Minister of Transport provides an update on the next steps of the High Frequency Rail project in Peterborough

PETERBOROUGH — The next steps for the High Frequency Rail project: the launch of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) has been announced by the Minister of Transport. The purpose of the RFQ is to identify and qualify up to three top candidates who will be invited to participate in the Request for Proposals (RFP) process, anticipated to begin in summer 2023. The procurement process will help select a private developer partner to work in collaboration with VIA HFR, the newly created subsidiary of VIA Rail, to design and develop the High Frequency Rail project.

“The Request for Qualifications represents a significant step forward towards the return of passenger rail service to Peterborough,” said Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport. “This transformational project will greatly benefit the region by bringing significant economic growth to communities throughout Peterborough-Kawartha, and providing sustainable transportation infrastructure that will benefit generations to come.”

The Request for Qualifications is the next step following the Request for Expressions of Interest that opened in March 2022. The Request for Qualifications launches the formal procurement process and outlines:

• The context and features of the High Frequency Rail project (e.g., current challenges in the Corridor, purpose of the project, and objectives);
• The procurement process, including the evaluation criteria regarding how proposals will be evaluated, security requirements for candidates, funding support for proposal development during the RFP process, and key principles of the commercial agreement for the execution phase;
• The key players in the project (e.g., VIA HFR, private developer partner, VIA Rail, Government of Canada) and how they will work together; and
• Project outcomes that the private developer partner will be expected to meet or exceed (e.g., shorter journey times, more frequent departures, more reliable service, etc.).

To qualify as a candidate for the RFP, RFQ respondents will be required to demonstrate a capacity for reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples by developing the project to create mutually beneficial, socio-economic development opportunities.

In addition to leveraging the knowledge and expertise of international private sector companies that have experience developing large-scale infrastructure projects, delivering the High Frequency Rail project will require substantial Canadian expertise, Canadian labour, and Canadian companies throughout all phases of the project, including construction and operations. The Government of Canada will be encouraging the private developer partner to maximize economic benefits to Canadians and Canadian suppliers while respecting Canada’s rules-based approach to international trade.

“The continued advancement of the procurement process for High Frequency Rail is good news for Peterborough and the surrounding communities, as it is another milestone towards new economic opportunities and faster, cleaner and more efficient transportation throughout the region,” said Jeff Leal, Mayor of the City of Peterborough.