CONSTRUCTION is expected to start between Ottawa and Montreal in 2029 on the first 200km central section of the Alto project, which will eventually connect Toronto and Quebec City by means of a 1000km high-speed line with a maximum speed of 300km/h.

The choice of Ottawa - Montreal as the initial section was announced on December 12 by minister of transport, Steven MacKinnon, and Alto president and CEO, Martin Imbleau. Alto is currently developing the project with the Cadence consortium of CDPQ Infra, AtkinsRéalis, Keolis, Systra Canada, Air Canada and SNCF Passenger, which was selected earlier this year to deliver the project under a public-private partnership (PPP).

Focusing initially on the Ottawa - Montreal section will enable work to start in Ontario and Quebec at the same time, delivering benefits at an early stage, Alto says. It will also enable the supply chain to develop the skills required to complete subsequent extensions westwards to Toronto and eastwards to Quebec City in a shorter timescale.

Next month Alto will launch a three-month consultation process covering the complete Toronto - Quebec City corridor, which will inform the selection of the preferred alignment and station locations, as well as measures to minimise environmental impact. Consultation will include sharing design and environmental studies, as well as plans for construction and operation, with indigenous communities, municipalities, and public institutions.

The initial round of consultation will be followed by second round taking towards the end of 2026, when route options will be presented.

“Focusing first on the Ottawa - Montreal segment is a logical step to optimise the project, accelerate delivery, and generate tangible local economic benefits,” Imbleau says.

“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 Quebec City.”

Pre-procurement activities for construction materials will also start next year. Last month Alto and Cadence began engaging with the Canadian steel industry to better understand its interest, capacity and readiness to supply the project.

Alto says that several hundred thousand tonnes of steel will be required, including over 4000km of rail as well as structural beams and catenary masts. By sourcing locally where possible, Alto aims to strengthen domestic supply chains, support Canadian jobs, “and ensure that the economic ripple effects of this nation-building project are felt across the country.”

“Canada hasn’t seen an infrastructure project of this magnitude in decades,” says Cadence general manager, Daniel Farina.

“We will need huge quantities of steel, and we want Canadian steelmakers to be ready to respond to requests for proposals, because they are coming fast.”

The November issue of IRJ contains an in-depth feature on the Alto project.

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