Tuesday, October 13, 2026
VIA Rail and Pomerleau announced the start of construction of VIA Rail’s new assembly and maintenance facility in Montréal, in the presence of approximately 60 employees from both companies and other local suppliers.
The new 100,000-square-foot facility will be built by Pomerleau through a $357 million investment from the Government of Canada. It will enable the final assembly in Canada of up to 36 of the 45 new battery-diesel hybrid locomotives ordered from Stadler, as well as testing ahead of their entry into service.
“The start of construction of this new assembly and maintenance facility marks an important milestone in the renewal of VIA Rail’s pan-Canadian fleet,” said Mathieu Paquette, VIA Rail’s president and CEO.
Once this phase is complete, the facility will be be integrated into the Montréal Maintenance Centre for the long-term maintenance of VIA Rail’s entire new pan-Canadian fleet, including the locomotives and 313 passenger cars ordered from Alstom.
(VIA Rail Canada)
“This new facility represents VIA Rail’s largest construction project in Montréal in nearly 40 years. Beyond the delivery of this landmark project, we are bringing together the expertise of our teams and partners to create a lasting piece of infrastructure that will benefit future generations,” added Philippe Adam, president and CEO, Pomerleau.
Site excavation is currently underway and will continue through January 2027. Foundation work is scheduled to begin in mid-January. The new facility is expected to become operational in the summer of 2029.
Overall, VIA Rail’s pan-Canadian fleet renewal project and the construction of the new facility represent a $6.7 billion investment by the Government of Canada.
Featured image: (VIA Rail Canada)
