Alberta Premier Danielle Smith speaks during Monday’s announcement on plans to seek private-sector proposals for high-speed rail between Calgary and Edmonton. Screenshot / Government of Alberta
Alberta is moving ahead with plans for a high-speed rail line connecting Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton, with stops at Calgary and Edmonton’s airports, as well as Airdrie.
According to a Government of Alberta press release, the province plans to launch a formal Request for Proposal process this fall, inviting private companies to submit plans for the project.
The goal is to select a private-sector proponent by April 2027, with minimal financial investment from the provincial government.
The federal government says the project will also be referred to its Major Projects Office, with Ottawa and Alberta working together on planning and potential financing once a private proponent is selected.
The Calgary-Red Deer-Edmonton corridor is home to about 80 per cent of Alberta’s population. The proposed high-speed rail service could get passengers between Calgary and Edmonton in less than two hours, while providing another transportation option and helping take pressure off the QEII.
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