Imagine traveling from Markham to Ottawa in under two hours, with Montreal just three hours away.
This is the potential travel time being discussed for a new high-speed rail line that would connect Toronto and Quebec City, running through eastern Markham, and residents are invited to share their thoughts as planning progresses.
The initiative, now referred to as Alto, aims to link Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City using specially built rail lines dedicated solely to high-speed travel. Trains could reach speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour on tracks distinct from freight and regular passenger trains.
A memorandum shared with the council indicates that early plans suggest the corridor might follow the CPKC Havelock freight line right-of-way through east Markham. The city has long advocated for a station near Highway 407 and Donald Cousens Parkway in Box Grove.
In November 2023, Markham council approved a station strategy business case while the project was still considered as a lower-speed High Frequency Rail service managed by VIA Rail and mainly developed within existing routes.
This shifted in February 2025 when the federal government officially changed it to a high-speed rail program. This transition introduced new design standards, safety protocols, and right-of-way requirements alongside increased spacing between stations.
The federal government confirmed that the first segment of this network will be constructed between Ottawa and Montreal; however, Alto stated that planning will continue throughout the entire Toronto-Quebec City route, including Markham.
City staff has forwarded Markham’s previously approved station business case to Alto. They indicated that secondary stations like those in Markham will only be assessed after preferred corridor options have been established.
No final decisions regarding station locations have been made yet. Alto has planned two in-person information sessions in Markham on February 11th from 11 a. m. to 3 p. m., followed by another session from 5 p. m. to 9 p. m., where residents can learn about how this project may impact their community and offer feedback.
The sessions will take place at the Markham Civic Centre (Great Hall).
Additionally, virtual sessions along with an online consultation platform featuring an interactive map and project details are also accessible. For more information and registration details, visit altotrain. ca.
Source link
Source link
