Backers of a proposed hydrogen-powered passenger rail line connecting Calgary International Airport to the mountain town of Banff have formally asked the federal government to designate the initiative as a major national project.
Submission for Streamlined Approval
On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the Calgary Airport to Banff Rail (CABR) group submitted its proposal to Ottawa's Major Projects Office (MPO). This federal body is designed to accelerate significant infrastructure developments through a streamlined process for approvals and potential funding.
Jan Waterous, managing principal of Liricon Capital, the firm developing the proposal alongside infrastructure investor Plenary Americas, expressed strong optimism. "We can't help but be optimistic (it'll be selected) — it checks off the boxes, has so many benefits not just for the communities along the route but for the country," Waterous said.
She emphasized that the plan aligns with the criteria of the Building Canada Act, which governs the MPO. To date, only 11 projects have been named to the major projects list, encompassing sectors like mining, nuclear energy, liquefied natural gas (LNG), container ports, and hydroelectricity. Notably, none of these are located in Alberta.
Strategic Timing and Provincial Considerations
The submission follows a recent memorandum of understanding between the Alberta and federal governments to expedite a bitumen pipeline from the oilsands to British Columbia's north coast. Waterous indicated that Premier Danielle Smith had prioritized that pipeline agreement before turning provincial attention to other major projects like the rail line.
"That's why we're submitting now — we want to show the province we're serious and that we have the project under (federal) review, maybe to give them confidence to do their part," Waterous explained. She believes the rail project is a strong candidate for the MPO list.
Route and Integration with Provincial Plans
The envisioned rail line would originate at Calgary's airport, with a likely route following the Deerfoot Trail corridor to a station in the city's downtown core. This segment is anticipated to require provincial financing, and the Alberta government has previously shown interest in such a link.
The project plans for multiple stations between the airport and the final destination in Banff. It aims to align with Alberta's recently completed regional passenger rail master plan, which focuses on improving inter-city train service and exploring high-speed rail links.
"We're trying to structure this in contemplation of what that master plan will be, but we'll obviously adapt to that as we see it," said Paul Martin, senior vice-president of Plenary Americas.
The proponents argue that the hydrogen-driven train would offer substantial environmental and economic benefits, reducing traffic congestion on the busy Trans-Canada Highway corridor to the Rockies while providing a modern, sustainable transportation option for residents, commuters, and the millions of tourists visiting Banff National Park annually.
