Eleven Ontario Progressive Conservative MPPs issued a rare joint statement opposing the proposed Alto high-speed rail project, calling for stronger rural communities and farmland protection.
Why It Matters
Ontario farmers in the Alto corridor could face expropriation if the high-speed rail project proceeds on its current route. PC MPPs say consultation has been inadequate and rural voices have been sidelined, a position the advocacy group Alto-No shares but considers insufficient without stronger action from the premier.
The statement came days after the federal government announced it would no longer support the proposed expansion of Billy Bishop Airport on Toronto’s waterfront. The proposal, which would have introduced larger commercial jet operations, faced sustained opposition from nearby residents and community groups.
The 11 MPPs named in the statement include Laurie Scott, Steve Clark, Dave Smith, Tyler Allsopp, Ric Bresee, John Jordan, George Darouze, Stéphane Sarrazin and Billy Denault. Also named were Minister of Colleges and Universities Nolan Quinn and Labour Minister David Piccini.
No further comment
Farmtario reached out to Haliburton-Kawartha Lakes-Brock MPP Laurie Scott’s office to ask whether the joint statement and the federal government’s announcement were connected.
Scott’s legislative assistant, Richard Ovcharovich, said in an email that the statement issued on behalf of the Eastern Ontario PC Caucus stands as its comment.
“Investments that strengthen Ontario’s economy, improve transportation, and create jobs need to reflect the priorities and needs of rural communities, farmers, families, and local businesses,” the joint statement said. “Public confidence in major infrastructure projects depends on meaningful consultation. In the case of Alto, too many questions remain unanswered. Too many voices have been ignored.”
It continued: “If Alto is to proceed, local voices impacted by this project deserve to see their feedback reflected in the project’s planning, route selection and delivery. The federal government must ensure that any potential future rail project minimizes impacts on farmland and is supported by the people affected.”
Farmtario reached out to Piccini’s office for comment, but received no response as of press time.
Alto-No encouraged
Kathleen O’Connell Renaud, a resident of St-Eugène, Ont., is one of the founding members of Alto-No, an advocacy group leading the opposition to the project. She said she is encouraged by the joint MPP statement; however, she is concerned it may simply be a political move.
“We hope that it’s not a matter of political dealing and that it’s actually a recognition that these projects need a lot more scrutiny,” she said. “That remains to be seen.”
She said Alto-No is encouraging the federal and provincial governments to take a step back to gain a better understanding of the “far-reaching consequences” of the Alto project.
Renaud said the group is planning a protest on Sept. 19 in Quebec at the home of a farmer who may be affected by the Alto project.
Real action lacking
“We are absolutely resolute in our opposition, so we’re not backing down. We need to see real action, not a statement,” she said, adding that she would like to see the premier make a statement supporting that of the MPPs. “It’s interesting to note that really, there’s been no further comment. We’d like to see some real action.”
Renaud said members of Ontario and Quebec farming organizations, municipal governments and communities will attend the protest.
She said the MPPs who signed the statement, along with other members of the federal and provincial governments, will also be invited.
“We’d love to see our premier come out against it,” she said. “The MPPs are one aspect. Let’s see Mr. Ford actually support the citizens of Ontario.”
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