Ontario Construction News staff writer
Leaders in Kingston and South Frontenac are urging the federal government to adjust plans for a proposed high-speed rail line along the Highway 401 route and to include a station in Kingston. They believe that the current southern path would negatively impact rural communities and delicate environments.
In a joint statement with the community group Save South Frontenac, local officials stated that routing the Alto project along existing transportation routes would lessen harm to farmland, wetlands, and residential neighborhoods.
“If the federal government is going ahead with this $60-90 billion project, it must be realistic and focused on minimizing impacts to property owners, agricultural lands, natural heritage systems, and rural communities,” Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson and South Frontenac Mayor Ron Vandewal said in a statement. “This is not just about infrastructure. It is about people, common sense, sustainability, and protecting what makes our region unique.”
Alto has extended its online public consultation regarding the high-speed rail plan until Fri., Apr. 24.
An interactive map is available and the company is looking for feedback on two proposed routes for service between Toronto and Montreal. Click the link for more information or to complete the survey: https://en. consultation. altotrain. ca/shaping-the-canada…
There will also be additional virtual information sessions on:
, March 23, 7 to 8:45 p. m. (English) , March 26, 7 to 8:45 p. m. (French)
Join with this link: https://www. altotrain. ca/en/public-consultation
The mayors cautioned that a new corridor through undeveloped areas could disrupt farms, tourism activities, and recreation while changing the character of rural communities. They also expressed concerns about possible land expropriation, dead-end roads, and limited access to agricultural properties.
Mentioning environmentally sensitive areas like the Frontenac Arch Biosphere in their region, mayors emphasized that certain places should be safeguarded from large-scale infrastructure projects.
“South Frontenac’s landscape includes nationally significant natural heritage features including the UNESCO Frontenac Arch Biosphere, prime agricultural lands and fragile ecosystems that must be protected,” the mayors said. “Running high-speed rail through rural areas will disrupt communities whose livelihoods depend on farming, tourism and stewardship of the environment.”
At the same time, local leaders noted that adding a stop in Kingston could bring economic advantages since they view it as a regional hub for health care, education and business in southeastern Ontario.
“A Kingston station ensures this project delivers real benefits to our region rather than simply passing through our communities without benefit,” Paterson and Vandewal said. “This would drive economic growth, attract investment, strengthen our tourism sector , and improve mobility , benefits shared across Southeastern Ontario.”
The high-speed rail proposal aims to connect major cities such as Toronto , Ottawa , and Montreal; however , routing decisions are still under consideration.
“Well-planned infrastructure balances national goals with local responsibility,” the mayors said. “Developing high-speed rail along Highway 401 corridor while adding a Kingston stop achieves those goals: it advances Canada’s transportation future while protecting , respecting rural landscapes , and maximizing national economic opportunity.”
Source link
Source link
