Preliminary rendering of Via Rail's new maintenance centre in Montreal
Rail transportation plays a vital role in connecting communities across Canada. As VIA Rail takes the next step in renewing its pan-Canadian fleet with a new generation of hybrid locomotives, modern infrastructure is essential to support their long-term operation. Leveraging its expertise in transportation infrastructure construction, Pomerleau will bring its know-how to the new Montreal Maintenance Centre, a strategic facility located in Pointe-Saint-Charles. The project will support the maintenance of VIA Rail's future fleet, strengthen the resilience of Canada's rail network and help meet the country's transportation needs for decades to come.
Building in an active rail environment
Since 2022, Pomerleau has been working alongside VIA Rail to modernize the Montreal Maintenance Centre. The first phase of the project upgraded critical site infrastructure while allowing the facility to remain fully operational throughout construction, a challenge that required meticulous planning and close coordination.
Today, Phase 2 marks another significant milestone. Construction is taking place within an active rail environment, requiring carefully planned sequencing to ensure VIA Rail's operations continue uninterrupted. This ability to successfully deliver projects in complex operating environments reflects Pomerleau's expertise in transportation infrastructure, where safety, quality and operational excellence go hand in hand.
Essential infrastructure for the future of rail transportation
The new Montreal Maintenance Centre is a key component of Canada's rail network renewal. The facility will support the maintenance, operation and long-term performance of VIA Rail's next generation of hybrid locomotives serving long-distance, regional and remote routes.
Phase 2 of the project includes the construction of a 97,000-square-foot maintenance centre, new rail tracks, the realignment of existing tracks and the installation of specialized infrastructure designed to support the maintenance of the new locomotives. Once complete, the facility will play an essential role in ensuring the reliability and long-term sustainability of Canada's passenger rail network.
Proven expertise in transportation infrastructure
At Pomerleau, we deliver transportation infrastructure that keeps people and goods moving while strengthening connectivity and supporting economic growth across Canada. From rail and transit systems to ports, airports and road infrastructure, our teams deliver complex projects that meet today's needs while preparing for tomorrow's mobility challenges.
The new Montreal Maintenance Centre is a natural extension of this expertise. More than a building, it is a strategic transportation asset that will support VIA Rail's operations for decades to come. By delivering this project, Pomerleau is helping modernize Canada's passenger rail network and build infrastructure that will benefit future generations.
Delivering lasting benefits for Canada
The new Montreal Maintenance Centre is one of the most significant Canadian components of VIA Rail's pan-Canadian fleet renewal program. Alongside the production of 45 new hybrid locomotives, the facility will support long-term maintenance while strengthening Canada's rail expertise.
According to VIA Rail, the initiative will generate significant economic benefits through the construction of the new facility, the Canadian assembly of a portion of the locomotive fleet and their long-term maintenance over the next 40 years. Together, these activities will support approximately 1,200 full-time jobs while helping develop Canadian expertise in rail vehicle assembly, systems integration and railway operations.
Building the infrastructure that moves Canada forward
At Pomerleau, we are proud to put our expertise to work on projects that strengthen Canada's transportation networks and improve mobility for communities across the country. The new Montreal Maintenance Centre demonstrates our ability to deliver complex infrastructure that supports essential services while improving the resilience and performance of Canada's transportation systems.
By building this strategic facility for VIA Rail, Pomerleau is contributing to the modernization of Canadian rail transportation and creating infrastructure that will support travellers, communities and the country's transportation network for generations to come.
