Alto is set to redefine regional travel with one of Canada’s most ambitious infrastructure initiatives: a high-speed passenger rail network spanning approximately 1,000 km from Toronto to Québec City. Serving over 18 million people, this electrified system will link major urban centres including Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières and Québec City. Once operational, the network will reduce travel times, improve reliability and lower greenhouse gas emissions, creating a sustainable alternative to road and air travel.
Canada’s Alto High-Speed Rail is one of the most significant infrastructure undertakings in Canadian history. This nation-building project will deliver widespread benefits by stimulating economic growth, creating thousands of jobs and improving transit access along the entire corridor. Beyond mobility, Alto supports Canada’s climate objectives by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the adoption of electrified transportation.
Driving Economic Growth and Sustainability
Our team, in partnership with Arup, serves as the Owner’s Engineer, a trusted partner providing technical oversight from concept and technical requirement development to procurement and co-development of the rail network. We delivered conceptual service and alignment foundations, options analysis, and a robust business case that secured project approvals. By focusing on progressive procurement strategies, we delivered efficiency and value beyond cost—prioritizing social benefits, environmental stewardship and innovation.
Overcoming Complex Challenges
Delivering a high-speed rail network of this scale requires addressing multiple challenges:
- Environmental and social impacts across sensitive ecosystems and communities
- Engagement with Indigenous communities to promote inclusive and respectful development
- Integration of advanced rail systems within existing infrastructure
- Managing vast data flows across numerous stakeholders and disciplines
To mitigate these risks, we conducted engineering de-risking activities across rail systems, project management, and cost analysis, alongside environmental assessments and field studies. These efforts clarified alignment options and informed cost and schedule estimates, enabling Alto to move forward with confidence.
Technical Excellence and Digital Innovation
Large-scale infrastructure projects demand seamless coordination across multiple stakeholders and systems. Recognizing this, we developed a comprehensive digital strategy for Alto, integrating GIS technology, data governance frameworks and cybersecurity measures. By embedding digital tools early, we are preventing delays, enhancing efficiency, and setting a new benchmark for rail megaproject delivery in Canada. These innovations help Alto remain resilient, maintain security and stay aligned with industry best practices throughout its lifecycle.
With our guidance, Alto successfully advanced from concept to procurement. The project’s alignment and service plans are optimized for performance and sustainability, while risk mitigation strategies safeguard public interest. By embedding digital tools and progressive procurement practices, Alto is positioned to deliver long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits—connecting communities, reducing travel times and contributing to Canada’s climate goals.
Discover how we helped deliver Canada’s Alto High-Speed Rail project through technical excellence, risk mitigation and digital innovation.