Canada confirms Ottawa–Montreal as first segment of Alto high-speed rail project

The Canadian government has confirmed that the first section of the Alto High-Speed Rail project will run between Ottawa and Montreal, marking a major step forward for what will be Canada’s first high-speed rail network and one of its largest infrastructure investments in decades.

The Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, announced the decision alongside Alto President & CEO Martin Imbleau. The government selected the Ottawa–Montreal segment, spanning approximately 200km across two provinces, to move forward first because of its potential to deliver early benefits for passengers, communities and the wider economy.

Construction of the initial section is expected to begin in 2029. By prioritising a shorter, cross-provincial route, the project will allow teams in both provinces to mobilise at the same time, enabling local communities to see benefits sooner and helping workers develop skills that will support future expansion towards Toronto and Québec City.

“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,” said Canadian Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon.

The Alto High-Speed Rail network will span approximately 1,000km from Toronto to Québec City and operate at speeds of up to 300km/h. The network will halve journey times, connect close to half of Canada’s population and strengthen economic links between major urban centres, while boosting tourism and supporting housing development along the corridor.

Three-month consultation

From January 2026, Alto will begin a comprehensive three-month consultation process to inform the next stages of development. This will include in-person open houses, virtual engagement sessions and an online platform, giving Canadians multiple opportunities to share views on the corridor under study.

The consultation will help shape the selection of the preferred alignment and station locations, guide environmental studies and identify ways to minimise impacts while maximising local benefits. Engagement will continue beyond the initial phase as the project progresses.

Alto President & CEO Martin Imbleau added: “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 optimize the project, accelerate delivery, and generate tangible local economic benefits. This approach allows us to mobilize 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.”

Alto will also continue to engage Indigenous communities, municipalities and public institutions throughout design, environmental assessment, construction and long-term operations. Each stage of development will be guided by commitments to reconciliation and sustainability, alongside the creation of long-term opportunities for Canadians.

The Government of Canada has identified Alto High-Speed Rail as a transformative national strategy, supported by the Major Projects Office. The project will use Canadian talent, materials and expertise to boost GDP by up to $35 billion and create tens of thousands of high-quality jobs.