LRT transfer stations (two red line stations, green line, and blue line) and the existing bus network (9 Avenue SE Max Purple line, Route 1, 10 and 24).
• Opportunity to connect passengers to a potential new Event Centre/existing Saddledome.
• Proximity to the BMO Convention Centre expansion (the largest convention centre in Western Canada and second largest in Canada) and new convention centre hotel.
• Proximity to short term and long-term parking for rail passengers (9 Avenue Parkade/Platform).
• Incentivizes redevelopment and increases tax revenue and generation for the Rivers District through the Community Revitalization Levy (CRL).

It’s for these reasons a new passenger rail line will be a great investment for both Calgarians and visitors alike, reinforcing Calgary’s position as a world class city.”

“I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of Arts Commons to express my support for the Calgary Airport – Banff Rail (CABR) project. Knowing the Calgary Airport reports approximately 80% of the visitors arriving at the Calgary Airport whose ultimate destination is Banff National Park travel to the Park on Stoney Trail, bypassing downtown Calgary, the proposed CABR Downtown Station located under the Calgary Tower, is a very attractive proposition for us.

As the Arts Commons Transformation (ACT) project is poised to begin, marking a new era for Calgary’s premier arts and culture centre, the much-anticipated expansion and renewal will be celebrated by the city’s arts community, and it will help fuel the efforts underway to diversify Calgary’s economy and revitalize and enliven its downtown. Positioning Arts Commons to best serve our community and welcome visitors from around the world – the CABR would effectively bring visitors to our front door to engage with the hundreds of performances and programs filling our vibrant building every year. As such we wholeheartedly support this initiative.”

“In addition to the obvious environmental benefits of reducing traffic congestion during busy times in Banff, the proposed CABR would have profound and lasting economic benefits to Alberta’s tourism industry. These benefits include the following:

1. Transform Banff/Canmore into a year-round tourism destination – CABR would provide a year-round transportation option from YYC to Banff that is simple, affordable, and stress-free, particularly during winter months when driving conditions would otherwise deter potential visitors, thus facilitating demand in traditional shoulder seasons.
2. Grow high yielding international tourism – CABR would provide seamless travel to Banff for international travelers arriving at YYC, thus facilitating an increase in our important ‘export’ business.
3. Eliminate the existing barrier to economic growth in tourism – CABR would provide a perfect solution to growth bottlenecks currently being caused by summer
   vehicle congestion, thus facilitating greater visitation numbers concurrently with improved visitor experience and a reduced environmental footprint.
4. Allow for labor mobility- CABR would provide an ideal transportation option to workers living outside of Banff (Canmore, Morley, Cochrane), as well as to youth arriving in Canada looking for a work-travel experience under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program.

We have had the opportunity to host millions of visitors in our hotels, restaurants, spas, attractions and stores over the past 20 years, and one thing that we have learned is that they want to be part of the solution to a more environmentally sustainable travel experience. The Calgary Airport Banff Rail would provide these visitors with this opportunity.”

“Banff National Park is a highly successful contributor to Alberta’s economy thanks to its iconic status amongst the Worlds most desired bucket list tourism destinations. Above and beyond its direct impact on economic growth and sustainability via tourism, it also serves as a calling card for Alberta and Canada whenever we connect with people across all industries beyond our borders.

A strategic component for our continued success and future potential as a World renowned destination is our ability to grow sustainably. Having a reliable, affordable and practical mass transportation system in the form of a passenger rail service from Calgary International Airport to the Town of Banff would certainly support this strategy.”

“As the operator of three hotels in Banff National Park and one hotel in Yoho National Park, CRMR believes the CABR would economically enhance our business in several ways, and thus the overall Alberta economy. In addition to the economic benefits the Park would see, the environmental benefits also complement the strategic planning within the area.

