The announcement regarding the potential establishment of Canada’s first high-speed rail line in the nation’s capital by the end of this decade has been met with enthusiasm in Ottawa.
On Friday, the federal government disclosed that work on the rail line connecting Ottawa and Montreal might commence as soon as 2029.
Trains are anticipated to achieve speeds of 300 kilometres per hour, potentially halving the travel time between the two cities, a promising option for those frustrated by heavy traffic in and around Montreal.
“I don’t visit Montreal frequently, but I would likely be more inclined to go since it would be much more convenient,” remarked Thane Tremaine, a resident of the Ottawa area.
Upon completion, the Ottawa-Montreal rail line will represent the initial portion of a proposed high-speed rail corridor from Toronto to Quebec City.
Members of Ottawa’s business sector are heralding the initiative as a means to attract talent from outside the region and retain graduates from local educational institutions.
“It simplifies things for those who may want to work in Ottawa on certain days and need to travel quickly,” stated Sonya Shorey, president of Invest Ottawa.
“Moreover, this initiative helps highlight the various strengths of Ottawa, enhancing the quality of life for those who wish to travel in and out.”
Martin Imbleau, president and CEO of Alto, participates in an announcement on Friday in Gatineau regarding the next steps for high-speed rail. Alto is the Crown corporation responsible for overseeing the project. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)
More speed, less pollution
Environmental advocates in Ottawa are also expressing support for the project, primarily because it is expected to reduce the number of individuals driving between the two cities.
When the initiative was initially introduced, the federal government indicated that the high-speed trains would operate entirely on electric power.
“Currently, transportation accounts for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions. In Ottawa, it represents the highest sector of community emissions,” explained Cassie Smith, transportation strategic lead at Envirocentre in Ottawa.
“High-speed rail could potentially replace around 100,000 vehicles.”
Although previous proposals for high-speed rail networks in Canada have encountered obstacles, Smith feels optimistic that this effort will succeed. She highlights that Canada is the only G7 nation lacking any form of high-speed rail.
Sonya Shorey, president of Invest Ottawa, asserts that the newly announced high-speed rail connection between Ottawa and Montreal could play a crucial role in attracting and retaining talent in the area. (Olivier Plante/Radio-Canada)
Shorey added that the rail line might also elevate Canada’s standing in the international business arena, making Ottawa more reachable and appealing to global visitors and investors.
“It will be more convenient to arrive here. The travel time will decrease, and it will represent a more sustainable travel option,” she remarked.
“For those who prioritize values in their decision-making, this aligns with that goal.”
Not without dissent
The total length of the 1,000-kilometre line, managed by the Crown corporation Alto, is projected to cost between $60 billion and $90 billion.
Public consultations to finalize the specific route for the Ottawa-Montreal segment are anticipated to occur in January.
Despite the enthusiasm from many in Canada’s capital, the initiative has also faced criticism. The federal Conservatives have denounced the announcement, labeling it as excessively costly and questioning the timeframe.
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The federal NDP has previously expressed concerns, with former MP Taylor Bachrach voicing objections in February regarding the privatization of the Toronto-Quebec City project, fearing it could jeopardize publicly funded passenger trains in western Canada.
Shorey noted that while much work remains to be done, she is heartened by the government’s openness to local consultations.
“Many areas in our region stand to gain from this,” she stated. “However, we need to ensure it is viable, cost-effective, and that all stakeholders within those communities are taken into account.”