The Alberta government and the federal government of Canada announced plans to seek private-sector proposals for a high-speed rail line connecting Calgary and Edmonton. A formal Request for Proposals (RFP) will launch in fall 2026, with an expected selection of the successful proponent by April 2027.
Proposed Route and Integration
The rail service is proposed to run from downtown Calgary to downtown Edmonton, with stops including Red Deer, Airdrie, Calgary International Airport, and Edmonton International Airport. The project aims to integrate with existing passenger rail systems in both Calgary and Edmonton to create a streamlined regional transportation network.
Governance and Stakeholder Engagement
Following proponent selection, the project will
be referred to the federal Major Projects Office to oversee regulatory and implementation processes. The Alberta government and Ottawa plan to establish a joint governance structure to manage collaboration, planning, information sharing, and due diligence. Consultations will involve Indigenous communities, municipalities, industry representatives, investors, and the public to guide progress.
Planning and Population Context
Alberta’s Passenger Rail Master Plan outlines a high-speed rail system capable of speeds up to 320 km/h. It estimates a travel time of approximately 1 hour 45 minutes between downtown Edmonton and downtown Calgary. The Master Plan estimates the broader regional network’s construction and vehicle costs at around CA$38 billion
in 2025 dollars, with a margin of error ranging from -50% to +100%. A conventional passenger rail option along existing freight corridors was estimated at roughly CA$25 billion. Alberta has experienced Canada’s fastest population growth, reinforcing the demand for improved transportation infrastructure within this economically vital corridor.
Official Statements
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith described the high-speed rail project as a “generational investment” to connect Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton. She emphasized collaboration with the federal government to advance the project along Canada’s fastest-growing economic corridor. Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen acknowledged that project costs and the province’s financial contribution
remain undetermined, depending on private-sector proposals. Dreeshen called the initiative the largest infrastructure project in Alberta’s history. Federal Prairies Economic Development Minister Eleanor Olszewski highlighted the potential for new job and business opportunities and described the project as an example of “dreaming big and working together.”
Funding and Timeline
The Alberta government expects its financial investment in the project to be minimal but did not specify amounts. There is no federal funding commitment at this stage. The RFP process will start in fall 2026, with proponent selection targeted for April 2027. Construction and operation timelines will be proposed by the private-sector proponents as
part of their submissions. The governments continue market-sounding and consultations with industry players, including railway operators, builders, and engineering firms preparing consortiums to respond to the upcoming RFP.
