The Alberta government, in partnership with the federal government of Canada, will issue a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) in fall 2026 to explore a high-speed rail service connecting Calgary and Edmonton. The selection of a private-sector proponent is anticipated by April 2027.
Planned Route Includes Major Urban and Airport Stops
The proposed high-speed rail corridor will run from downtown Calgary through Red Deer to downtown Edmonton, with additional stops at Airdrie, Calgary International Airport, and Edmonton International Airport. This corridor encompasses roughly 80% of Alberta’s population and follows a greenfield route with two dedicated passenger tracks.
Private-Sector Led Project with Minimal Provincial Funding
The Alberta government expects the successful proposal to require minimal financial
investment from the province. Minister Devin Dreeshen, responsible for Transportation and Economic Corridors, said actual costs and provincial contribution remain unknown and depend on the proposals received. He noted that varying locations within the served cities could affect costs, and the level of provincial investment will factor into evaluating submissions.
Joint Federal-Provincial Governance and Consultations Planned
Following proponent selection, the project will be referred to the federal Major Projects Office. Alberta and the federal government will establish a joint governance structure to coordinate collaboration, information sharing, and planning. Consultations will involve Indigenous communities, municipalities, industry stakeholders, investors, and the public as the initiative advances.
Alberta’s Passenger Rail Master Plan Sets Cost and Speed Parameters
Alberta’s Passenger
Rail Master Plan, released on June 5, 2026, estimates construction and vehicle costs for a broader Edmonton-Calgary regional network at $38 billion in 2025 dollars. This figure includes land acquisition and carries an accuracy range of plus 100% to minus 50%. The plan’s conventional rail alternative, mainly using existing freight corridors, is estimated at $25 billion. High-speed trains are projected to reach speeds of up to 320 kilometres per hour, reducing travel time between downtown Calgary and Edmonton to about 1 hour 45 minutes.
Officials Stress Project’s Scale and Collaboration
Premier Danielle Smith described linking Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton by high-speed rail as a generational
investment supporting Alberta’s population growth. She said, “By working with the federal government, we are taking the next steps toward a project that could strengthen one of Canada’s fastest-growing economic corridors and support Alberta’s growth for decades to come.” Minister Devin Dreeshen called the initiative the largest infrastructure project in the province’s history. Prairies Economic Development Canada Minister Eleanor Olszewski characterized the collaboration as “dreaming big and working together.”
Project Responds to Population Growth and Traffic Pressures
The high-speed rail proposal addresses Alberta’s fast population increase and the need for improved transport infrastructure along the Edmonton-Calgary corridor, Canada’s third-largest transportation corridor. The project aims to alleviate congested routes
such as the QEII Highway while enhancing regional mobility and economic development over a planned 30-year horizon with a 60-year vision for expanded passenger rail across Alberta.
