This partnership includes the City of Kingston, South Frontenac Township, and the citizen advocacy group Save South Frontenac (SFF), which was announced at a morning press conference on Monday, Mar. 9, 2026.
“If you’re going to build it, build it right,” said Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson.
He explained that advocating for an additional HSR route that runs closer to the 401 corridor with a stop in Kingston is more economically and environmentally sensible than having trains zoom through Eastern Ontario’s rural areas at speeds of up to 300 km/h.
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Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson. Photo by Bill Hutchins/Kingstonist.
“In our view, this is absolutely a no-brainer.”
The coalition’s stance aligns with a motion supported by Kingston City Council on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026, he emphasized.
Paterson mentioned that constructing an HSR line along the busy 401 is “technically feasible” based on his recent discussions with transportation experts and consultants. This would allow Ottawa to respond to weeks of protests and political motions raised by concerned rural communities.
“What this joint advocacy position will do is it will protect vital rural landscapes, it will align with existing transportation corridors, both for rail and for the 401, and it will also ensure that if high-speed rail is going to run through eastern Ontario, that it actually serves eastern Ontario with a stop in Kingston,“ the Kingston mayor said.
This viewpoint resonates with South Frontenac Mayor Ron Vandewal and members of SFF who stood alongside Kingston’s mayor showing their support for an HSR route that doesn’t disrupt rural areas but can still benefit Kingston.
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South Frontenac Mayor Ron Vandewal addresses reporters amidst ‘Next stop, Kingston!’ signs on Monday, Mar. 9, 2026. Photo by Bill Hutchins/Kingstonist.
Vandewal noted that the Highway 401 corridor was already established through farmland and communities decades ago. He argued that building an HSR line along this highway would have minimal impact compared to starting from scratch with a new transportation corridor through his municipality.
“It will devastate South Frontenac for generations,” Vandewal warned about possible HSR routes not following the 401 corridor.
“It will cut our municipality in half.”
Alto, the Crown Corporation responsible for developing the planned 1,000-kilometre HSR between Toronto and Quebec City at an estimated cost of up to $90 billion, is currently looking into two potential routes for eastern Ontario’s Ottawa-Peterborough leg; one running along Highway 7 in the north and another cutting through several rural municipalities north of Kingston and Belleville in the south.
Alto HSR northern and southern routes under study in eastern Ontario. Image via Alto.
During the news conference speakers indicated they’ve learned federal Transportation Minister Steven Mac Kinnon is expected to make a final decision on which HSR route will be chosen before year-end.
Gord Boulton co-chairs Save South Frontenac-an organization made up of around 1,200 members-which he referred to as a “poster child” for similar groups lobbying government decisions. He asserted that choosing this southern route would severely harm farms, delicate environmental zones, and rural economies.
“There’s a lot at stake; it’s important we get this decision right; therefore we urge federal officials to rethink their current proposed routes,” he stated.
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Gord Boulton from Save South Frontenac speaking during press event. Photo by Bill Hutchins/Kingstonist.
Boulton added his farm near Battersea spans over 1,000 acres directly within Alto’s suggested southern HSR path. If this route goes ahead as planned he faces immediate land development restrictions along with potential expropriation concerns down the road.
“The further I looked into it; things got more concerning,” he remarked.
SFF Co-Chair Katie Koopman believes an HSR line running parallel to Highway 401 while making a stop in Kingston offers “a balanced solution” protecting rural neighborhoods while giving cities like Kingston economic benefits.
“We hope this joint position brings relief as well as renewed energy among residents of South Frontenac knowing we have gained strong support from City Hall,” she expressed during her remarks at Cataraqui Arena addressing reporters.
Vandewal noted how South Frontenac was one of first municipalities locally opposing high-speed train service even before Alto’s controversial southern route proposal became public earlier this year.
“It should go where population density exists alongside opportunities-that’s along Highway 401 featuring stops in places like Kingston.” Everyone understands this; we just hope those making decisions take notice,” Vandewal remarked.
If asked why Alto didn’t initially identify Highway 401 as an option Paterson speculated previous governmental decisions related back when past proposals were discussed could have influenced their current options.
The local leaders stated they plan next steps focused on arranging face-to-face meetings directly involving Minister Mac Kinnon-with assistance from Member Of Parliament Mark Gerretsen representing both Kingstonians & Islands constituents-to outline their collective opinions.
The MP Gerretsen affirmed strong backing towards relocating any proposed alignment further south nearer towards existing infrastructure while emphasizing inclusion particularly nearby major transit hubs like downtown areas too.
“My view remains clear: trains must navigate further south approaching greater proximity near Interchanges serving existing highways-including dedicated stations located within regions such as central-Kingston.” That omission leaves significant room lost not only affecting local communities but also affecting profitability margins achievable otherwise,” explained Gerretsen conveying enthusiasm over future collaborations ahead targeting successful outcomes eventually seen generating returns upon investments received thereby benefiting all stakeholders involved collectively towards shared progress moving forward positively together long-term!
The MP encourages everyone interested speak-up actively participating sharing feedback prior scheduled public consultations closing March-end timeframe soon!
Patterson highlighted stats proving how active VIA Rail operates within its station ranks fourth busiest across Canada standing out remarkably among counterparts delivering highest per capita performances recorded too much excitement surrounding upcoming possibilities emerging shortly thereafter..
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Alto HSR northern and southern routes under study in eastern Ontario. Image via Alto.
During the news conference speakers indicated they’ve learned federal Transportation Minister Steven Mac Kinnon is expected to make a final decision on which HSR route will be chosen before year-end.
Gord Boulton co-chairs Save South Frontenac-an organization made up of around 1,200 members-which he referred to as a “poster child” for similar groups lobbying government decisions. He asserted that choosing this southern route would severely harm farms, delicate environmental zones, and rural economies.
“There’s a lot at stake; it’s important we get this decision right; therefore we urge federal officials to rethink their current proposed routes,” he stated.
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