Rideau Lakes Township Formally Rejects Alto Project

Photo Credit John Fenik

Reflecting a growing opposition to the Alto high-speed train initiative, and in a rare show of agreement, Rideau Lakes Township Council unanimously rejected the Alto high-speed rail (HSR) proposal.

Alto, a federal crown corporation planning to establish a high-speed rail network between Toronto and Quebec City, has recently released potential route options, including one that passes through the Township of Rideau Lakes.

In the resolution rejecting the project council noted, “Rideau Lakes takes pride in its rural character, the protection of environmentally sensitive areas, its agricultural lands, and its many natural features, including the UNESCO-designated Frontenac Arch Biosphere and Rideau Canal.”

Staff were directed to arrange a public information session with Alto Representatives in attendance to provide information and answers to Rideau Lakes ratepayers.

The resolution was forwarded to the Hon. Steve Mackinnon, Federal Minister of Transportation, The Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, MP Mark Gerretsen, MP Scott Reid, Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, MPP John Jordan, Mark Imbleau, the President of Alto, Mayor Bryan Paterson, City of Kingston, and neighbouring municipalities within the proposed HSR corridors.