Ontario Construction News staff writer
Canada’s steel and fabrication sectors are taking a leading role in the Edmonton–Calgary TransPod Line after Algoma Steel, headquartered in Saut. Ste. Marie and Alberta-based Supreme Steel joined TransPod in a strategic partnership to advance the ultra-high-speed ground transportation project.
The collaboration secures the materials and manufacturing capacity for the TransPod Line, which will connect Edmonton and Calgary with all-electric FluxJet vehicles capable of speeds exceeding 1,000 km/h. The project, designated a Major Project by the Government of Alberta, is expected to create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen long-term competitiveness.
Algoma Steel, headquartered in Sault Ste. Marie, will supply 1.5–2 million tonnes of Canadian-made steel for the project. With its ongoing transformation to electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking, Algoma will provide low-carbon intensity steel, supporting sustainability goals while securing long-term domestic demand.
“By supporting this transformation project, this partnership effectively secures long-term demand in Canada, reduces our reliance on exports, and ensures the strength of our steel sector for decades to come,” said Michael Garcia, CEO of Algoma Steel.
Supreme Steel will manufacture the precision steel guideways that carry FluxJet vehicles, providing advanced fabrication and construction expertise critical to the project’s infrastructure.
“Supreme Steel is proud to play a key role in manufacturing the guideways for TransPod and transforming transportation in Alberta,” said CEO John Leder. “This is a nation-building initiative that will leave a legacy of skills and infrastructure for the country.”
The partnership is expected to:
- Create long-term domestic demand for Canadian steel
- Reduce reliance on volatile U.S. export markets and tariffs
- Build advanced Canadian expertise in precision manufacturing for large-scale infrastructure
During construction, the TransPod Line is projected to create up to 140,000 jobs in Alberta and contribute approximately $19.2 billion CAD to the province’s GDP. Once operational, the line is expected to offer passenger fares roughly 44% lower than current air travel along the corridor and reduce CO₂ emissions by 636,000 tonnes per year.
Preliminary work has been completed, but the project is paused pending Alberta’s transportation master plan, expected later in 2025. TransPod and its partners are prepared to resume development as soon as provincial approval is granted, moving toward construction permits, environmental approvals, test track construction, and eventual passenger service.
The Edmonton–Calgary TransPod Line represents one of the first major infrastructure projects in Canada to anchor steel production and precision manufacturing in a transformative transportation system, highlighting the critical role of Canadian materials and fabrication in nation-building projects.
Based in Sault Ste. Marie, Algoma produces hot and cold rolled steel products, including sheet and plate, and is the only producer of discrete plate products in Canada. The company has modernized its operations with electric arc furnace technology to reduce carbon emissions and strengthen domestic steel supply.
Supreme Steel manufactures precision steel components and guideways for large-scale infrastructure projects, providing advanced fabrication and construction support for projects like the TransPod Line.