A few hundred opponents of Alto the high speed rail project, with ALTNO protested on parliament hill yesterday. Opponents fear expropriations and damage to farm land, businesses and local communities. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon refuses to guarantee that the cost of the project will not exceed the estimated $90 billion cap, stressing that the final route and location of the stations remain to be determined.
The first Montreal-Ottawa section, scheduled for 2029, could affect about 1700 properties, including 500 farmland
In addition, a study commissioned by Alto estimates that a HSR between Toronto and Quebec City could generate up to $3.6 billion per year in tourism spending and support 43,000 jobs. However, the benefits would depend heavily on coordination between governments, municipalities and tourism stakeholders. An optimal scenario would include better links to stations, packages, events and a common strategy.
Here’s what opposition leader Pierre Poilievre had to say:
Below is video footage from Kathleen O’Connell Renaud with ALTNO, who was on the BIG Breakfast with Derrick Scott on Wednesday.
Kathleen O’Connell Renaud Speaking On Parliament Hill