This section is Presented This section was produced by the editorial department. The client was not given the opportunity to put restrictions on the content or review it prior to publication. by HAVEN HOME HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING Proposed stations in Peterborough, Belleville, Kingston, and Brockville could bring in three million extra passengers each year while minimizing negative effects on rural areas and nature, according to a report. May 14, 2026 • Last updated May 16, 2026 •
A Via Rail train passes a vehicle on Highway 401 on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in Kingston, Ont. Photo by Elliot Ferguson /The Kingston Whig-Standard
KINGSTON – A better passenger rail system that utilizes current transportation routes could offer quicker train journeys between key cities in Ontario and Quebec while enhancing services to communities in eastern Ontario. This comes from an alternative suggestion to the Alto high-speed rail plan.
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A conceptual design for this alternative high-speed rail project suggests constructing the railway along existing corridors near Highway 401.
The suggested route would follow flatter established pathways instead of traversing rugged Canadian Shield terrain or encroaching upon environmentally sensitive areas as well as farmlands and rural neighborhoods.
“This report is not about saying no to high-speed rail,” said South Frontenac Township resident Todd Colbourne who played a role in developing this proposal. “It is about showing there is a better way to do this. If Canada is going to build a nation-shaping high-speed rail project we should choose the route that creates most benefit while doing least harm.”
This alternative high-speed rail plan supported by Kingston Accommodation Partners aims at linking cities included in Alto’s proposal while also providing access for eastern Ontario communities like Peterborough Belleville Kingston and Brockville.
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The report was created following suggestions made by various groups such as Save South Frontenac and Corridor Train Alliance advocating for alternatives against Alto’s proposal.
The current Alto proposal calls for new routes due adopted after abandonment of Via Rail’s high-frequency rail plan.
Alto officials have stated that using existing Highway adjacent corridor isn’t feasible for high speed trains however advocates have resisted allowing it be completely dismissed.
“Existing options create harm along route without offering benefit those living affected areas,” Colbourne remarked “A corridor route changes equation connects people serves communities improves business case protects landscapes make eastern Ontario unique.”
The advocates claim adding service eastern Ontario would generate three million more riders yearly allowing express travel among major cities plus local stops intermediate stations.
This hasn’t loaded yet but article continues below.<P According this alternative proposition , Peterborough Belleville Kingstons Brockville surrounding regions hold around eight percent population Toronto Quebec City corridor while representing eighteen percent current Via ridership.< P Southern route featuring those locations would produce $18 billion extra net income $28 billion supplementary advantages compared northern path connecting Peterborough Ottawa advocates assert.<P "It's simple say no when initiative jeopardizes places we love live families spent generations," remarked Michelle Foxton political advocate previous federal Liberal candidate Lanark-Frontenac."What harder beneficial find effective solution connect with individuals."<P "This report demonstrates numerous people eastern Ontario aren't merely rejecting They're advocating construction railroad manner preserves delicate scenery honors rural populations south north combats climate change provides real transit perks residents throughout area – just big metropolises," Foxton noted.
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