Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette has released a statement on the federal government’s request to have ALTO consider an additional high-speed rail stop in Kingston.
A media event was held in the Limestone City Monday to release details of a series of public feedback sessions on the ALTO high-speed rail project and also announce they will look at a plan to divert the southern route to include a stop in Kingston.
Malette stated the federal government is pleased to see ALTO consider this additional stop and to recognize the importance of regional needs.
The full statement from Malette can be read below.
As your Member of Parliament, I have been actively working to ensure that local voices are heard and meaningfully reflected in the development of the ALTO high-speed rail project.
Through ongoing outreach and collaboration, and with the assistance of the Minister of Transport’s office, we have brought together key stakeholders including municipal leaders, conservation authorities, farmers and farm representative organizations to share perspectives and identify priorities for the region.
We were pleased to be invited to yesterday’s announcement marking the release of ALTO’s What We Heard Report, which reflects the valuable input gathered from communities and stakeholders across the corridor.
We are also encouraged that the federal government has directed ALTO to consider an additional high-speed rail stop in Kingston, an important step that acknowledges regional needs and opportunities.
Throughout this process, our government has also heard from residents in Cornwall, Gananoque, Napanee, Belleville, Trenton, Cobourg, Port Hope, and Oshawa who are eager to see their communities connected to the network. These conversations reinforce the importance of building a system that improves access and economic opportunity across Eastern Ontario.
At the same time, we recognize and respect the concerns expressed by landowners, environmental organizations and local stakeholders. Ongoing discussions have clearly highlighted the need to minimize environmental impacts and protect sensitive areas.
The proposed southern route for ALTO presents a potential pathway to address some of these concerns, while also enhancing transportation access for communities beyond Kingston, including those in the Quinte Region.
As a government MP and a representative in this region, let me be clear that I have never opposed high speed rail, as was stressed in the opening statement of my earlier comments on this project. I am deeply attuned to the concerns and perspectives of residents, including those who reside north of my riding here in Bay of Quinte.
A potential stop in Kingston would deliver meaningful benefits to surrounding communities and may help reduce concerns about impacts on environmentally sensitive lands along other proposed routes. I remain engaged in ensuring that a route that could have further benefits to ridership in Bay of Quinte and surrounding areas remains in consideration until a final route is identified by late this calendar year.
I understand and am keenly aware that there are differing views on the best path forward, but I believe the focus now must be on working together to identify the best possible route – one that balances connectivity, environmental stewardship and the long-term needs of our communities.
