Alto High-Speed Rail Project
In February 2026, Council for the Township of Rideau Lakes voted unanimously to oppose the proposed Alto high-speed rail corridor through the region, citing concerns about environmental impact, community disruption, and the lack of detailed studies or a finalized business case. This webpage has been created to keep residents informed with clear, factual, and up-to-date information about the project and what it may mean in practice for their properties and daily lives. It serves as a central page for understanding the potential impacts, following Council's actions, and providing opportunities to take action using provided resources.
Take action
Write to decision-makers
Contact your MP, provincial representatives, and others. Use the Township's writing guide to structure your message.
Pin your property
Submit comments directly on the Alto project map to ensure local impacts are documented. Submissions open until April 24.
Attend information sessions
The Township will host public information sessions for residents. Details will be shared as they become available.
About the Alto project
Routes under study between Ottawa and Peterborough
Project timeline
Why the Township is concerned
Property & land use
- Potential expropriation of private property or portions of land
- Loss or fragmentation of farmland, forests, and recreational land
- Restrictions on future land use near the corridor
Property values
- Potential decrease in values for homes near the corridor
- Reduced marketability due to proximity to infrastructure
- Uncertainty affecting real estate and long-term planning
Environment
- Disruption or loss of wildlife habitat, including species at risk
- Fragmentation of ecosystems and natural corridors
- Potential impacts to wetlands, forests, and protected areas
Water & drainage
- Changes to natural drainage patterns
- Potential impacts to groundwater and wells
- Risks to nearby lakes, rivers, and wetlands
Noise & construction
- Multi-year construction with heavy equipment and traffic
- Road closures, detours, and reduced access
- Ongoing noise and ground vibration from passing trains
Community & access
- Changes to rural landscape and visual environment
- Limited crossing points affecting local mobility
- Increased emergency response times in some areas
Process concerns
- Limited detail available at this stage of planning
- Lack of meaningful consultation prior to key decisions
- Uneven economic benefits with limited local advantages
Culture & community
- Potential loss of or permanent damage to the Cataraqui Trail, a valued recreational corridor
- Impacts to heritage properties, historic landscapes, and culturally significant sites
- Threats to the UNESCO-designated Rideau Canal World Heritage Site and its outstanding universal value
- Disruption to tourism, outdoor recreation, and the rural character that defines our community
- Loss of trail connectivity and access to natural areas for residents and visitors
What we don't know
We do not know when land acquisition will take place for the Ottawa to Peterborough segment. No timeline has been confirmed for properties in our area.
We do not know when site assessments will be conducted in our area. Residents have not been given a schedule for when studies or surveys may take place on or near their properties.
We do not know which roads will be dead-ended and which will receive an overpass or underpass. No determinations have been made about specific local road crossings.
