Alto high-speed rail project could cost more than originally thought: budget watchdog

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-10-01 14:34:52.0
Tags: [National, Ontario, Quebec, Infrastructure, Transportation, Transit, Finance]

A new report from the Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) indicates that the proposed Alto high-speed rail project connecting Toronto, Kingston, Ottawa, and Montreal could cost between $75 billion and $113 billion, higher than official initial estimates of $60 billion to $90 billion. The Crown corporation Alto is overseeing the corridor project, with cost drivers primarily attributed to tunnels and elevated structures, which add $169 million and $153 million per kilometre respectively. The PBO estimates the construction will provide modest economic stimulus, raising real GDP by approximately $1.8 billion in 2029 and $2 billion by 2033 while creating between 4,300 and 9,000 jobs. Federal legislation such as Bill C-5 (the One Canadian Economy Act) may help mitigate project risks, land acquisition hurdles, and permitting delays.