High-speed rail procurement launches; Ottawa-Montreal segment first
Alto and Cadence begin market engagement for rail route; construction expected 2029-2030.
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The procurement process for Canada's first high-speed rail project has launched, with the route from Toronto to Quebec City prioritizing the Ottawa-Montreal corridor as the first construction segment.
Alto, the Crown corporation behind the project, and Cadence, the Canadian-led consortium selected to spearhead development, launched the market engagement process last week by presenting proposed early procurement activities, anticipated work packages, and timelines. Industry information sessions are planned for July in Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal, with the first request for expressions of interest expected later this summer.
The Ottawa-area portion will require civil works including earthworks, drainage, foundations, railway structures, roadworks, and municipal utility relocations. Construction of a bridge over the Ottawa River and the Ottawa station are also planned.
Cadence's procurement strategy is designed to foster broad market participation and create pathways for small and medium-sized enterprises and Indigenous businesses. The strategy includes smaller targeted work packages and requirements for major contract holders to demonstrate meaningful local participation.
The overall network spans 1,000 kilometres with trains reaching speeds of 300 kilometres per hour. The project is estimated to cost between $60-90 billion, with construction on the Ottawa-Montreal segment expected to begin in 2029-2030 and the full network expected to be operational in 12 years.
