Feds announce $4.7B for new Via Rail passenger cars to be build in Ontario, Quebec

The federal government is investing more than $4.7 billion for VIA Rail to acquire and maintain 313 new passenger rail cars from Alstom Canada. The cars will be manufactured and assembled in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and La Pocatière, Québec, with design and engineering work taking place in Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec.

This is the largest investment in VIA Rail’s history and the first time in four decades that passenger cars will be built in Canada.

“In the face of strong headwinds, a confident Canada is choosing to build. For the first time in four decades, VIA’s passenger cars will be built in Canada. Cars once made in the United States, now made here at home. This means new contracts for Canadian suppliers, good jobs for Canadian workers, and paycheques that stay in Canadian cities and towns. That’s how we build Canada strong.” said Prime Minister Mark Carney.

According to the feds, in line with the Buy Canadian Policy, Alstom will leverage and expand its extensive network of more than 900 Canadian suppliers in delivering the new fleet, while maximising the use of Canadian steel in structural assemblies, supports, and fabricated metal elements.

“These new Canadian-built passenger rail cars will retain signature features such as dome cars, full-service dining, and social areas, while incorporating modern amenities, improved accessibility, and greater reliability. They will help us preserve essential services to remote communities and elevate the unique onboard experience that allows passengers to discover Canada in a way that only train travel can offer,” said Mathieu Paquette, interim president and CEO of VIA Rail Canada.

Today’s announcement, combined with the federal government’s recent $1.95 billion investment in 45 new passenger rail locomotives and a new assembly and maintenance facility in Montréal, brings the federal government’s investment in renewing VIA Rail’s long-distance, regional, and remote fleet to more than $6.6 billion.

“This project marks the beginning of a new chapter between Canada’s national passenger railway company and the country’s local rail manufacturer. Together, we are building a fleet for Canadians, by Canadians, and it will move the country forward for  generations to come,” said Michael Keroullé, president of Alstom Americas.

The Government of Canada’s investments in this fleet renewal initiative include:

• $1.6 billion for 45 new locomotives from Stadler, based in Bussnang, Switzerland. Leveraging its global supply chain and Canadian suppliers, Stadler will complete the final assembly of up to 36 locomotives in Canada, marking the first time in decades that passenger locomotives for VIA Rail will be assembled domestically. 
• $357 million for VIA Rail to build a new assembly and maintenance facility in Montréal, Québec, where the Canadian assembly of the locomotives will take place. Built by Pomerleau, the facility will also support the maintenance and operation of the new fleet at VIA Rail’s Montréal Maintenance Centre over the long term.

Featured image: (Government of Canada)