Ontario will hold competition for high-speed rail line

Ontario has announced it will begin the environmental assessment process for a new high-speed rail line in southwest Ontario. The service would run approximately 370 kilometres between Windsor, London, Kitchener-Waterloo and Toronto.

The environmental assessment would identify the most appropriate route for the line, look at different transportation technology options, and evaluate the environmental impacts.

The provincial Ministry of Transportation says it is currently defining the scope and technical tasks of the environmental review before holding a competition for consultants to help with the planning, engineering and environmental aspects.

Steven Del Duca, Minister of Transportation, announced the decision on December 5, saying “The high-speed rail line would improve travel options, reduce travel times and support economic development across the province.” The EA will be guided by consultations early in 2015 with municipal and business groups, as well as with First Nation and Métis communities.

The project is being funded from the province’s Moving Ontario Forward long-term transit and infrastructure plan that will make nearly $29 billion available over the next 10 years.