Rideau Lakes Township raises concerns about proposed Alto High Speed Rail Network
- Steve Moretti
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
The township of Rideau Lakes has sent an open letter to residents about the potential property impacts of the Alto Rail Project.
The proposed electrified high-speed rail line is between Toronto and Québec City with trains travelling up to 300 km/hr. The southern route option cuts through a corridor that includes Portland, Newboro, Elgin, Chaffeys Lock, and other locations in Rideau Lakes.
Alto is currently seeking feedback on the project and route options. There are open-house and virtual information sessions, as well as online surveys and an interactive map where you can share your feedback.
The Rideau Lakes Township Council has raised objections to the project, with particular concern regarding the potential expropriation of private properties and the long-term environmental consequences.
“We believe that the ALTO Rail Project, as currently planned, poses unnecessary risks to our Township’s residents and the natural environment, and we are actively working to ensure that the concerns of our community are heard at both the provincial and federal levels,” Township Mayor Arie Hoogenboom wrote in his March 3 letter to residents.
The letter encourages residents to contact federal elected officials with comments and questions regarding the project. Mailing addresses and email links are included in the letter.
"We believe that the ALTO Rail Project, as currently planned, poses unnecessary risks to our Township’s residents." - Mayor Hoogenboom
A number of local organizations have also raised concerns about the project. These include ecologists and conservation scientists at Carleton University, the Think Turtle Conservation Initiative and the Queen’s University Biological Station.
Here are ways you can learn more about the project and provide feedback directly to the project planners.
Interactive Map (Allows you to add a pin and comment to an exact location.)
Please take this opportunity to express any concerns or ideas you may have on the project and proposed route options.
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