The mayors of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell have unanimously rejected a motion allowing Alto access regional land for studies related to the future HSR. They also refuse to sign a confidentiality agreement, denouncing the lack of answers on the environmental, agricultural and technical impacts of the project. UCPR Warden Mario Zanth was categorical: “This council does not want them on our territory.” Alto says it wants to continue the dialogue with municipalities and private owners.
Property owners in North Glengarry are concerned about the Alto high-speed rail project, after receiving notices requesting access to their land for studies. Several refused, fearing possible expropriations. According to Alto, up to 1,700 properties, including 500 farms between Ottawa and Montreal, could be affected, but the final route is “not yet determined.”