Get ready to experience a new era of travel in Canada! The federal government has officially announced that construction for its ambitious high-speed rail project is set to begin in 2029. This monumental undertaking aims to transform intercity travel, starting with a crucial first leg connecting Ottawa and Montreal.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon, alongside Alto CEO Martin Imbleau and local politicians, shared the exciting news. This initial 200-kilometre segment, linking Ottawa, Laval, and Montreal, is seen as the ideal starting point. Its relatively short and straight path will allow construction teams in Ontario and Quebec to build essential skills before expanding the network.
But that’s just the beginning. The grand vision for this fully-electrified rail line stretches approximately 1,000 kilometres, eventually connecting Toronto to Quebec City, with additional stops planned for Peterborough and Trois-Rivières. Imagine zooming between cities at speeds up to 300 km/h, cutting current travel times in half! For example, the Ottawa-Montreal journey, currently taking nearly two hours, would become significantly faster.
This project isn’t just about speed; it’s a massive economic driver. It’s estimated to create a staggering 51,000 jobs during construction, from steel and concrete production to electrical systems and digital technology. With an estimated cost of $60 billion to $90 billion, this is one of the largest public works ever contemplated in Canada.
To accelerate progress, Budget 2025 includes new legislation granting Alto, the crown corporation overseeing the project, sweeping powers for land acquisition and streamlined environmental assessments. While ambitious, this fast-tracked approach underscores the government’s commitment to bringing this long-envisioned high-speed corridor to life, promising a future of quicker, more efficient travel across key Canadian regions.
Source: http://torontosun.com/news/ottawa-montreal-high-speed-rail/wcm/a23258f8-d0cf-4ccb-9659-8103ca93db79