Increase Occupancy in Shoulder Seasons: Winter driving conditions deter some travellers from venturing to the Parks, with 90% of international visitors noting this as a challenge. Despite offering world class winter activities, this time of year is quieter in the Parks as compared to the high season of summer. The CABR would mitigate winter driving conditions as a concern for tourists offering seamless transportation from the Calgary International Airport directly to Banff. Having more consistent occupancy in our hotels throughout the year would allow us to provide more full-time employment rather than offering seasonal positions. Furthermore, increased occupancy during shoulder season would inject more money into the Alberta economy.

Pending Development in Lake Louise: CRMR is planning a 60-million-dollar redevelopment to Deer Lodge in Lake Louise. This will be a significant contribution to the Alberta economy and provide permanent jobs for years to come. The project is not feasible without the addition of the CABR as we need to transition from a summer primary business to one that draws international tourism year-round. Although the CABR is planned to terminate in Banff, it remains very significant to our Lake Louise and Yoho.

National Park Operations. We will be able to offer high end, low emission transportation from the Banff train station to our three properties outside of the Banff townsite.

Increase Packaged Activities & Longer Stays: The CABR is likely to appeal to US and International visitors, who are strong prospective candidates to hotel operators looking to provide increased services and experiences. As we are limited on any physical growth in the National Park, our future growth opportunities lie in expanding our offerings with activities such as: heritage and architectural tours, geological based hikes, flora and fauna informative trips and of course an abundance of outdoor adventure. The CABR project will allow us to provide fully integrated travel experiences from their arrival in Calgary through their adventures in Banff and Yoho National Parks. The fact that we are capped on commercial square footage in the National Park, means our path forward to increased economic activity is to provide more interactive and immersive experiences which will lend themselves to other revenue streams and longer stays.

Reduce GHG Emissions: The CABR will reduce need for and impact of personal vehicles in the Park and therefor lower GHGs per visitor. This will also support achieving Banff National Park Net Zero 2035 and more particularly, our goal as a hotel operator of providing a more environmentally sustainable travel experience. As tourists continue to put their environmental footprint at the forefront of their decision making, Banff National Park sits in an inopportune position as it is presently one of the highest GHG emitting parks in North America on a per visitor basis; 63 times higher than Zion National Park in Utah. We believe this will continue to weigh on people’s travel decisions and deter visitors to Banff National Park.

Purposeful Travel Trend: Globally, there is a push for tourists to significantly reduce their environmental footprint and a trend towards ‘Purposeful Travel’. There are several ways this can be achieved; however, two significant opportunities lie with mode of transportation and length of stay in any given location. As this trend continues to emerge globally, the CABR will help ensure Banff offers sustainable access while reducing congestion, and making this destination more easily accessible year-round. As more tourists embrace purposeful and slow travel by embracing longer stays, this will have a positive economic impact for us as a hotel operator but also the destination as a whole.”

“I was incredibly excited when this project was introduced, they do not come along very often; I could see the many benefits that a passenger train between Calgary and Banff would have on my business and on my community. Having a premium train service offered will have an immediate appeal to our international visitors who will thoroughly enjoy another amazing Alberta experience. To be able to take a train is already such a unique opportunity but to experience it in the Canadian Rockies is a bucket list check mark.

Winters in the Canadian Rockies is beautiful and to remove the stress of winter driving and be able to relax on a train while taking in the wonderful views will be an easy sell. The unique and safe travel on the way to stay at the Rimrock will not only add to the memories our visitors will have of Banff and of Alberta but it will make it a much more desirable time to visit. The shoulder season of November – April is an amazing time to visit the Rockies, it is a need period for our businesses and having an appealing attraction like the passenger train for the US, and International visitors can only help our hotels realize a higher yield per room. Our local Albertan’s are our strongest supporters and I know the demand for wanting to travel by rail to the Rockies instead of by car will be high.

