# Alto Launches Early Land Acquisition in Canada

Alto, Canada's federal high-speed rail corporation, has initiated a strategic early land acquisition phase supported by a **C$391.9 million** budget allocation within a broader **C$2.1 billion** five-year capital plan. This early acquisition effort targets key parcels along the Ottawa-Montreal corridor, enabled by new legal provisions allowing land purchases prior to the completion of environmental impact assessments. Alto plans to procure professional real estate appraisal services this autumn to support fair compensation negotiations and valuation processes. Transport Canada and the federal government emphasize sensitive handling of acquisitions to balance project progress with stakeholder interests.

- **Why this matters:** Early land acquisition reduces risks of losing critical railway corridors to other developments, ensuring timely project advancement.
- Procurement professionals should anticipate upcoming solicitations for real estate appraisal and related professional services supporting land negotiations.
- Contractors and service providers with expertise in real estate valuation, environmental considerations, and infrastructure project support may find new opportunities.
- This initiative reflects evolving procurement approaches that leverage legal frameworks to accelerate infrastructure delivery while managing stakeholder impacts.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Transportation, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** September 15, 2026

### Government Entities
- Alto
- Transport Canada
- Public Services and Procurement Canada

### Key Quotes
> Without early acquisition, land the railway needs could be developed and lost.
> — Transport Canada

> Compensation offers will rest on independent professional appraisals.
> — Alto

> The government would handle acquisitions with sensitivity.
> — Steven MacKinnon, Transport Minister

### Sources
- [Alto land acquisition follows a C$391.9m early buying plan](https://www.railway.supply/alto-land-acquisition-begins-with-first-strategic-plot-purchase) - Railway Supply