Planning transportation for the future Calgary is one of North America's fastest growing cities so we must plan transportation both for today and the future. Helene Larocque believes that taxpayer dollars spent on transportation must serve the maximum number of Calgarians, be fiscally prudent and help build a green city by reducing carbon emissions. When more C-train lines are built, then more Calgarians will leave their cars at home and use public transit. That means less carbon emissions and reduced gridlock on our streets. C-Trains before tunnels The proposed tunnel to Calgary airport is a great example of how candidates set priorities: Some candidates want to spend up to $500 million on a tunnel that saves Ward 3 residents east of the airport about 5 minutes on their commute. Helene Larocque has a better set of priorities for Ward 3: Expedite a new North Central C-train line to Calgary Airport, Panorama Hills, Country Hills, Harvest Hills and Coventry Hills. Improve roads, bus and C-Train service east of the airport. Helene's priorities will cut gridlock on Deerfoot trail, give communities west of Deerfoot Trail a new C-Train line and communities east of the airport better roads and public transportation. Helene will ensure that new communities are properly planned so they don't open with transportation and infrastructure deficits. Some of Helene Larocque's accomplishments from 2004-2007 In 2006, 35% of Calgary's transportation budget was allocated to Ward 3. In 2007 it was 29%. The McKnight Blvd/36 Street NE interchange was funded . The Westwinds LRT Station opened six years ahead of schedule. Secured funding for the Martindale and Saddleridge LRT stations that are now being built. Allocated money to improve the interchange at Beddington Trail and Country Hills Blvd and widen roads. More than 15,000 additional hours of public transit services for Calgary were approved by City Council. Worked with a developer to loan the City $60 million (interest free) to start construction of Metis Trail. That demonstrates leadership, creative problem solving and fiscal prudence. The project was completed $15 million under budget. In 2005 Helene initiated a safety review of Deerfoot Trail. That caused a post-and-cable safety barrier to be installed on sections of the Deerfoot. The barrier has already saved lives. [Read about this from the Calgary Herald]. "Long term planning is necessary so communities have the right balance of public and private transportation. Major roads should be finished before people move into their houses. And land should be set aside for emergency services, libraries, schools and recreation when new communities are on the drawing board." Helene Larocque

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