Removing vehicles from Banff’s roads has been an on going project for many years. The train will certainly have a positive impact on assisting our actions of supporting and achieving the Banff National Park Net Zero 2035. The Rimrock continues to look for opportunities to become more environmentally sustainable and being able to say our destination has taken a bold step in making the travel experience for our visitors less impactful on the environment is a statement we will proudly market.
I also believe that our attraction for workers in nearby communities would also increase with the ease of access to the passenger train. I see only amazing opportunities with this project for Banff and the other communities. More importantly for the province of Alberta to commit to such an impactful project that will enhance tourism and show case the province to the entire world is a win for everyone!

I strongly encourage the province to support this project, as the Rimrock is excited and looking forward to benefits that a passenger train will bring to my business and our town.”

“As the General Manager of a large collection of Banff hotels, we see (CABR) as a critical step toward realising many of our shared aims and visions for our region. The CABR project will support our own regional transit initiatives through sustainable tourism, boosting our overall economy by allowing not only more Canadians, but also more international visitors to enjoy our very special part of Banff National Park in a safe, affordable, and environmentally conscious manner. The train line will transform tourism in Banff National Park by providing more reliable mass transit for visitors and locals alike. Furthermore, having a safe, affordable travel option is a fantastic addition as we strive to grow our business year-round, as it will allow us to create a plethora of new package ideas for all markets focused on length of stay and supporting the needs of other local steak holders and attractions.

I feel we’ve had a great deal of success in recent years with our own regional transit initiatives, so the addition of a new train will continue to encourage people to take public transportation instead of driving, which is becoming increasingly problematic for safety, infrastructure, visitor experience, and residents. Many of the Town of Banff’s aims seem aligned with this railway, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, traffic congestion, enhancing labour mobility, addressing staffing shortages, and re-connecting Banff to the rest of the world via the Calgary International Airport. It would be a wonderful experience if visitors arrived without a car, walked or cycled around town, and then took advantage of our public transportation system to see everything the park has to offer.”

“CABR will transform Banff and Alberta as a tourist destination by decreasing the use of personal vehicles, enhancing Banff as a sustainable tourism destination, increase pedestrianization, increase labour mobility, increase visitation in low seasons, and increase yield per visitor.

Decrease use of Personal Vehicles: Banff does not have a people problem – it has a car problem. The number one complaint about Banff is its vehicle congestion. Walking around Banff is extraordinarily easy to get into most attractions, dining rooms, and retail shops, even on its busiest days. What is not easy is parking and driving through the town. Nothing would address our number one issue more than CABR. Subsequently, I do believe our local community would also have a better relationship with tourism.

Banff as a Sustainable Tourism Destination: Sustainable tourism is on the tip of every tongue of destinations around the globe. Our customers tell us that ecological sustainability is a significant factor in their travel decisions. CABR checks every sustainable initiative and will be a flagship environmental project. CABR will enhance the environmental brand of Banff and all of Alberta.

Increased Pedestrianization: Banff has developed a multi-pronged approach to improving its walkability and biking. We have a pedestrian zone downtown, another footbridge connecting our recreational grounds being built, and the 1A highway being open only to bikes for some parts of the year. Each and every time Banff has increased its accessibility to pedestrians, there has been an exponentially positive lift in the visitor experience. CABR is the link in a beautiful pedestrian ecosystem in the town of Banff, unrivalled in North America.

Labour Mobility: Banff has a defined footprint. Staff lodging and affordable housing are becoming a bigger and bigger problem in Banff, to which there are few solutions. CABR is a wonderful and viable response.

Increased Visitation in Low Seasons: Getting to Banff will be safer and more accessible. Most people do not understand that winter is our low season. A more viable way to get to the mountains during the winter visitation will help level-out visitation throughout the year.

Increased Average Yield throughout the Year: CABR will likely appeal to out-of-region travellers, particularly the US and international tourists who typically spend approximately 300% more per day than regional visitors.

Increase Predictable Bookings: CABR will again have a strong appeal to international tourists who book far in advance and are much less influenced by the given weather of the day.

Nothing could have a more significant influence on the prosperity of our tourism economy than CABR.”

