The Mayors of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell have created a Steering Group to develop a common strategy for the Alto Rapid Transit project in the Ottawa-Montreal corridor. This committee will analyze routes, assess municipal impacts and formulate negotiation priorities to defend regional interests. Warden Mario Zanth wants to strengthen the political weight of the UCPR and counter misinformation. Elected officials, including Normand Riopel and Geneviève Lajoie, have asked for representation of mayors and for rural realities to be taken into account.
Alto CEO Martin Imbleau says it will be “illusory” to believe that an opposition will be able to change the route of the Quebec-Toronto HSR once determined. The Crown corporation has identified a potential 10-km corridor, leaving residents in limbo before the final choice of a 60-metre strip. Fears of expropriations are growing, especially since Bill C-15 could limit certain remedies. Mr. Imbleau maintains that these measures are intended to meet the construction schedule scheduled for 2029 and promises discussions with the owners concerned.