Why High Speed Rail Makes Sense for Alberta

This op-ed piece in the Globe and Mail argues that plans for a high-speed rail link between the Albertan cities of Calgary and Edmonton makes eminent sense -- at least, according to the thinking of Richard Florida and colleagues.

1 minute read

July 14, 2009, 7:00 AM PDT

By Michael Dudley


The province of Alberta has just issued a report on the feasibility of a high-speed rail link between Calgary and Edmonton. But the Globe and Mail thinks that even stronger support for the link comes from a report penned by Richard Florida and colleague Roger Martin, that claims that hightened connectivity -- and reduced commuting time -- are keys to economic prosperity. While the link has been studied before,

"...the new report makes an important observation: Enough people would use a high-speed rail service to justify building it, and the faster it is, the more people would be attracted to it. That should tempt some private-sector interest. The economic spinoffs, including jobs, would be great, which should tempt public-sector interest. There are also environmental imperatives."

The newspaper warns the Conservative government of Alberta not to let their report gather dust, but to move without delay to "define a corridor and reserve lands for such a service."

Monday, July 13, 2009 in The Globe and Mail

Large blank mall building with only two cars in large parking lot.

Pennsylvania Mall Conversion Bill Passes House

If passed, the bill would promote the adaptive reuse of defunct commercial buildings.

April 18, 2024 - Central Penn Business Journal

Street scene in Greenwich Village, New York City with people walking through busy intersection and new WTC tower in background.

Planning for Accessibility: Proximity is More Important than Mobility

Accessibility-based planning minimizes the distance that people must travel to reach desired services and activities. Measured this way, increased density can provide more total benefits than increased speeds.

April 14, 2024 - Todd Litman

Rendering of wildlife crossing over 101 freeway in Los Angeles County.

World's Largest Wildlife Overpass In the Works in Los Angeles County

Caltrans will soon close half of the 101 Freeway in order to continue construction of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing near Agoura Hills in Los Angeles County.

April 15, 2024 - LAist

View of downtown Seattle with Space Needle and mountains in background

Eviction Looms for Low-Income Tenants as Rent Debt Rises

Nonprofit housing operators across the country face almost $10 billion in rent debt.

April 23 - The Seattle Times

Rendering of Brightline West train passing through Southern California desert

Brightline West Breaks Ground

The high-speed rail line will link Las Vegas and the Los Angeles area.

April 23 - KTLA

Aerial view of gold state capitol dome in Denver, Colorado and Denver skyline.

Colorado Bans No-Fault Evictions

In most cases, landlords must provide a just cause for evicting tenants.

April 23 - Colorado Politics

News from HUD User

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Call for Speakers

Mpact Transit + Community

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.