Ottawa–Montreal Confirmed as First Section of Alto High-Speed Rail Project

The federal government has confirmed that the Ottawa–Montreal corridor will be the first section to be developed as part of Canada’s planned Alto high-speed rail network.

The announcement was made in Gatineau on 12 December 2025 by the Minister of Transport, Steven MacKinnon, alongside Alto’s President and Chief Executive, Martin Imbleau.

The Ottawa–Montreal segment will cover a distance of approximately 200 kilometres and will cross the provincial boundary between Ontario and Quebec. According to Transport Canada, developing this corridor first is intended to allow preparatory work to begin simultaneously in both provinces and to deliver earlier transport and economic benefits. Construction is currently expected to start in 2029.

Martin Imbleau, President & CEO, Alto said:

Undertaking one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Canada’s history requires multi-stage planning. Focusing first on the Ottawa–Montréal segment is a logical step to optimise the project, accelerate delivery, and generate tangible local economic benefits. This approach allows us to mobilise teams even more rapidly in both provinces while continuing work on all other segments of the corridor, from Toronto to Québec City. As consultations begin, we look forward to engaging with communities and hearing their perspectives firsthand.

The Alto project is intended to form a high-speed rail line of roughly 1,000 kilometres between Toronto and Quebec City. Trains are planned to operate at speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour, reducing journey times along the corridor and linking several major urban centres.

From January 2026, Alto will begin a three-month public consultation process focused on the Ottawa–Montreal corridor. This will include in-person open houses, online sessions and a digital engagement platform. Feedback gathered during this phase will inform decisions on route alignment, station locations and measures to reduce environmental and community impacts.

Engagement with Indigenous communities, municipalities and public institutions is expected to take place throughout design, environmental assessment, construction and future operations. The company has indicated that reconciliation principles and sustainability considerations will be incorporated into each stage of development.

The federal government regards the high-speed rail programme as a long-term infrastructure investment. Project estimates suggest it could contribute up to 35 billion CAD to Canada’s gross domestic product and support around 51,000 jobs during the construction phase. Canadian suppliers and workers are expected to be involved across sectors such as steel, concrete, electrical systems, digital technologies and skilled trades.

The Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons said:

This announcement marks an important step forward in delivering faster, cleaner, and more connected transportation for Canadians. By working closely with Alto and our partners across governments and communities, we are laying the groundwork for a high-speed rail network that will put Canada firmly on the global map for modern rail innovation—strengthening the economy, creating good jobs, and connecting people across this vital corridor.