Professionals and researchers involved with railway engineering will have opportunities to present ideas, learn of new developments and technologies, make professional contacts and discuss issues related to railway engineering in Canada and cold regions.
About
The Canadian Rail Research Laboratory is proud to host the 3rd Canadian & Cold Regions Rail Research Conference (CCRC 2026)! CCRC 2026 will be held in person at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, AB, Canada, on April 21 and 22nd, 2026.
The Canadian & Cold Regions Rail Research Conference represents the first true railway-specific conference in Canada with a formal committee and a requirement for peer-reviewed papers. The conference focuses on developing leading practices in railway engineering in Canada and among countries facing railway infrastructure challenges in cold regions.
This year's theme is “Rails to Prosperity: Economic Growth through Innovation and Resilience.” Speakers will present on the following topics, plus more!
• Supply chain efficiency and resiliency
• Passenger transport, LRT through Hi-speed rail
• Innovations in railway engineering
• Risk, safety and reliability
• Human Factors
• Innovations in maintenance of way and equipment
• Climate change and environment
• Smart and Artificial Intelligence Applications
• Case studies
The University of Alberta is situated on Treaty 6 territory,
traditional lands of First Nations and Métis peoples.
Amiskwaciwâskahikan ᐊᒥᐢᑲᐧᒋᕀᐋᐧᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ Edmonton
Address: Donadeo Innovation Centre for Engineering, 116 Street Northwest, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Sponsors
Why Sponsor CCRC 2026?
As we set the stage for CCRC 2026, we invite your esteemed organization to join us as a sponsor. Your support will be integral to the success of this conference. Sponsoring CCRC 2026 offers your organization various benefits, including prominent recognition before key industry partners such as CN, CPKC, and others. Our sponsorship levels listed in the summary package are tailored to accommodate your preferences and commitment.
We sincerely hope you will consider becoming a sponsor of CCRC 2026. We believe this partnership will not only benefit your organization but also advance railway engineering and its crucial role in addressing climate change challenges.
Thank you for considering supporting the 3rd Canadian & Cold Regions Rail Research Conference. We eagerly anticipate your positive response and the prospect of working together to make this event a resounding success.
View the Sponsorship Summary for more details.
Fees
This two-day conference will be held in person at the University of Alberta campus.
By registering for the 3rd Canadian & Cold Regions Rail Research Conference (CCRC 2026), participants agree to the conference Terms and Conditions and Code of Conduct. Please read the Terms & Conditions and Code of Conduct in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section.
REGISTRATION FEES
- Early Bird (until March 15): $787.50 CAD
- Regular (March 16 – Apr 21): $892.50 CAD
- Students: $420 CAD
- Site Visit - $30 CAD per person (limited seats available)
*Prices include 5% GST.
GST Number 108102831
Hotels
Attendees are responsible for arranging and paying for their travel and accommodations. We have secured preferential hotel booking rates at the following hotels for attendees who are interested in a discounted rate:
Campus Tower Suite Hotel
Rooms are available from Monday, April 20 - Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Rates start at $168 per night plus taxes, based on double occupancy.
Individual online reservations can be made directly with the Hotel with this link or by calling our toll-free number 800.709.1824, or the hotel direct at 780.439.6060. The group code 8256563 or meeting name by quoting - CCRC 2026
Parking Available for $25 per vehicle, per night (No vehicles over 6ft. will fit in the attached parkade)
All reservations must be made before March 20, 2026. Reservations should be made as soon as possible to ensure rate and availability. Rooms can fill up quickly; therefore, the block of room can fill before the block cutoff date.
Varscona Hotel (location for banquet dinner on April 21, 2026)
Rates start at $159.00 per night plus taxes and are available from April 20 to 23, 2026. Reservations are based on availability at the time of booking. All reservations must be made by March 20, 2026. Modifications are allowed only before March 20, 2026. Individual online reservations can be made directly with the hotel with this link.
The following items are included in our room rates at no extra charge:
▪ Complimentary Breakfast Buffet – 6:30am – 9:30am Mon-Fri|7:30-10:30am Weekends & Holidays
▪ Complimentary Parking
▪ In-room high-speed Internet access
▪ Unlimited local phone calls & calling card or toll-free calls
▪ In-room Illy coffee maker
▪ Unlimited access to the Fitness Facility
▪ 24-hour access to the Business Centre
***Please note – Varscona Hotel on Whyte Hotel is 100% smoke-free***
FAQs
What's included in the conference fee?
The following are included in the conference fee:
- Breakfasts, lunches, AM/PM break refreshments and a banquet dinner for in-person attendees.
- Access to all technical sessions.
- A conference welcome package.
I am no longer able to attend. What do I do?
