The governments of Alberta and Canada will jointly pursue private-sector proposals for a high-speed rail link connecting Calgary and Edmonton, according to an announcement from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prairies Economic Development Canada Minister Eleanor Olszewski. The Alberta government plans to issue a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) in fall 2026, with a private-sector proponent selection targeted by April 2027.
Proposed Route and Travel Time
The proposed rail corridor will connect downtown Calgary, Airdrie, Red Deer, Calgary International Airport, Edmonton International Airport, and downtown Edmonton. Alberta’s Passenger Rail Master Plan sets an estimated trip duration between downtown Edmonton and Calgary at approximately 1 hour
and 45 minutes, with train speeds reaching up to 320 kilometres per hour using dedicated passenger tracks on new rail lines.
Funding, Costs, and Project Team
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith emphasized the province expects to make minimal financial investments in the project. Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen stated that precise project costs and the extent of provincial contributions remain undetermined and will depend on submitted proposals. Private-sector consortiums comprising railway operators, constructors, and engineering firms are forming to respond to the RFP. Smith also confirmed that at least three private entities have expressed interest in parts of Alberta’s broader passenger rail plans.
Governance and Federal Involvement
The
Calgary-Red Deer-Edmonton high-speed rail initiative will be referred to the federal Major Projects Office once a private-sector proponent is selected. The provincial and federal governments plan to set up a joint governance structure to oversee cooperation, planning, information exchange, and due diligence during project development. Minister Olszewski highlighted the need for ongoing work to understand the project’s costs, benefits, and impacts, stressing collaboration between Alberta and Canada.
Long-Term Vision and Industry Engagement
Alberta’s Passenger Rail Master Plan outlines a long-term strategy for passenger rail expansion spanning 30 years initially, with a 60-year vision including areas like Fort McMurray and the Crowsnest Pass. The broader Edmonton-Calgary
network was previously estimated at $38 billion in 2025 dollars, a figure reflecting land acquisition, vehicle costs, and an accuracy range of plus 100% to minus 50%, though not a direct projection for the announced high-speed rail project.
The province conducted industry engagement activities in mid-2026, including a webinar and multiple one-on-one meetings with equity providers, contractors, and engineering firms. Alberta also intends to consult Indigenous communities, municipalities, investors, and the public as part of the project development process.
Official Statements
Premier Danielle Smith stated, “Connecting Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton with high-speed rail would be a generational investment in Alberta’s future.”
She added the project represents a critical infrastructure for Alberta’s growing economy and praised collaboration with the federal government, saying, “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 Dreeshen described the project as “the largest infrastructure project in the province’s history,” while Minister Olszewski remarked, “This is what it means to dream big and work together.”
