An Edmonton to Calgary high-speed rail link with a stop and transit hub in Red Deer is part of the provincial government’s transportation vision.
Premier Danielle Smith announced on Monday her government is creating a Passenger Rail Master Plan with $9 million set aside in the last budget.
Besides connecting the province’s two major cities, Smith said the government will look at how to create a commuter rail system in Calgary and Edmonton connecting to surrounding communities, Banff and Jasper and international airports. The province also envisions rail hubs that would tie in city LRT systems, regional rail and commuter rail systems.
“Passenger rail between these three cities offers more opportunity, not just for visitors to our province and those looking to visit family and friends, it is an opportunity to business people who want the convenience of a quick trip, the ability to get work done on the way and the possibility of avoiding lengthy airport security processes,” said Smith, standing in front of a steam engine at Calgary’s Heritage Park.
“Not to mention I’ve already challenged Red Deer to look at becoming our next million person city. It’s a great new way for us to grow out the affordable housing in central Alberta.”
Expanding rail service has been discussed extensively for the past 15 years in Alberta but Smith says the time to move forward is now with record population growth and more crowded highways.
“Those of us who commute regularly already see and experience our province’s busy roads and highways,” she said.
“Expanding our roads, freeways and highways to be six or eight or 10 lanes all the way across is not always feasible, nor is it always wise.”
The plan will look forward decades and identify concrete actions that can be taken now as well as in the future to build the optimal passenger rail system for the province.
The plan will assess the feasibility of passenger rail in Alberta, including regional, commuter and high-speed services.
Red Deer and District Chamber of Commerce CEO Scott Robinson said he is looking forward to seeing what the study comes up with.
“Our city, if included in this rail line, could see substantially increased opportunities for travel that will not only provide Red Deer residents with greater transportation ease but would encourage additional visits from the two largest cities in the province,” said Robinson.
“There could be major benefits to all of our industries across the city with Red Deer businesses gaining new access to customers. We would also likely see development in our city with the opportunity for people to locate here and visit Edmonton and Calgary with ease.
“This feasibility study is innovative thinking, and we support the possibility of enhanced growth for businesses, and increased connection for all.”
Transportation and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen said a province-led Crown corporation would be given a mandate to develop the infrastructure and oversee daily operations such as fare collection and booking while overseeing system maintenance and planning for future expansion.
“This master plan will look forward decades and will identify concrete actions that can be taken now to build an optimal passenger rail network for Alberta.”
The province will share its vision with the public and other stakeholders to get their input for the master plan.
“The input received throughout the development of the Rail Master Plan is critical to its success,” Dreeshen said. “The master plan will provide the government with evidence-based information to make decisions that will have a massive impact over the coming decades.”
A request for expressions of interest in developing the plan has gone out. It is expected to be done in the summer of 2025.
A feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis are expected to identify what elements of a passenger rail system should proceed and when as part of a 15-year delivery plan. Options will also be offered on how to pay for a rail system, including public and private financing or a combination of both.
–With files from The Canadian Press