The Ottawa–Montréal high-speed line has been selected as the first section of the Alto main high-speed line, which will connect Toronto and Quebec. This first section, which crosses two provinces, offers a shorter route of approximately 200 km.
“This announcement marks an important step forward in providing faster, cleaner, and better-connected transportation for Canadians. By working closely with Alto and our partners in government and communities, we are laying the foundation for a high-speed rail network that will firmly position Canada on the global map of modern rail innovation,” said Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon.
Construction on the Ottawa–Montréal high-speed line is scheduled to begin in 2029. The plan allows teams in both provinces to start work simultaneously, so that local communities can benefit sooner and workers can acquire the skills needed for the rapid expansion of the network to Toronto and Québec City.
Starting in January 2026, Alto will launch an extensive three-month consultation process, giving Canadians multiple opportunities to express their views on the corridor under consideration.
This process is just the beginning of an ongoing dialogue that will continue beyond the first consultation phase. The results will help select the preferred route and station locations, as well as guide measures to reduce the project’s impact and enhance benefits for local communities.
“Delivering one of the largest infrastructure projects in Canadian history requires multi-stage planning. The initial focus on the Ottawa–Montréal high-speed line is a logical step to optimize the project, accelerate implementation, and generate concrete local economic benefits,” said Martin Imbleau, President of Alto.
The Ottawa–Montreal high-speed line will provide a powerful economic stimulus, create well-paid jobs, support Canadian businesses and industry, and provide Canadians with a transportation system worthy of a major economy.
The Alto high-speed rail line is Canada’s largest infrastructure investment in decades and will be the country’s first high-speed rail line, stretching 1,000 km between Toronto and Québec City. The line will pass through Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières, and Québec, and will be designed to allow trains to travel at speeds of over 300 km/h, cutting travel time in half.
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