“Hydrogen rolling stock is ideally suited for application on the Calgary-Banff Rail corridor in terms of length of alignment, alignment characteristics and capacity. We firmly believe Alberta possess all the characteristics to become the flag-bearer of hydrogen trains on this side of the Atlantic and we are very keen to help the Province realize what will be recognized as an iconic project throughout the world.

Alstom is pleased to offer the benefit of our experience and know-how to bring this project to reality for the benefit of Albertans and indeed to the many global visitors to the Province. As you may be aware, in terms of hydrogen rail technology, Alstom is the global pioneer of this technology: Alstom’s Coradia iLint train was unveiled in 2016 and has been in passenger service since 2018 in Lower Saxony, Germany. Over 200,000 kilometers have been completed since the iLint’s entry in service.”

“As you may know, Japan has strong experience in all of the major characteristics of this proposed project, including: (i) the provisioning of efficient passenger rail links between airports, cities and ski resorts; (ii) rolling stock and systems integration; (iii) punctual operation with high customer satisfaction; (iv) the development of a hydrogen economy; and (V) the provisioning of long term competitive finance solutions. Furthermore, beyond a rail project, we are keen to bring and transfer Japan’s rich experiences In over-station development, transit orientated development and smart transit related solutions to maximize economic growth in the region.

The Calgary Airport to Banff Rail Project demonstrates a strong technical and commercial underpinning. We believe Liricon/Plenary, under strong collaboration with Japanese companies including Sumitomo, would be a great choice as a development partner for the Government of Alberta. Especially if we are selected as a member of the developer’s consortium, one of our advantage Is to bring a strong support from an infrastructure fund sponsored by both the Japanese Government and Japanese companies, Japan Overseas Infrastructure Investment Corporation for Transport and Urban Development.”

“As a leading energy infrastructure company and a major employer of a highly skilled and diverse workforce headquartered in Calgary, TC Energy is ideally positioned to assess CABR’s potential to transform the Province of Alberta and Canada in several ways, including:

Economic Diversification: The proposed direct, express rail connection between the Calgary International Airport and downtown Calgary will provide the fastest mass transit rail connection between a city airport and its downtown in all of North America. This will help to revitalize Calgary’s downtown core and create an attractive destination for top talent around the world.

Environmental Leadership: CABR’s potential to be North America’s first hydrogen-powered, zero- emissions passenger rail system is aligned with Alberta’s plans to develop the hydrogen economy and reduce its own carbon footprint. By reducing personal vehicle use in Banff National Park, CABR will preserve the ecological integrity and beauty of Canada’s first national park.

Hydrogen Economy: TC Energy believes that stimulating demand for hydrogen will be a key component in the growth potential for the hydrogen economy in Alberta and Canada. Our Crossfield (Alberta) Hydrogen Project offers a production pathway to service the CABR demand and an ideal partnership opportunity. These projects present a clear opportunity to position Alberta as a leader in the low carbon economy.

TC Energy is very excited about the wide-reaching benefits of this unique project and its potential to transform the future for Alberta and Canada in the low carbon economy.”

“The (CABR) project holds potential to help reinvigorate downtown Calgary through station and ancillary developments, and could strategically catalyze transformational projects. With stops along west Calgary, Cochrane, Morley, Canmore and Banff, the incremental tourism visitations to these centres is also significant. The stop in Morley creates potential for the project to assist with economic reconciliation and helping transportation options for those living on reserve.

Finally, as a hydrogen fuelled train, the project has potential to significantly reduce GHG emissions of people travelling the route. The project can also serve to demonstrate Alberta’s leadership in the hydrogen economy and be a first mover on a major infrastructure project that builds off of Alberta’s Hydrogen Roadmap, particularly pillars on de-risking investment, activating technology and innovation, and leading the way in building alliances.

