The Government of Canada has selected the Cadence consortium as the preferred private developer partner for the Alto rail project, a major new transport initiative connecting Québec City and Toronto.
The announcement concludes phase one and initiates phase two, known as the “co-development phase”. During this stage, the Crown corporation and the Cadence consortium will finalise track design, station locations, regulatory requirements, Indigenous consultations, and feasibility studies.
The Prime Minister’s Office estimates that Canada will invest CAD 3.9 billion (USD 2.7b) over six years to fund this phase, in addition to the CAD 371.8 million (USD 210m) allocated in the 2024 budget.
Once completed, the project will progress to the construction phase.
The initiative, officially named “Alto,” also refers to the Crown corporation overseeing its development. Established in 2022, the entity originally operated under a different name.
The Cadence team comprises CDPQ Infra, AtkinsRéalis, Keolis, SYSTRA, SNCF Voyageurs, and Air Canada. The selection highlights the consortium’s expertise in passenger transport infrastructure, combining global experience with a strong presence in Canada.
“This landmark project is set to revolutionize mobility in Canada for future generations. The Cadence consortium’s unparalleled expertise, synergy, and successful track record offer Alto, the Crown corporation with which we will develop this project, a trusted partner to bring this visionary project to life at the best possible cost,” Jean-Marc Arbaud, President and Chief Executive Officer of CDPQ Infra, stated.
The Alto rail project aims to enhance connectivity and mobility across Canada while contributing to economic growth, sustainability, and reconciliation with Indigenous communities. It will create jobs, stimulate local investment, and support Canada’s climate objectives.
The trains, capable of speeds exceeding 300 km/h, will serve Québec City, Trois-Rivières, Montréal, Laval, Ottawa, Peterborough, and Toronto. The call for proposals was launched in October 2023, and Cadence mobilised its collective expertise to submit a proposal aligned with the Authority’s vision.
Alto rail project: consortium expertise
Cadence comprises globally recognised firms with extensive experience in designing, developing, and operating large-scale transport infrastructure. Each partner brings specialised knowledge to the project:
- AtkinsRéalis: Experts in rail engineering and infrastructure, integrating local considerations and stakeholder engagement.
- Keolis: Specialists in transport service design and passenger experience, contributing operational expertise and asset management strategies.
- SYSTRA: International leaders in railway systems, leveraging over 65 years of experience in sustainable rail solutions.
- SNCF Voyageurs: Providers of high-speed rail services, aiming to deliver efficient and accessible transport for Canadian travellers.
- Air Canada: Supporting multimodal transport integration to enhance connectivity with the air travel network.
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