Government of Alberta Press Release:
Alberta’s plans for high-speed rail between Calgary and Edmonton are moving forward, with the federal government supporting the province’s efforts to advance the project.
Alberta’s government is preparing to launch a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process this fall, inviting private-sector proponents to submit proposals for a downtown Calgary-Red Deer-downtown Edmonton high-speed rail project that also includes service to Alberta’s two largest airports and the City of Airdrie.
The successful proponent’s project proposal will be expected to include minimal financial investment by the provincial government and be integrated into existing passenger rail systems in Calgary and Edmonton. Alberta’s government plans to select a proponent by April 2027.
The Government of Canada also committed today that the Calgary-Red Deer-Edmonton High-Speed Rail corridor will be referred to the federal Major Projects Office as a transformative strategy and will work with Alberta to advance the project once a private proponent has been selected by the Government of Alberta.
The two governments will work collaboratively to support planning and the advancement of the project, including exploring financing options.
“Connecting Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton with high-speed rail would be a generational investment in Alberta’s future. As our province continues to grow, we need to build the infrastructure that keeps people, businesses and our economy moving. 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.” Danielle Smith, Premier
“Throughout the development of Alberta’s Passenger Rail Master Plan, we heard that a high-speed passenger rail connection between Calgary and Edmonton via Red Deer is a priority for Albertans. We are excited to move forward with this project, which will transform the way Albertans travel.” Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors
The Calgary-Red Deer-Edmonton corridor is home to about 80 per cent of Alberta’s population and is one of Canada’s fastest-growing economic regions. High-speed rail would provide another transportation option for the corridor while helping reduce pressure on the QEII Highway.
Alberta’s Passenger Rail Master Plan identifies a high-speed regional service between Calgary and Edmonton as part of a phased 30-year network focused on the passenger rail connections with the greatest potential demand and economic benefit.
“High-speed rail has great potential to reshape the way people move in Canada, and supports Alberta’s economic growth, productivity and regional connectivity. Today’s collaboration demonstrates our shared commitment to exploring opportunities that could deliver lasting benefits for Albertans and Canadians.” Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport, Government of Canada
High-speed rail connecting Calgary and Edmonton would offer Albertans the option of taking safe, reliable, frequent and fast trains between Alberta’s two largest cities in less than two hours and make it easier to work and do business in the Edmonton-Red Deer-Calgary corridor.
Quick facts
- Alberta’s population is expected to increase to between nine and 10 million over the next six decades, with growth concentrated along the Edmonton and Calgary corridor.
- Alberta’s Passenger Rail Master Plan identified a feasible and phased 30-year network,
- A high-speed rail connection travelling up to 320 km/h in a greenfield corridor (using new, dedicated passenger rail tracks in a new, dedicated corridor) between downtown Edmonton and downtown Calgary would provide a travel time of one hour and 45 minutes.
Related information
Related news
Full steam ahead on passenger rail (June 5, 2026)
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