After walking over 100km from East Hawkesbury to Ottawa, residents opposing the proposed ALTO high-speed rail project will conclude their journey today by delivering a symbolic petition to His Majesty King Charles III, King of Canada, sharing it with Her Excellency, Governor General Louise Arbour.
The Long Walk to be Heard brought together residents, business owners, farmers and landowners from St-Eugene through the many municipalities along the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail and into Ottawa to raise awareness about the potential impacts of ALTO on
rural communities, agricultural land, homes and livelihoods. Along the way, walkers and supporters were asked to sign a petition titled ‘Accountability, transparency and the right to be heard: An Appeal on Behalf of Farmers, Landowners and Rural Communities Affected by the Proposed ALTO High-Speed Rail Project’ that was addressed to The Prime Minister, Minister of Transport, Minister of Agriculture, and the MP for Prescott-Russell-Cumberland. This will be mailed today.
At noon, Kathleen O’Connell Renaud and Kristin Muller will depart Tremblay Station and walk along the river to Rideau Hall’s MacKay Gate, where they will be met by a representative from the Secretary of the Governor General’s office to formally present a second symbolic petition.
The initiative draws on a centuries-old tradition of ordinary citizens bringing their grievances before the Crown when they feel established channels of authority have failed to hear and address their concerns.
The petition calls for the voices of affected communities to be heard and acknowledged through meaningful public consultation and transparent parliamentary discussion. It also raises concerns about the project’s potential long-term financial burden on Canadians.
Organizers emphasize that the appeal is not a request for the King to intervene in Parliament or override Canada’s democratic institutions. Rather, it is a symbolic appeal for recognition of the concerns of Canadians who feel their voices have not been adequately heard.
“Our farms, homes and communities are not empty corridors. They are our livelihoods, our heritage and our future,” said the organizers. “The people and communities affected by ALTO seek to fully comprehend project impacts before any land is acquired. We deserve answers to the questions we have been asking since the beginning of the year”.
For organizers, that means meaningful consultation, releasing the business case, and thorough evaluation of the impacts on agriculture and affected municipalities before proceeding any further with the ALTO project.
While today’s arrival at Rideau Hall marks the end of the five-day walk, organizers stress that their advocacy will continue.
“We have walked a long way to be heard, and we are not finished speaking.”