Alto and its private development partner Cadence have begun early engagement with Canada’s steel industry as planning progresses for the high-speed rail line between Toronto and Québec City.
The discussions aim to assess the sector’s interest and capacity to supply materials for what is expected to be a highly significant national infrastructure programme.
The outreach follows the federal government’s intention to prioritise domestic procurement where feasible. Alto intends to source major components of the rail system from Canadian suppliers, including several hundred thousand tonnes of steel for track, structures, stations and electrical systems.
Over the coming weeks, the two organisations plan to meet with steel manufacturers across the country to develop a clearer understanding of existing production levels, opportunities for expansion, and potential areas for modernisation. Information gathered through this process is expected to inform a procurement strategy that supports Canadian industry and strengthens the resilience of domestic supply chains.
The project is expected to require more than 4,000 kilometres of rail and substantial volumes of structural steel for bridges, catenary systems and associated works. Such demand is uncommon in Canada’s recent construction history and may offer opportunities for steelmakers and related sectors to increase capacity or consider new investment.
Alto's President & CEO, Martin Imbleau said:Alto is a nation-building project that will create major opportunities for Canadian businesses. We're inviting the industry to engage early, to prepare, to build capacity, and to modernise to meet the scale of this project, one of the most complex infrastructure builds in Canadian history. The time to get ready is now.
Alto is planned as Canada’s first high-speed rail network, spanning nearly 1,000 kilometres and designed for speeds of around 300 km/h. The line will connect Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières and Québec City, serving a large proportion of the country’s population. Construction is forecast to support tens of thousands of jobs and contribute to productivity gains while supporting national emissions-reduction objectives.
The Government of Canada has identified Alto as an initiative of strategic importance and intends to use the Major Projects Office to support its development, with construction targeted to begin in four years. Pre-procurement work is scheduled to start in 2026, and Alto and Cadence plan to provide suppliers with the information needed to take part.
Cadence General Manager Daniel Farina said:Canada hasn't seen an infrastructure project of this magnitude in decades. We will need huge quantities of steel, and we want Canadian steelmakers to be ready to respond to request for proposals, because they are coming fast! This is a massive opportunity for Canadian suppliers, and we want to make sure they can seize it.
Alto is a Crown corporation responsible for delivering Canada’s planned high-speed rail network between Toronto and Québec City. The organisation’s role includes planning, development and delivery of the project.
Cadence is a Canadian-led multinational consortium with experience in designing, financing, constructing, operating and maintaining large rail infrastructure. It is supporting Alto by providing technical and commercial expertise during the project’s development.
