Public consultations are beginning on a proposed high-speed rail network that, as currently outlined by Alto, could one day link Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa and Quebec City.
Alto, the Crown corporation leading the project on behalf of the federal government, says it has finalized a formal agreement with its selected private-sector partner and has launched the development phase. This phase focuses on early planning work and public engagement, with no final decisions yet made.
As part of the consultation process, Alto will host two public open houses in Peterborough on Thursday, Feb. 26, at the McDonnel Street Community Centre. The drop-in sessions will run from 11 am to 3 pm and again from 5 pm to 9 pm.
The open houses are designed to give residents a chance to learn about the project, ask questions and share feedback directly with the Alto team. Information will be presented through themed kiosks that visitors can explore at their own pace. Events will be offered in English and French, will be accessible for people with reduced mobility, and will include on-site interpretation in American Sign Language and Quebec Sign Language.
According to Alto, Peterborough is included in the corridor currently proposed for the project, which would run from Toronto through Peterborough and Ottawa, then continue to Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières and Québec City. Alto notes that no specific route alignment, station locations or final project scope have been confirmed.
The development phase is expected to last about five years. During that time, technical design work will begin, along with a formal impact assessment examining environmental, social and community effects. Alto says the completion of the impact assessment will play a major role in determining overall timelines.
Construction would only take place following government approval, once cost estimates have been refined and all regulatory requirements have been met. Alto says the rail network would be built in phases, with each phase potentially taking five to seven years to complete. Existing intercity passenger rail services would continue to operate and would be maintained, optimized and integrated into the expanded passenger rail network.
Based on current estimates provided by Alto, travel times could include about two hours between Toronto and Ottawa, roughly three hours between Toronto and Montréal, and about an hour and a half between Montréal and Québec City. Alto notes these travel times are estimates and subject to change as planning continues.
Residents who are unable to attend the Peterborough open houses can also participate through an online consultation platform, which allows people to review project information and submit feedback. Alto says public input will help inform ongoing analysis and how the project is integrated into communities.
Alto is accountable to Parliament through the federal Minister of Transport. Transport Canada is the lead federal department and designated regulator for the project, while VIA Rail is providing advice on the technical and operational aspects of existing passenger rail services.
Further rounds of public consultation are planned in the coming months as work continues on the proposed routes for the project’s various phases.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
