Danielle Smith, transportation minister in Calgary for passenger rail forum

Premier Danielle Smith and her minister of transportation spoke at a passenger rail forum in Calgary on Friday, adding more speculation about what could be in store for travel options for Albertans in the years ahead.

Smith and Devin Dreeshen addressed the gathering at the BMO Centre, saying that the provincial government is working on a "rail master plan" that's expected to be released sometime in 2025.

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Elements of that plan include rail lines from both Edmonton and Calgary's airports to each city's downtown core, rail lines to major Alberta tourist destinations and a high-speed rail connection to make the three-and-a-half-hour trip between the province's two major centres a breeze.

"It's something that's been discussed for decades, but usually those conversations started with, 'Wouldn't it be nice if?'" Smith told the conference.

"We'd like to change that conversation from 'if' to 'when'."

She said the province is working on a passenger rail strategy that will include a 15-year delivery plan to ensure her government learns all it can from shareholders on the best course of action.

"Our vision can only be accomplished by working with others," Smith said.

Dreeshen said the work his department has done to realize the vision of a passenger rail network in Alberta has been "an amazing journey."

"We're doing it right in Alberta – we're talking with industry, we're talking to experts. We're building out a plan that really sets itself up for success," he said.

"It's really going to put Alberta on the map."

He said CPCS Transcom Ltd. has been hired to help develop Alberta's master rail plan.

Dreeshen said the firm will be responsible for a feasibility assessment, financial and delivery modelling, governance and operational models, its 15-year delivery plan and engagement with shareholders, including Indigenous groups and industry leaders.

Large projects like passenger rail are challenges, Dreeshen said, for governments given that they typically live on four-year life cycles.

"It's hard to think 'big picture', but I think if we have the right types of partnerships, we can really build things in this province that will last for generations."

Smith said holding the passenger rail forum in Calgary was a good way to help propel its vision ahead.

"That's where the best ideas happen. When you are able to work with innovators and entrepreneurs in the private sector (and) be open to that as well, then have a really innovative approach on the side of the public service."

Neither Smith nor Dreeshen made any funding commitment to advance the expansion of passenger rail service in Alberta during their remarks.

The transportation minister did say that regional open houses about Alberta's master rail plan will take place next year and an online survey is open to seek input from residents about what they'd like to see.

"They will have their say on the future of what passenger rail could be in the province," Dreeshen said.

"We want to hear directly from Albertans."