Canada and AB to collaborate on high-speed rail between Calgary and Edmonton

Alberta’s plans for high-speed rail between Calgary and Edmonton are moving forward, with the federal government supporting the province’s efforts to advance the project.

The province announced it is preparing to launch a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process this fall, inviting private-sector proponents to submit proposals for a downtown Calgary-Red Deer-downtown Edmonton high-speed rail project that also includes service to Alberta’s two largest airports and the City of Airdrie.

“Connecting Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton with high-speed rail would be a generational investment in Alberta’s future. As our province continues to grow, we need to build the infrastructure that keeps people, businesses and our economy moving. By working with the federal government, we are taking the next steps toward a project that could strengthen one of Canada’s fastest-growing economic corridors and support Alberta’s growth for decades to come,” said Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.

The successful proponent’s project proposal will be expected to include minimal financial investment by the provincial government and be integrated into existing passenger rail systems in Calgary and Edmonton. Alberta’s government plans to select a proponent by April 2027.

The Government of Canada also committed that the Calgary-Red Deer-Edmonton High-Speed Rail corridor will be referred to the federal Major Projects Office as a transformative strategy and will work with Alberta to advance the project once a private proponent has been selected by the Government of Alberta. The two governments will work collaboratively to support planning and the advancement of the project, including exploring financing options.

“High-speed rail has great potential to reshape the way people move in Canada, and supports Alberta’s economic growth, productivity and regional connectivity. Today’s collaboration demonstrates our shared commitment to exploring opportunities that could deliver lasting benefits for Albertans and Canadians,” said Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport.

Featured image: In 2021, EllisDon formed a partnership with Aecom to advance the development of high-speed rail connecting Edmonton, Red Deer, and Calgary (EllisDon)