Plans for a high-speed rail link between Calgary and Edmonton are progressing following new commitments from the governments of Alberta and Canada, as announced by the province on Monday. Alberta is set to initiate a formal process for private-sector entities interested in the rail project to submit their proposals.
According to Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen, feedback from Alberta’s Passenger Rail Master Plan emphasized the importance of a high-speed rail connection between Calgary and Edmonton via Red Deer. The plan identified a high-speed rail service between the two cities through Red Deer with multiple trains per hour as a viable project that could yield significant benefits for Alberta over the next 30 years. The comprehensive plan, spanning over 500 kilometers and including service to Banff and all-day connections to the Calgary and Edmonton airports, also involves a $15 million investment over the next three years.
Minister Dreeshen expressed enthusiasm for advancing the project, which is expected to revolutionize travel for Albertans. The province aims to select a private-sector proponent for the endeavor by April 2027, with minimal financial input from the provincial government.
Premier Danielle Smith highlighted the strategic importance of connecting Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer with high-speed rail, citing it as a vital long-term investment for Alberta. She stressed the necessity of building infrastructure to facilitate the movement of people, businesses, and the economy as the province continues to expand.
The proposed high-speed rail link, operating at speeds of up to 320 km/h on dedicated tracks, is projected to reduce travel time between downtown Edmonton and Calgary to one hour and 45 minutes. Premier Smith emphasized the collaboration with the federal government to enhance one of Canada’s fastest-growing economic corridors and bolster Alberta’s growth prospects.
The Government of Canada affirmed its support for the project by committing to refer the project corridor to the federal Major Projects Office. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon highlighted the transformative potential of high-speed rail in Canada, emphasizing its benefits for economic growth, productivity, and regional connectivity in Alberta. The collaborative effort between the provincial and federal governments underscores their shared dedication to exploring opportunities that can deliver lasting advantages for Albertans and Canadians.
