Proponents of a hydrogen-powered passenger rail line from Calgary International Airport to Banff are pushing for federal recognition as a major infrastructure project. The Calgary Airport to Banff Rail (CABR) group submitted its proposal to Ottawa’s Major Projects Office (MPO) on Tuesday. This office is designed to expedite project approvals and funding.

Jan Waterous, managing principal of Liricon Capital, which is collaborating with infrastructure investor Plenary Americas on the project, stated that the proposal aligns with the Building Canada Act. "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.

Currently, 11 projects have been designated as major projects, including initiatives in mining, nuclear energy, liquefied natural gas, container ports, and hydroelectricity. Notably, none of these projects are located in Alberta. Recently, the Alberta government signed a memorandum of understanding with Ottawa to expedite a bitumen pipeline from the province's oilsands to British Columbia's north coast.

Waterous noted that Premier Danielle Smith has indicated she would not prioritize the rail project until after the pipeline agreement was finalized. "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," she explained.

The Alberta government has recently completed a regional passenger rail master plan aimed at enhancing train services in urban areas and exploring high-speed rail options. Paul Martin, senior vice-president of Plenary Americas, mentioned, "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."

The proposed rail line would connect the airport to a downtown station, likely following Deerfoot Trail. Waterous indicated that the provincial government is expected to finance this segment. The total cost of the project is estimated at $2.6 billion, with Liricon and Plenary contributing $1.5 billion, while the province would cover the remainder.

Proposed stations along the route include the airport, downtown Calgary, Cochrane, Morley, Canmore, and Banff. The rail line would span approximately 150 kilometers, utilizing the existing CPKC freight corridor with new parallel tracks. Regular fares are projected to be $20 for Albertans and $40 for non-residents, with the latter subsidizing the service for local commuters.

Liricon Capital, which owns the Mount Norquay ski area and has a long-term lease on the Banff train station, estimates that the rail line could attract less than 25% of the more than four million visitors to Banff National Park each year. Proponents argue that the project would revitalize Calgary’s downtown by increasing visitor traffic and providing residents with easier access to Banff and the airport.

Another rail initiative, a high-speed link between Toronto and Montreal, has received federal budget support to accelerate its development. However, Waterous noted that this project is more complex and costly than the CABR proposal. "That’s really only an aspirational project — we’ve done 10 years of studies, we’re shovel-ready," she said, adding that two years would be needed to finalize the route design and consult with affected communities.

If approved, the CABR line could potentially be operational by 2030. Waterous highlighted that the mayors of Calgary, Cochrane, Canmore, and Banff expressed their support for the project in a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney and Premier Smith last July. They emphasized the rail line's potential to connect urban areas with Canada’s first national park, benefiting both tourists and commuters.

The Building Canada Act, which received royal assent last June, outlines criteria for national-interest projects, including economic benefits and contributions to clean growth. Newly elected Calgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas has also endorsed the plan, citing its potential to improve access to employment centers and reduce highway congestion.

While the project has garnered support, it faces criticism from conservationists concerned about the potential increase in wildlife fatalities due to train collisions. Additionally, changes to the project’s scope may require renegotiation with CPKC regarding right-of-way agreements.

Smith has expressed strong support for the initiative, viewing it as a means to enhance tourism, a sector the province aims to grow to $25 billion in annual visitor spending by 2035.