‘Very large question mark’: Decision on Kingston Alto rail stop won’t come until 2027
Kingston remains “promising” as a potential stop on the Alto high-speed rail corridor, but an official decision may have to wait until spring, the crown corporation said.
The Crown corporation responsible for Alto high-speed rail corridor, Kingston remains a "promising" potential stop, but an official decision may be delayed until spring 2027. During Wednesday's annual meeting, Robert Prichard, chair of the Alto board of directors, stated that the city has made a "strong case" for inclusion, but a feasibility assessment must still be completed.
Each additional stop extends journey time and influences the number of passengers added to the trip. An analysis will be conducted to determine the impact of a Kingston stop on ridership. Other eastern Ontario communities like Smiths Falls and Perth won't be directly serviced by Alto, but will still have access through the high-speed rail's intersection with VIA Rail.
Alto CEO Martin Imbleau said the company's primary focus is the Ottawa to Montreal corridor, so a decision on Kingston won't be made until spring 2027. Kingston wasn't part of the initial corridor, so consultations with the community haven't taken place.
Opponents of the rail system argue that those directly affected deserve answers. Heather Levy, local lead of Stone Mills Against Alto and a member of United Against Alto, expressed frustration, saying, "We are being asked to live inside a very large question mark, with potentially life-changing consequences hanging over us, while the people making the decisions continue to tell us to be patient."
The concern is particularly strong among farmers and rural property owners in Lennox and Addington and South Frontenac townships. Levy emphasized that the impact of the railway could permanently alter rural communities, and these impacts should be considered alongside the potential benefits to Kingston.
Alto will continue listening to residents' concerns and has new consultations planned for next year. Martin Imbleau assured that the company wants to avoid cutting land and will find a route with the least impact. David Bellerive, founder of Go Alto, believes the project is actively listening to public feedback and finding solutions takes time. Prime Minister Mark Carney noted that the federal government will continue working with Quebec and Ontario to advance the rail project.
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