The federal and Alberta governments will jointly explore a high-speed rail link between Calgary and Edmonton and have referred the proposal to the federal Major Projects Office to streamline planning and permitting. The provincial plan — part of a wider network that includes regional and commuter services — already has a CA$15 million commitment for development. Alberta will launch an RFP aimed at a private-sector developer and hopes to select a proposal by April 2027, with officials saying the winning bid should require minimal provincial funding.
Ottawa and Alberta Team Up to Explore Calgary–Edmonton High-Speed Rail
The Edmonton-Calgary high speed route would also serve the airports of both cities, as shown in this plan for regional rail service. Government of Alberta
CALGARY, Alberta — The federal government and the Province of Alberta have agreed to cooperate to study the feasibility of a high-speed rail line linking Calgary and Edmonton, the governments announced in a joint statement.
Federal Referral and Joint Governance
Under the agreement, the Calgary–Edmonton proposal will be referred to the federal Major Projects Office, the body responsible for coordinating planning and permitting for projects of national significance. Canada and Alberta will also establish a governance structure to guide collaboration, support planning work and assess market interest.
Funding, Procurement and Timeline
The high-speed connection is part of a broader provincial rail plan unveiled in early June that would also include regional and commuter services. Alberta previously pledged CA$15 million to advance development of that proposal.
On Monday, Sept. 28, the Alberta government said it is preparing a formal request for proposals (RFP) from private developers to design and deliver the line. The province said the successful bid is expected to require "minimal financial investment by the provincial government," and aims to select a proposal by April 2027.
Officials' Remarks
"High-speed rail has great potential to reshape the way people move in Canada, and supports Alberta's economic growth, productivity, and regional connectivity," Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said in a press release, adding the collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to explore opportunities that could deliver lasting benefits for Albertans and Canadians.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith called the project "a generational investment in Alberta's future," saying federal-provincial cooperation will help strengthen one of Canada's fastest-growing economic corridors.
"We are excited to move forward with this project, which will transform the way Albertans travel," said Devin Dreeshen, Alberta's Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors.
Why It Matters
The corridor from Calgary through Red Deer to Edmonton is roughly 300 kilometres (186 miles) and serves about 80% of Alberta's population, making it a logical candidate for improved high-speed intercity service. Proponents say faster rail could reduce travel times, ease highway congestion, support regional development and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared with equivalent car or air travel.
Next steps include referral work by the Major Projects Office, market and technical assessments, and the RFP process. If a private-sector-led proposal is selected, further approvals and detailed engineering would follow before construction could begin.
To report news or errors, contact [email protected].
Help us improve.
