Alberta announces next step in high-speed rail plan to connect Edmonton, Calgary

Alberta's government has announced plans to launch a formal request in the fall for private companies to submit proposals for a high-speed rail system connecting Edmonton, Red Deer, and Calgary. Premier Danielle Smith stated that Ottawa has agreed to refer the project to its major projects office once a proponent is selected. Smith indicated that the proponent would be chosen by April 2027.

Emergency Management Minister Eleanor Olszewski, representing an Edmonton riding, confirmed that Ottawa is prepared to collaborate with Alberta on the project. She highlighted that the work would involve engaging Indigenous communities, municipalities, and the public to assess the costs, benefits, and impacts of the high-speed rail system.

Smith emphasized that the railway service would include stops at Alberta's two largest airports. She cited Statistics Canada's recent population data, which shows that Alberta's population is growing faster than all other provinces in 2026, with the Calgary, Red Deer, and Edmonton region housing approximately 80% of the province's inhabitants. Olszewski stated, "That increasing demand is creating a greater need for modern transportation infrastructure to keep people as well as services moving efficiently."

The Alberta government established the Calgary-based major projects office last year to expedite infrastructure projects deemed vital to the nation's interests. Prime Minister Mark Carney's government created the office to speed along such projects. Global News urges readers to designate the outlet as a Preferred Source on Google to receive more of its stories in search results.