Alto's public consultations on high-speed rail also bypassing Kingston

There are three open houses in Stirling, Madoc, and Perth.

Public consultations are underway into a proposed high-speed rail line that will travel along the eastern Ontario corridor.

Alto is planning to construct 1,000 kilometres of track between Toronto and Quebec City with stops in Peterborough, Ottawa, Montreal, Laval, and Trois-Rivieres. Electric-powered trains will be running on those tracks  operating at speeds of up to 300 km/h.

Residents, businesses, and politicians in Kingston were disappointed when learning that there are no plans to have the train stop in the city.

Since then, efforts have been made to convince Alto to add Kingston as a stop or somewhere close it along their route. 

In an email to KingstonDaily.ca, Alto's Senior Advisor, Corporate Communications Crystal Jongeward says input gathered at the public consultations will help them with the selection of the rail network alignment and station locations as well as guide efforts to minimize impacts, promote inclusivity, and strengthen local benefits.

According to a map provided by Alto, the proposed route would be situated well north of Lake Ontario. It also shows a branch running through an area approximately 50 kilometres north of Kingston before merging back on to the main line.

They are holding a series of open houses in and around the towns and cities the train will be stopping or passing through. The first sessions took place on Wednesday in Montreal and Ottawa.

There are currently no plans to hold one in or around the Kingston area. There are three that are close by: March 4 in Perth at the Lions Club, March 5 in Madoc at the Township Recreation Centre, and March 25th in Stirling at the Lions Club.

There are also virtual open houses taking place in both English and French. 

More information can be found on the Alto website. 

Story by Ken Hashizume