Infrastructure & Transit

Canada's infrastructure policy is currently focused on densification, expanding public transit in major metros, and attempting to align housing starts with population growth.

Major Transit Projects (2024-2030)

Massive capital is being deployed to expand rapid transit, primarily in the GTA and Metro Vancouver, to alleviate gridlock caused by rapid population growth.

• Toronto (GTA): The Ontario Line subway, Eglinton Crosstown LRT, and GO Transit Regional Express Rail (electrification and 15-minute two-way all-day service).
• Vancouver: The Broadway Subway Project (SkyTrain extension) and Surrey Langley SkyTrain.
• Montreal: The REM (Réseau express métropolitain), a massive automated light metro network.

Inter-City Transport

Unlike Europe or parts of Asia, Canada lacks high-speed rail. VIA Rail operates the national passenger network, but it shares tracks with freight, making it slow and often delayed outside the Quebec City-Windsor corridor. A High-Frequency Rail (HFR) project is currently in the procurement phase for this corridor.

Next Steps

Transit availability heavily impacts housing affordability. Use our Cost of Living tool to weigh the cost of car ownership versus relying on transit in different cities, and read our climate policy guide to understand the push toward electrification.