The government of Canada has announced the groups that will be able to submit a proposal for the High-Frequency Rail (HFR) project.

The following groups have been invited to move to the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage:

• Cadence(CDPQ Infra, SNC-Lavalin, Systra Canada, Keolis Canada)
• Intercity Rail Developers (Intercity Development Partners, EllisDon Capital, Kilmer Transportation, First Rail Holdings, Jacobs, Hatch, CIMA+, First Group, RATP Dev Canada, Renfe Operadora)
• QConnexiON Rail Partners (Fengate, John Laing, Bechtel, WSP Canada, Deutsche Bahn)

Participants will present proposals with technically and commercially feasible solutions, business plans, and management plans for the co-development, construction, and operations phases of the project. The Government of Canada will implement a robust cost management strategy, including annual cost updates, due diligence reviews, and open-book reporting to contain costs and report changes. Additionally, the government aims to explore options for enhancing intercity passenger rail service in Southwestern Ontario, including increased frequencies. Research is underway to better understand the operating environment in the region and explore options for improving service west of Toronto, encompassing London and Windsor.

The HFR project aims to create a high-speed rail network connecting Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montreal, Trois-Rivières, and Quebec City. The project will upgrade the existing railway infrastructure and build new stations along the route. By separating passenger and freight rail operations, the project will create additional capacity for sustainable transportation of both people and goods.