Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
Alto and the Cadence consortium have signed a contract for the next phase of the high-speed rail project between Toronto and Québec City.
This agreement outlines the terms for the design and development phase of the project, which will see a $3.9 billion investment over the next six years from the Canadian government.
The Cadence consortium includes industry leaders such as AtkinsRéalis, CDPQ Infra, Keolis, SYSTRA, SNCF Voyageurs, and Air Canada.
“The way a project is developed is just as important as the project itself. In partnership with Cadence, we are uniting a team of experts, combining the strength of a Crown corporation with the knowledge and experience of world-class private sector partners. This contract marks our shared commitment to creating a high-speed rail network that will exceed the expectations of Canadians,” said Martin Imbleau, President and CEO of Alto, a Crown Corporation.1
With dedicated tracks for passengers and peak speeds of up to 300 km/h, the Alto rail network will drastically cut travel times—by up to half—between major cities in the Toronto-Québec City corridor. Spanning nearly 1,000 kilometers of electrified rail, the network aims to reduce the carbon footprint of intercity travel and significantly enhance the overall user experience. As the largest public infrastructure project in Canadian history, it will provide an efficient, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to air and car travel while boosting the economy.
“We are incredibly proud to work with Alto on this game-changing project for Canada’s economy and communities. The Cadence team brings unmatched expertise in designing, building, financing, operating, and maintaining complex rail systems globally. We are dedicated to delivering a high-speed rail system that will redefine Canadian rail travel and improve the lives of millions,” said Daniel Farina, General Manager of Cadence.
The current phase will confirm the rail route, secure necessary environmental approvals, and acquire the land needed for the project. Additionally, the work will continue discussions with First Nations representatives and local communities, setting the stage for defining the project’s cost, financial structure, and timeline.
“As Canada’s largest infrastructure initiative, Alto will connect communities, strengthen the economy, and create jobs. This next step in the high-speed rail project will contribute up to $35 billion annually to the GDP, create over 51,000 well-paying jobs during construction, and provide long-term benefits to productivity,” said Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade.
