wo Prescott-Russell residents are making their way to Ottawa on foot this week, hoping to get more answers about the proposed ALTO high-speed rail project.
Kathleen O’Connell Renaud and Kristin Muller, representing ALTNO and United Against ALTO, began their five-day Long Walk to Be Heard on Sunday, November 8th, in St-Eugène, in East Hawkesbury.
The two are travelling along the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail before continuing into Ottawa, where they plan to deliver a petition calling for more transparency, accountability and meaningful consultation with communities potentially affected by the proposed rail project.
According to United Against ALTO, the walk will cover more than 100 kilometres, with the participants travelling roughly 25 to 30 kilometres on several days.
The group says residents have been frustrated by unanswered questions and what they describe as a lack of meaningful support from elected officials.
The concerns include the possible impact of the proposed railway on homes, farms, businesses and municipalities throughout the region.
The organizers are inviting residents to join the march for any portion of the route, meet the walkers at scheduled stops or sign the petition.
On Tuesday, November 10th, residents are also being encouraged to bring copies of letters about ALTO that have gone unanswered to the Hawkesbury office of federal MP Giovanna Mingarelli.
The letter drop is scheduled between 8:30 a.m. and noon at 179 Main Street East, Unit B.
United Against ALTO says the purpose is to demonstrate the number of residents seeking answers and to encourage a response from their elected representative.
The march is scheduled to conclude Thursday, November 12th, in Ottawa, with the presentation of the petition.
Daily routes and meeting locations are available through the group’s website.
More information: https://www.unitedagainstalto.ca/longwalk