CALGARY — Alberta plans to seek private-sector bids this fall for a high-speed rail line linking downtown Calgary and Edmonton through Red Deer, with the federal government pledging to help advance the project once a proponent is chosen.The proposed route would also serve Calgary and Edmonton’s airports and the City of Airdrie. The province expects to select a proponent by April 2027 and says proposals should require minimal provincial spending and connect with existing passenger rail systems in both cities.Ottawa has committed to referring the Calgary-Red Deer-Edmonton corridor to its Major Projects Office after Alberta selects a private proponent. The two governments said they will work together on planning and explore financing options.“Connecting Calgary, Red Deer and Edmonton with high-speed rail would be a generational investment in Alberta’s future,” Premier Danielle Smith said. .Alberta spends $15 million to advance Calgary-Edmonton passenger rail plans .“As our province continues to grow, we need to build the infrastructure that keeps people, businesses and our economy moving.”Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen said Albertans identified the route as a priority during development of the province’s Passenger Rail Master Plan.The government says about 80% of Albertans live in the Calgary-Red Deer-Edmonton corridor.It argues that rail service could give travellers another option and ease pressure on the QEII Highway.The master plan places high-speed service between Calgary and Edmonton within a phased, 30-year passenger rail network. The province says trains travelling at up to 320 km/h on new, dedicated tracks could make the downtown-to-downtown trip in one hour and 45 minutes.Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon said the project has the potential to improve regional connections and support economic growth.Alberta projects its population will reach between nine million and 10 million over the next six decades, with much of that growth concentrated along the Calgary-Edmonton corridor.
