The Quinte Conservation Board of Directors is having its say on a proposed high-speed rail project that is causing early concern among some local residents.
In a motion put forward by Board Member Kathryn Brown through a virtual vote in March, QC determined that it has a mandated responsibility under Ontario’s Conservation Authorities Act to ensure that development and infrastructure projects within its jurisdiction do not negatively impact the integrity of the watershed.
In a unanimous vote, all 20 members agreed that they do not support the Alto High-Speed Rail Project and are calling on the federal government to enhance existing passenger rail service along established corridors in the region, rather than pursue new development that could negatively impact the watershed’s environment, communities, and properties.
“The Board of Directors for Quinte Conservation are standing up to speak on behalf of the wetlands, agricultural lands, source water protection areas, ecologically sensitive areas and significant woodlands—our Provincially mandated responsibility—to the Alto Highspeed Rail project and the Federal Government against both the northern and southern proposed routes through our area,” stated Board Chair Don Kuntze.
“We encourage Alto and the Federal Government to concentrate on VIA rail passenger service and the existing rail corridor. I can only encourage all citizens to join us and write to Alto and your MP representative to help us deliver this message.”
Quinte Conservation’s Board of Directors and staff have attended Alto’s public information centres, as well as an environmental assessment meeting.
The consensus among Board members and staff is that there has been a lack of sufficient information, and that a clear and comprehensive plan for the project has not yet been presented.
