Mayor responds to talk of Deerfoot Trail transfer

 CALGARY- The mayor of Calgary kept the rumour mill swirling on Wednesday, responding to word the soon-to-be-unveiled Alberta budget could include transferring control of Deerfoot Trail.

The province took ownership of the busy Calgary roadway back in 2000, and has spent about $230 million on maintenance so far. If Calgary was once again in charge of it, those bills could have to be covered by city taxpayers.

Shortly after Nenshi’s comments, the office of Alberta transportation minister Ric McIver responded, saying the transfer of Deerfoot Trail is not in tomorrow’s budget. A spokesperson added that the transfer could happen one day, but only after the entire ring road is completed and substantial discussion with the city of Calgary.

Get breaking National news

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Those talks could start later this year.

With files from Gary Bobrovitz