Alto hints at putting a high-speed rail stop in Kingston

Transport minister Steven MacKinnon and Alto President Martin Imbleau were in the city on Monday for a report on their public consultation.

Chances that Kingston will get a stop along Alto's high-speed rail line seems to have improved.

Alto President Martin Imbleau and Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon were in the city on Monday to announce the release of the report on the first phase of their public consultation process.

MacKinnon says he has directed Alto to explore a southern route between Ottawa and Peterborough with potential stop in Kingston.

Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson was one of many dignitaries at the announcement at the Isabel Bader Centre.

He says what MacKinnon delivered was music to his ears.

MacKinnon also hinted that the stop would be part of a hub that would interconnect with VIA Rail services.

Paterson says the decision by MacKinnon was the result of the feedback of Kingston residents.

In a news release, the report reflects feedback from Canadians, Indigenous communities, municipalities, agricultural producers, landowners, industry stakeholders, community organizations, and transportation experts on the opportunities, challenges, and potential benefits associated with the project.

It suggested travel times between Kingston and Toronto would be reduced by approximately 90 minutes if there was a stop in Kingston.

There was a protest outside from those opposing the high-speed rail project. Many are from South Frontenac whose properties could be expropriated in order for the rail line to be built.

Paterson says his support is based on having a stop in Kingston and nothing else.

There has been no indication as to how a stop in Kingston will impact the cost of the project or if it will take longer to construct.

Alto is proposing a high-speed rail line between Toronto and Quebec City that will operate at speeds as fast as 300 km/h.

Story by Ken Hashizume