Alberta and Ottawa advance Calgary–Edmonton high-speed rail

Alberta and the federal government announced new steps Monday toward high-speed passenger rail linking downtown Calgary, Red Deer and downtown Edmonton. The province said it will soon launch a formal request for proposals to select a private-sector proponent, aiming to choose a partner by April 2027 with minimal expected provincial capital outlay.

Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the Passenger Rail Master Plan found high-speed service via Red Deer with more than one train an hour was feasible and could generate the greatest benefits over 30 years. Premier Danielle Smith called the corridor, home to about 80 per cent of Albertans, a potential generational investment. The province projects speeds of up to 320 km/h on new dedicated tracks and a downtown-to-downtown trip of about one hour and 45 minutes.

Ottawa committed to referring the project corridor to the federal Major Projects Office once Alberta selects a proponent. Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said high-speed rail could reshape mobility and support Alberta’s growth, productivity and regional connectivity. The master plan also contemplates airport links and other passenger-rail priorities, backed by a previously announced $15-million provincial investment over three years.