The Business Council of Alberta supports the CABR in principle and we encourage the Governments of Canada and Alberta to support the concept subject to final plans and costs. We do support the government financially contributing to the project however it must not come at a significant cost burden or tax increase to Albertans.”

“As the province’s leading financial services institution, ATB Financial is ideally positioned to identify some of the potential benefits from CABR to Albertans and to Canadians, including:

Economic Diversification. By providing a direct, express rail connection between the Calgary Airport and downtown, the city of Calgary will have the fastest mass transit rail connection between an airport and downtown city in North America. This will revitalize Calgary’s downtown core and help make it a magnet for global top talent. Additionally, providing a seamless rail connection between Calgary and communities in the Bow Valley, including the Stoney Nakoda Nation and Canada’s flagship National Park, will also significantly enhance labour and visitor mobility.

Environmental Leadership. CABR’s potential to be North America’s first hydrogen-powered, zero-emissions passenger rail system can help accelerate the province’s hydrogen growth plans. CABR can be another symbol of Alberta’s gold standard of environmental stewardship. By reducing personal vehicle use in Banff National Park, CABR will enhance the ecological integrity of this national jewel.

Best Practices Public-Private-Partnership Model. CABR’s private-public-partnership model whereby the P3 train system assumes commercial risks including capital costs and ridership revenue, is unique in Canada. This structure reduces risk to the Province of Alberta while incentivizing the P3 to keep capital costs under control and optimize revenue. Further, the Canada Infrastructure Bank providing 50% of the capital costs results in the financing cost of the project being lower than if the Province financed it on its own. This attractive P3 structure has been possible because of Alberta’s new Unsolicited Proposal Framework and can be used as a best-in-class model for other P3s in Canada.

The Calgary Airport—Banff Rail project represents a nation building project, and I look forward to participating in its success as it advances to this next phase of work.”

“This exciting new initiative will bolster regional tourism to ensure Alberta remains a world class destination, by increasing accessibility to Banff National Park in an environmentally sustainable manner. Using innovative technology, the CABR can provide the first hydrogen-powered passenger train in North America, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

As a large employer of financial services professionals in Alberta, we believe the project will also enhance our ability to attract talent to work and live in Alberta.
With the co-operation of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the Province of Alberta, Liricon and Plenary’s public-private partnership model can deliver an efficient and effective transit solution between Calgary and Banff.

As a long-time supporter of the development of railways in Canada – former Bank of Montreal President Donald Smith drove the “Last Spike” of the CPR in 1885 – we hold a strong legacy of supporting investment in Canadian rail.”

“We believe that (CABR) is unique, innovative and offers a number of significant benefits to Albertans and all Canadians. These include:

Economic development in Alberta. Efficient rail connection between the Calgary International Airport and downtown Calgary, and between Calgary and Banff, will solidify Calgary as world-class city in which to live and do business. It will help employers, such as our bank, continue to attract and retain top-tier talent in Alberta. Importantly, the physical link the Project would provide to the people of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation would hold the potential to better integrate the Nation into the economic activity of the broader region.

Positive environmental impact and the potential to anchor the hydrogen economy in Alberta. CARB would eliminate thousands of vehicle trips to Banff, alleviating the pressure of vehicular traffic on the park and substantially reducing carbon emissions in line with the Banff National Park Net Zero 2035 initiative. Furthermore, a conversion to hydrogen has the potential to anchor the hydrogen economy in Alberta and offer additional, substantial decarbonization benefits.

Unique public-private partnership (P3) structure. We understand that the proponents are pursuing a unique P3 model, whereby the Canada Infrastructure Bank will play a significant role and the P3 partners will bear more commercial risk than is typical. We believe this model will reduce risk to the Province and could serve as the model for other infrastructure projects across Canada going forward.

