Plans for new Québec City-Toronto rail line underway

The Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant Pablo Rodriguez announced today (Oct. 13) the launch of Request for Proposals (RFP) for Canada’s High Frequency Rail project.

The largest Canadian infrastructure project in generations, the rail line will span the Québec City-Toronto corridor with dedicated passenger tracks. 

"The launch of the Request for Proposals for the High Frequency Rail project marks a significant milestone,” said Rodriguez. 

“In the future, more Canadians will choose to travel by rail, because the HFR will lead to faster train journeys, more frequent departures and greener travel. I look forward to seeing how the teams participating in this process will approach the challenge of connecting communities, honouring Indigenous Reconciliation, and improving travel in the Québec City to Toronto corridor."

The RFP process will be ongoing until summer 2024.

Following the evaluation period, the Government of Canada will select the group who will become the private developer partner to work collaboratively with VIA HFR to design and develop the High Frequency Rail project. 

To maximize public benefits and innovation, RFP bidders will have to develop two solutions with respect to speed. 

One solution must include trains that can reach a maximum speed of 200km per hour, which is faster than the service offered today. 

The second solution must include high speed segments for faster travel, allowing for a rigorous assessment of the costs and benefits of incorporating high speed rail on each segment of the corridor.

Early engagement with Indigenous communities is already underway. 

As part of the RFP process, bidders will be required to detail their plans for Indigenous participation in the High Frequency Rail project and how they would facilitate opportunities for sharing the socio-economic benefits with Indigenous peoples.

The High Frequency Rail project's competitive procurement process is overseen by an independent fairness monitor, who acts as an objective third-party observer to safeguard the integrity of the procurement process. 

National security and related risks will also be assessed, along with measures to address such risks.

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