WHY DOES THE ALTO HSR MATTER TO US?
Two corridors are being considered for part of the 1000km electrified track of the ALTO rail line. One of the proposed routes, the southern corridor, would pass through parts of South Frontenac and Rideau Lakes Townships. The rail corridor will be up to 60 metres wide and will require a minimum 3 metre high fence, which will act as a permanent barrier fragmenting our communities, farmland, and wildlife habitats. The potential negative impacts could be significant, including disruption to local ecosystems, wildlife habitats and agriculture; increased risk to wildlife species; loss of property and decreased property values; and delayed emergency response.

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WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Stay informed on the ALTO HSR project and the potential impacts. Below are links to information and resources.

• ALTO HSR – ALTO High Speed Rail Project Website
• Read the Alto Public and Indigenous consultation reports
• United Against ALTO
  • ALTNO Corridor Committee – coalition of local community groups opposed to ALTO HSR. Stay informed and get involved by contacting your local chapter.
  • Support the Corridor Committee’s efforts in education, outreach and advocacy. Donations can be made by e-transfer to altnoresidents@gmail.com, or through the GoFundMe campaign
  • UAA Campaign Guidelines
• Rideau Lakes ALTO Working Group – a Rideau Lakes Township Council Committee focused on keeping residents informed with clear, factual, and up-to-date information.
• Alto HSR Citizen Research – An independent, non-partisan platform providing evidence-based analysis of the proposed high speed rail routes.
• Save South Frontenac – A citizen-led website dedicated to opposing the proposed high speed rail. Provides resources, news and action items to protect homes, farms, and the environment.
• The Coalition for Better Rail – Information and presentations on passenger rail alternatives.
  • Beyond Alto April 19 Townhall – Coalition for Better Rail Town Hall video and presentation slides
• ALTNO – An excellent source of information on the financial, environmental, and land-use impacts of the proposed rail line.
• Expropriation – What Land Owners Need to Know – Presentation by Davies Howe LLP, March 24, 2026
• Federal Expropriation Act Flowchart – Flowchart outlining the key stages of the process, Davies Howe LLP
• Expropriation – Key Facts
• Expropriation Process
• ALTO In The News – Links to media articles

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Take action and add your voice to the conversation.

The ALTO consultation period ended on April 24, 2026. Read the public and indigenous consultation reports.

• Read the public and indigenous consultation reports.
• The ALTO interactive map is closed for consultation, however, you can still view the map and all the comments.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO HAVE YOUR SAY! 

Alto’s public consultations may have closed, but you can still let the government know how you feel.

• Read Eva Leon’s, chair of CALA, letter to the Prime Minister, and the reply from the Office of the Prime Minister.
• Add your name to the Rideau Lakes Township online petition (or any petition appropriate for your area) opposing the proposed southern rail corridor.
• Send letters stating your concerns.
  • Rideau Lakes Against Alto High Speed Rail  ·  Letter Writing Guide
  • South Frontenac Letter guide – best practices
• MP Michael Barrett (Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands-Rideau Lakes)
  • Michael.Barrett@parl.gc.ca
  • MP’s Online Survey
• Prime Minister Mark Carney – mark.carney@parl.gc.ca
• Minister of Transport, Steven MacKinnon – Steven.MacKinnon@parl.gc.ca
• Minister of the Environment, Climate Change and Nature, Julie Dabrusin – Julie.dabrusin@parl.gc.ca