Alto continues advancing plans for its proposed high-speed rail line, while laying the groundwork for potential expansion once passenger demand grows.
“We will be building in the opportunity for future work, whether that’s high-speed rail or other integrated services,” said Joel Wiebe, a senior adviser on the project.
WHY IT MATTERS: Farmers along the proposed high-speed train route are concerned about land expropriation and loss of access to service roads.
Wiebe noted there is interest in Southwestern Ontario in increasing rail service beyond GO Transit. However, with 1,000 kilometres of track yet to be built, expansion plans are not an immediate priority.
“We do need to make sure that we have the ability, that we’re not just locking ourselves in. But what that expansion looks like I don’t know at this point,” he said.
Farm communities oppose proposed Toronto-Quebec City route
The proposed privately operated rail line, owned by Alto, a federal Crown corporation, would connect Toronto to Quebec City along a 1,000-kilometre route, within an approximately 10-kilometre-wide zone.
Farming communities along the proposed route have strongly opposed the project, raising concerns about land expropriation, impact on rural life and potential effects on service roads.
Alto officials held information sessions to address local concerns, saying farmers will have input into the final route decision, with compensation offered to those affected.
What compensation would cover for landowners
“Should it come to the point where we do need to purchase property off of them, they will have the ability to hire their own appraisers, their own legal advice, their own financial advice, and that’s all part of the compensation that they would be eligible for,” said Wiebe.
Some critics have raised concerns about using public funds for compensation, but Wiebe said it’s being managed responsibly.
“We do have a responsibility with tax dollars that we have to be fair on compensation,” said Wiebe, adding that a level of generosity must be considered to address the inconvenience and emotional and stress impacts on farmers and landowners.
“So, we can’t just consider a real estate transaction. There has to be more to it, but we do have to be responsible with those funds.”
Land agents to work with affected owners case by case
Some farmers have refused to engage in discussions. Roxanne Cyrenne, Alto project senior adviser, said Alto will not enter private property without an invitation.
She explained that landowners identified as likely to be affected by the project or involved in future discussions will receive a more tailored approach, with a land agent assigned to work with them.
“It’s going to be a direct contact tailored to their needs, so then we can address mitigation case by case,” she said.
Final corridor announcement expected soon
As Alto moves toward beginning line construction, Cyrenne said they’ve planned additional in-person consultations with residents. Ongoing meetings with incoming and outgoing municipal officials have also offered insight into what works best for their communities.
“We are at the stage of the project where it’s still possible for us to tweak and take that (feedback) into consideration in the design moving along,” she said, adding that Alto anticipates announcing the final corridor soon.
