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by HAVEN HOME HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING

Alto wraps up initial public consultations after gathering thousands of comments and feedback.

Apr 29, 2026  •  Last updated Apr 29, 2026  • 

Alto’s public consultation period, which included an open house in South Frontenac, wrapped up on Friday, April 24, 2026. Photo by Elliot Ferguson /The Kingston Whig-Standard

KINGSTON – A new high-speed rail line running through eastern Ontario and Quebec will have crossings designed for local residents to safely travel over and under it, according to the Crown corporation working on the project.

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In a statement, Alto mentioned they are still consulting with municipalities, regional authorities, and emergency services to create plans for overpasses and underpasses.

“High-speed rail must operate on fenced tracks with no level crossings in order to meet the highest safety standards,” the company stated. “This does not mean there will be no crossings: safe grade-separated crossings such as overpasses and underpasses will be built to allow people, vehicles, animals and equipment to move across the corridor.”

The company explained that they aim to minimize their impact by considering bridges or tunnels when necessary for local requirements.

Crossings will also be constructed at regular intervals so farmers can move large equipment easily and emergency services can maintain their response times.

The concerns about limited access routes between different sides of the tracks rank among some of the biggest worries expressed by those opposing this project.

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However , strong opposition before detailed information is available doesn’t make much sense , said Colin Burt , a resident of Kingston.

“There’s a lot of legitimate and genuine concerns. It’s not like everything people are complaining about is completely false but what’s happening is that much of it is filled with exaggeration or unsupported claims,” Burt said , who works aboard ships along St. Lawrence Seaway.

“Many people claiming there won’t be any crossings between X and X- I heard something like Highway 41 down to Highway 38 – which just isn’t true. That idea is totally implausible. In even worst-case scenarios; that’s just not realistic! Yet folks are stating this as fact which shows how much exaggeration there really is-and sometimes even clear misinformation.”

Burt added he supports this project as a means for better transportation options within Quebec & Ontario noting that resistance right now feels premature since full details haven’t been laid out yet.

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Burt believes high-speed rail could cut down vehicle traffic along Highway401 while enhancing safety there plus lessening reliance upon air traffic.

“There are many things costly involved here ; however certain investments are worthwhile,” he remarked.

He compared this initiative similar towards pipeline constructed through his parents’ rural land- though they don’t directly gain anything themselves-it nonetheless brings benefits nationally too!

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For example : last major infrastructure effort done across Eastern Canada- construction projects associated with Saint Lawrence Seaway had resulted into far worse impacts than what would happen due building this proposed high-speed train network-but many still regard these developments as assets economically speaking !

“Saint Lawrence Seaway caused considerably larger harm overall”-he noted seriously- “the extent surrounding negative consequences were significantly worse during earlier constructions when river paths changed leading floods affecting various communities-all while allowing ocean-going vessels entry towards Great Lakes causing invasive species introductions like Zebra Mussels!” () he shared insightfully.. ?! ”

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“High-speed rail serves excellent purposes concerning infrastructure improvement!” added Burke enthusiastically,”Wherever I’ve seen them implemented-they’ve proven successful & valuable!”<Burt emphasized-the initial hundred days dedicated towards engaging communities proved productive until recently wrapping up sessions last week! According therefore-to Alto -they held informative assemblies both physically hosted open-house events together alongside numerous video conferences made available online aimed at reaching stakeholders located throughout corridors explored previously mentioned above ! 

 ? Burt declared individuals visiting website tracking progress amounted exceeding around three hundred twenty-four thousand unique visitors logging onto platforms additionally registered beyond twenty-four thousand questionnaires filled out whilst nearly reaching around twenty thousand total submissions regarding opinions expressed via interactive maps showcasing planned projects ongoing transformations.”We deliberately chose early engagement approaches based heavily relying upon these first hundred days prioritizing listening sessions with various localities understanding diverse experiences shared amongst everyone involved actively participating within outreach activities performed here lately,” Martin Imbleau stated President CEO via press release sent earlier today![   ]“The chosen route shall likely get revealed either late twenty-twenty-six year OR possibly early following year’s arrival – meanwhile commencement phase targeting Ottawa-Montreal segment begins accordingly!“

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