The imminent completion of the LRT line extension into north Edmonton’s Blatchford neighbourhood looms near. However, the area, previously home to municipal airport lands, can expect one of its two new stations to remain closed for several years into the future.
The significant $330-million project is set to extend the Metro LRT line beyond the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), reaching further into the Blatchford area which has been under active development since August 2015. The city’s announcement assures that the extension will be operational next year.
The project features two fresh stations; a permanent NAIT platform which will replace the temporary one in use since 2015, and the Blatchford Gate station, situated a bit further north.
Currently, the Blatchford community houses around 50 homes. These residences are established on the site of the former City Centre Airport, which ceased operations in 2013. All the homes lie across the neighbourhood, away from the upcoming station. The earliest Blatchford community members moved into their homes three years ago.
City Councillor Ashley Salvador is in favour of keeping the Blatchford Gates station closed until there is a significant rise in the community’s population. Salvador is noted for representing the Ward Métis in east-central Edmonton and serving as the vice-chair of the executive committee that reviewed a public report on potential operational strategies for the Metro Line to Blatchford.
Salvador expressed, “As we explore opportunities to increase ridership around the Blatchford gate station, I’ll be keeping a close eye.” He added, “The way Blatchford is phased could play a significant part. It is pivotal that we are proactive in making the land surrounding the station available and put to use swiftly. It’s an ideal location for transit-oriented development and is undoubtedly in line with our city’s aspirations.”
Opening only the new Nait station could lead to potential savings for the city, an estimated $2 million a year in operational expenses. This saving takes into account the costs associated with maintaining the security and working condition of the unopened Blatchford Gate platform.
Predictions from the development manager of the Blatchford community suggest that homes and other facilities near the station should be completed by the close of this decade.
