Canada's High-Speed Rail Dream Becomes Reality: Ottawa-Montreal Line Marks Historic First Step
CTV News Renee Rogers talked with Paul Langan, the founder of High-Speed Rail Canada.
After decades of discussion dating back to the Brian Mulroney era, Canada's long-awaited high-speed rail project is finally moving beyond the planning stage. The federal government announced Friday that construction will begin on the first segment connecting Ottawa and Montreal, marking the initial phase of a larger vision to link Quebec City and Toronto.
The Ottawa-Montreal corridor was selected as the starting point because officials deemed it "the most logical option" and the easiest segment to complete first. According to Transport Minister's statement, this section offers a unique opportunity to connect two provinces while quickly delivering benefits to travelers, communities, and the regional economy.
When fully realized, the high-speed rail line would transport passengers between Montreal and Toronto in just three hours, with trains reaching speeds of up to 300 kilometers per hour—a dramatic improvement over current travel times.
Paul Langan, founder of High Speed Rail Canada, an advocacy group dedicated to promoting high-speed rail, expressed cautious optimism about the announcement. After following the project for 25 years, Langan says this is the first time he's genuinely hopeful it will happen. "It's never gone this far before," he noted, "and I do see it hard pulling back now."
The project will require land expropriation, raising concerns among some farmers. However, Langan points out that landowners are compensated above market value, and the government has committed to treating all affected parties fairly.
Public consultation begins in January, offering Canadians multiple ways to provide input through in-person sessions, virtual meetings, and electronic submissions—a process Langan encourages everyone to participate in as the project enters this historic new phase.
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