The governments of Alberta and Canada have announced plans to pursue private-sector proposals for a high-speed rail link connecting downtown Calgary, Red Deer, and downtown Edmonton. The province intends to issue a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) in fall 2026, with the expectation of selecting a successful proponent by April 2027.
RFP Launch and Route Details
The proposed rail line will include stops at Airdrie, Calgary International Airport, Edmonton International Airport, and Red Deer. The project is part of Alberta’s Passenger Rail Master Plan, designed to improve connectivity between key urban centres in the province. The RFP will call for proposals to deliver the high-speed
rail connection along this corridor.
Project Funding and Scale
Alberta’s Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen indicated that the province anticipates a minimal financial commitment and that the final level of provincial investment will depend on the bids received. He described the initiative as the largest infrastructure project in Alberta’s history. Several private sector consortiums comprising railway operators, construction firms, and engineering companies have been preparing for the upcoming RFP.
Cost Estimates and Technical Specifications
The broader Passenger Rail Master Plan, released June 5, 2026, estimates construction and vehicle costs of approximately $38 billion (in 2025 dollars) for a higher-speed Edmonton-Calgary rail network inclusive of regional and commuter
services. This figure includes land acquisition and has a wide accuracy range of plus 100% to minus 50%. High-speed trains envisioned for the corridor would operate at speeds up to 320 kilometres per hour, cutting trip times between downtown Calgary and downtown Edmonton to about one hour and 45 minutes. The project will involve new dedicated passenger tracks rather than utilizing existing freight rail lines.
Federal Role and Governance
The Alberta government will refer the project to Canada’s federal Major Projects Office for review after selecting a proponent. Both levels of government will establish a joint governance structure to oversee planning, due diligence, and
information sharing. This collaboration aims to align federal and provincial interests and expedite project assessment. Federal Minister for Prairies Economic Development Eleanor Olszewski noted the partnership supports one of Canada’s fastest-growing economic corridors and aims to create jobs and business opportunities.
Stakeholder Engagement
The governments plan to engage Indigenous communities, municipalities, industry representatives, investors, stakeholders, and the public as the project progresses. Alberta has already conducted an industry webinar and has scheduled one-on-one consultations with potential contractors and equity providers. The Passenger Rail Master Plan acknowledges extensive land acquisition challenges associated with constructing new rail corridors.
Official Statements
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the
planned high-speed rail a “generational investment” that will support provincial growth for decades, stating, “Connecting Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton with high-speed rail would be a generational investment in Alberta’s future.” Dreeshen emphasized that costs are not yet known and depend on submitted proposals. Olszewski described the initiative as “what it means to dream big and work together.”
Unknowns and Timeline
Official details on the project’s total cost, construction schedule, and funding commitments remain undisclosed. The province has not announced a construction start date or when the high-speed rail would become operational. Proponents will be asked to provide project timelines within their proposals.
