
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
- 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.
- AltNO – An excellent source of information on the financial, environmental, and land-use impacts of the proposed rail line.
- 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.
Get involved and have your say ASAP! The ALTO consultation period ends on April 24, 2026.
- Attend in-person or virtual public consultations
- Complete the ALTO public consultation survey
- Document real, on- the-ground impacts. Leave a comment on the ALTO public consultation map
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 opposing the proposed southern rail corridor.
- Send letters stating your concerns. 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