Please get in touch with Jen Stogowski (jen.stogowski@ualberta.ca) right away. Requests for registration cancellations can be made up to March 31, 2026, minus a $200 administration fee. There will be no refunds for cancelled registrations after March 31, 2026. Any stop-payments will be subject to a $200 processing fee.
Will I receive an Attendee List?
No, we ask that you connect with attendees during the event, whether it be in person or through the online platform (if applicable). To keep your personal contact details safe, we will only use them for event communication purposes only.
My company is interested in sponsorship opportunities. How do I get involved?
Thanks for your interest in sponsoring the 3rd Canadian & Cold Regions Rail Research Conference (CCRC 2026)! Please get in touch with Jen Stogowski (Jen.stogowski@ualberta.ca) to discuss opportunities to showcase your organization at this event!
Terms & Conditions and Code of Conduct
By registering for the 3rd Canadian & Cold Regions Rail Research Conference (CCRC 2026), you agree to the conference’s Terms and Conditions and Code of Conduct.
Payment: All prices are in Canadian dollars ($ CAD).
Refund Policy: Prior to and including March 31, 2026, any cancellation will be charged a $200 processing fee. There will be no refunds for cancelled registrations after March 31, 2026. Any stop-payments will be subject to a $200 processing fee.
Photography Policy: As a registered participant of the 3rd Canadian & Cold Regions Rail Research Conference (CCRC 2026), you agree that the organizers or authorized third parties may photograph or record your, image, name, voice, and/ or words, and may publish or distribute your image, name, voice, and/ or words for promotional and educational purposes in various forms of media, including but not limited to the University of Alberta Geotechnical Centre's LinkedIn page, and marketing materials.
Statement of Liability Waiver: You agree that the University of Alberta and its officers, directors, agents, employees, volunteers, affiliates, successors, assigns, and subsidiaries will not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage of any sort that you may incur as a result of your participation in the 3rd Canadian & Cold Regions Rail Research Conference (CCRC 2026) (the "conference"). The University of Alberta reserves the right to cancel this conference without penalty other than a refund of registration fees paid to the University of Alberta for services not provided. The University of Alberta further reserves the right to reschedule the conference, refuse admission, or change speakers, location, or content without penalty or the refund of registration fees paid. Each attendee shall be personally responsible for his/her/their behaviour. The organizers will accept no responsibility for the behaviour of any attendee or outside entity during the conference.
Code of Conduct: The 3rd Canadian & Cold Regions Rail Research Conference (CCRC 2026) is dedicated to providing a safe, harassment-free environment for all participants. Participants of the conference include attendees, speakers, organizers, volunteers, and venue staff. All participants are required to agree with the following Code of Conduct.
The organizers will enforce this code throughout the event and expect cooperation from all participants to help ensure a safe environment for everybody. We invite you to help us make this conference a place that is welcoming and respectful for all participants, regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, national origin, ethnicity, or religion. We do not tolerate harassment of participants in any form. We expect all participants to treat others with respect and abide by the following Code of Conduct at all times throughout the conference. This includes social events at off-site locations, online activities, and social media before, during and after the event itself.
Unacceptable behaviour
• Harassment (see full definition below)
• Intimidation
• Coercing
• Deliberate stalking or following
• Abuse
• Discrimination
• Use of sexualized language, images, or clothing (including in presentations, slides, and speaker content)
• Possession and/or use of illegal substances
• Possession of an item that can be used as a weapon causing harm to others
Our definition of harassment includes
• Unwelcome or hostile behaviour, including verbal or written comments that intimidates or creates discomfort
• Unwelcome or hostile behaviour that interferes with a person’s participation in the event
• Unwelcome physical contact
• Unwelcome sexual attention
Consequences of unacceptable behaviour: Participants asked to stop unacceptable behaviour are expected to comply immediately. If the situation escalates, security or police will be involved as necessary. Participants who violate the Code of Conduct may be expelled from the event and related activities without a refund and/or banned from future events at the discretion of the organizers.
If you experience or witness unacceptable behaviour: We need your help to keep the event community safe, accountable, and responsible. If you experience or witness any forms of unacceptable behaviour, please bring your concerns to the immediate attention of University staff (who will be easily identifiable at the registration desk) or email us at viviang@ualberta.ca. If you experience or witness unacceptable behaviour that poses a threat or immediate danger, please phone Campus Security (780-492-5050) or the police (911).
Privacy Policy: The University of Alberta is the sole owner of the information collected on the Registration website. Personal information will not be shared with any other organization. We do not sell, share or rent this information to third parties or partners, unless clearly indicated. The importance of security for all personally identifiable information associated with our customers is of utmost concern to us. This site has security measures in place to protect against the loss, misuse, and alteration of the information under our control.