High quality project proponents. We have been fortunate to partner with the principals of Liricon as they have built a multi-billion dollar oil and gas business, headquartered in Calgary, and with Plenary on numerous P3s, including the Waterloo LRT and the Communications Security Establishment Canada Long Term Accommodation Project in Ontario

Projects of this nature are critical to ensuring the long-term prosperity of Alberta and our country as a whole. CARB holds the potential to underpin economic activity in the province, offers substantial environmental benefits and is being pursued by high quality proponents in a novel manner which benefits the Province.”

The concept of a rail link between Calgary Airport and Banff aligns seamlessly with our commitment to promoting and supporting projects that enhance connectivity, accessibility, and environmental sustainability. The CABR project represents a visionary step towards a more sustainable and efficient transportation system. We believe it will significantly contribute to the effective development and improvement of the Bow Valley Corridor and the Province of Alberta.

“We believe the project will bring about a number of economic and environmental benefits to Alberta and to the rest of Canada. The project will increase labour mobility, providing an enhanced connection between Calgary and the communities in the Bow Valley, including the Stoney Nakoda Nation and Canada’s flagship National Park. It will expand and diversify Alberta’s economy, with the express rail connection between the Calgary Airport and downtown helping to revitalize Calgary’s downtown core and attract additional employers and talent to the city. CABR will also reduce carbon emissions, reducing personal vehicle use and will potentially be North America’s first hydrogen-powered rail system which could accelerate Alberta’s plans to develop a hydrogen economy. In addition to attracting business and tourism to Calgary, CABR will provide more convenient and inclusive access to the mountains for Albertans and Canadians, including RBC employees.

RBC is supportive of the CABR project and its long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits and we would be pleased to make ourselves available to discuss the merits of the project if helpful.”

“I see CABR as a very compelling project for not only the Province of Alberta but all of Canada for several reasons including:

Economic Diversification: By providing a direct, express rail connection between the Calgary Airport and downtown, the city of Calgary will have the fastest mass transit rail connection between an airport and downtown city in all of North America. This will inevitably help to revitalize Calgary’s downtown core and help make it a magnet for top talent around the world. By providing a seamless rail connection between Calgary and the communities in the Bow Valley, including the Stoney Nakada Nation and Canada’s flagship National Park, labour and visitor mobility will also be significantly enhanced.

Environmental Leadership: CABR’s potential to be North America’s first hydrogen-powered, zero-emissions passenger rail system should help to accelerate Alberta’s plans in developing its hydrogen economy. By reducing personal vehicle use in Banff National Park, CABR will enhance the ecological integrity of this national jewel. CABR can be a symbol of Alberta’s gold standard of environmental stewardship and reducing the carbon intensity of the oil and gas industry.

Best Practices Public-Private-Partnership Model: CABR’s private-public-partnership model whereby the P3 train system assumes commercial risks including capital costs and ridership revenue, is unique in Canada. This structure reduces risk to the Province of Alberta while incentivizing the P3 to keep capital costs under control and optimize revenue. Further, Canada Infrastructure Bank providing 50% of the capital costs results in the financing cost of the project being lower than if the Province financed it on its own. This attractive P3 structure has been possible because of Alberta’s new Unsolicited Proposal Framework and can be used as a best-in-class model for other P3s in Canada.

CABR embodies the spirit of Western Canadian entrepreneurialism and innovation and will be a symbol for nation building.”

“The CABR project is an innovative and unique opportunity to advance business and tourism opportunities in the Province of Alberta. I am writing to offer our support to this initiative.

A low carbon connection between the Calgary airport, the city of Calgary, the Banff National Park, and many communities along the route is a responsible and sustainable way to improve mobility and drive growth.

The CABR project is also a great example of effective public-private partnership, bringing together government, enterprise, and public agencies to deliver for the people of Alberta and all Canadians.

TD is proud to be an active participant in Alberta’s future prosperity. We are a strong local employer and will be an active participant in Alberta’s economic growth well into the future. With a deep presence in local markets and a track record of community involvement, we look forward to the benefits of the CABR program, and the increased opportunity for growth, talent, and investment it will provide Alberta and Albertans once completed.”