Mandate:
The High-Speed Rail (HSR) Initiative is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Canada’s history. This rail network will span approximately 1,000 km and reach speeds of up to 300 km/hour, with stops in Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières, and Quebec City. It will help build a better future for Canadians with new trains using electrified technology running on mostly dedicated passenger tracks that will serve Canada’s growing population.
In March 2022, the Government of Canada issued Orders in Council authorizing and directing VIA Rail Canada Inc. (VIA Rail) to incorporate a wholly owned subsidiary, Alto (formerly VIA HFR - VIA TGF Inc.). It has a mandate to develop and implement the HSR initiative including the design, construction, financing, operation and maintenance of passenger rail services in Ontario and Quebec through one or more agreements with the private sector, in cooperation with the Minister of Transport. Alto (formerly VIA HFR - VIA TGF Inc.) operates at arm’s-length from VIA Rail and will act as a dedicated project office for the HSR initiative.
The Government has been leading a multi-year procurement process to select a Private Developer Partner to jointly design the project with Alto (formerly VIA HFR - VIA TGF Inc.). On February 19, 2025, the Prime Minister announced the selected bidder (Cadence) that will work with Alto (formerly VIA HFR - VIA TGF Inc.), through a Private Development Agreement (PDA) to co-design, in collaboration with VIA Rail and Transport Canada.
On November 29, 2022, Alto (formerly VIA HFR - VIA TGF Inc.) was incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act. Its Board has a maximum of seven directors appointed by the VIA Rail Board of Directors “in consultation with the Minister of Transport.” There are six Directors appointed to the Board, including Robert Prichard (Chairperson), Marie-José Nadeau (Vice-Chairperson), Rob Fonberg, Fiona Blondin, Michael Keenan, and Marie-France Poulin. There remains one vacant director position. The Board selected the first Chief Executive Officer, Martin Imbleau, who joined in September 2023.
Profile:
Chief Executive Officer: Martin Imbleau
Chairperson of the Board of Directors: Robert Prichard
Board of Directors: Up to seven directors (including chair and vice-chair)
Operating and capital budgets 2024-25: $120.9M
Operating and capital budgets 2025-26: $597.1M