The Government of Canada and Canada Infrastructure Bank have agreed to commit a total of C$71.1 million ($54 million) in funding to further explore VIA Rail Canada’s proposal for a high-frequency rail project in the Quebec City–Toronto Corridor.
The funding will be used to establish a joint project team and fund work to preserve the option of interoperability with regional transit providers in Montreal and Toronto.
The joint project team between Canada Infrastructure Bank and VIA Rail Canada will be established using C$55 million ($42 million) in funding from Canada Infrastructure Bank. The team will explore the possibility of high-frequency rail in Quebec City–Toronto Corridor, focusing on the following activities throughout 2019 to 2020:
- finalizing legal and regulatory work related to safety and environmental assessments
- consulting with stakeholders and indigenous communities
- examining required land and track acquisition
- completing the technical, financial and commercial analysis required for a final investment decision on high-frequency rail in the Corridor
A recent market sounding exercise revealed that there is significant interest in the marketplace about VIA Rail Canada’s proposal for high-frequency rail. The Government of Canada is proceeding in a phased approach to ensure that the right conditions are put in place, and to encourage private sector involvement.
A modernized passenger rail system with a dedicated track would significantly improve the movement of people in Canada’s most densely populated regions and busiest transportation corridor, from Quebec City to Toronto.
