Toronto-Quebec high-speed rail project could cost more than $150-billion, internal document shows
An internal document reveals that the proposed high-speed rail line between Toronto and Quebec City could cost $150-billion over 40 years, significantly higher than the $60-90 billion range cited by officials. The project faces political opposition and scrutiny regarding its long-term financial sustainability.
Why it matters
The discrepancy in cost estimates raises concerns about government transparency and the economic viability of major national infrastructure projects.
A handout rendering of the proposed first high-speed rail line between Quebec City and Toronto. Supplied
An internal document obtained by The Globe and Mail shows the full cost of a high-speed rail line from Toronto to Quebec City is estimated at about $150-billion once four decades of operating and maintenance expenses are included – a figure that is well above the range regularly cited by federal officials.
Alto – the Crown corporation responsible for the massive infrastructure project – says the high-speed rail line will cost between $60-billion and $90-billion. The organization has said a more precise cost estimate will be released as the project is advanced.
That public cost range has routinely been used in comments to the media and is clearly stated in a question and answer section on Alto’s website. The answer does not distinguish between the project’s capital costs and its operating and maintenance costs.
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