The price tag on the proposed Alto high-speed rail line travelling across Eastern Ontario will cost more than originally estimated.
According to a report from the Parlimentary Budget Office, construction of the approximately 1,000 km route between Quebec City and Toronto is expected to be between $75 million and $113 billion. In 2024, it was estimated to cost somewhere between $60 billion and $90 billion.
The report suggests the higher-than-expected cost is due to uncertainty inherent in large-scale rail projects. Some examples being cited include land acquisition, permitting, litigation, design changes and project-management weaknesses.
The escalated cost does not include a proposed stop in Kingston.
The PBO determined the new costs based on similar projects in European countries such as the United Kingdom, and the United States.
They further suggest construction of the project would provide a modest economic stimulus. They say the initial Ottawa to Montreal phase will lead to an increase in annual GDP by about $1.8 billion in 2029 and $2.0 billion by 2033.
The PBO says employment gains will rise from approximately 4,300 to 9,000 jobs. The report concludes that these measures may reduce—but do not eliminate—legal, permitting and schedule risks.
Story by Ken Hashizume
