The number of municipalities expressing concern about the Alto High Speed Rail Project continues to grow.
Hastings County Council received and approved a motion made by Tyendinaga Township Mayor Claire Kennelly during Thursday’s county council session to oppose the contentious project.
The Federal Government has identified ALTO high-speed rail as a nation building project with an estimated cost of $60 to $90 billion, to deliver faster, more reliable passenger rail service, support industries such as steel and concrete, improving inter-city mobility, and generating economic benefits in the range of $24.5 billion annually.
This follows two recently passed resolutions from the Eastern Ontario Warden’s Caucus and the Municipality of Tweed, citing too little information on impacts to rural areas.
The EOWC stated Eastern Ontario municipalities and residents have not received sufficient detailed information regarding potential local impacts, including land use, environmental effects, municipal infrastructure interfaces, and long-term financial or operational implications.
Tweed Mayor Don Degenova read from a prepared statement opposing the project, echoing the EOWC’s resolution in saying many of the most important questions remain unanswered.
“The information sessions themselves appear premature, because the presenters cannot yet address the concerns raised by residents whose properties and communities may be directly affected,” he said.
Some of these questions include, among others, where exactly will the final route be located, which properties will ultimately be expropriated and what tangible benefits will communities receive.
The Municipality noted the position is not to be interpreted as opposition to highspeed rail in principle, but rather as a request for meaningful consultation and detailed information specific to them.
Centre Hastings Mayor Jan O’Neill added she doesn’t see value in having this type of project going through local communities.
A recorded vote to oppose the project was unanimous.
