High-Speed Rail Proposal Raises Concerns Across the Region

| Small Town News | A Division of Small Town Productions |

Residents from Northumberland County and several surrounding areas are being encouraged to make their voices heard as concerns grow over the proposed ALTO high speed rail project and its potential impact on rural communities.

Municipal officials have confirmed they are aware of the proposal and are directing residents to participate in the consultation process. Community members are encouraged to review proposed routes and submit feedback through the ALTO Interactive Map:

https://en.consultation.altotrain.ca/shaping-the-canada-of-tomorrow-with-high-speed-rail/places/interact-map

Residents can also share their concerns directly with Member of Parliament Philip Lawrence at philip.lawrence@parl.gc.ca and consider joining local advocacy groups or community organizations to help amplify their voices.

While still in the consultation phase, the project has sparked significant concern among residents who fear the long term impacts of a high speed rail line through the region.

Concerns include potential expropriation of farmland, homes, and businesses, along with impacts to livelihoods, wildlife, ecosystems, and the rural landscape.

The proposed corridor spans across Northumberland County and extends into neighbouring areas, including parts of Quinte West, Stirling, Peterborough County, Hastings County, and other surrounding rural areas.

For many, these are not just lines on a map, but places where families live, work, and have built their lives.

Public consultation sessions are currently underway across Eastern Ontario. Upcoming sessions include February 26 in Peterborough, with sessions running from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and again from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Additional sessions are scheduled for March 4 in Perth, March 5 in Madoc, and March 25 in Stirling, with both daytime and evening opportunities for residents to attend.

Residents are raising concerns that while sessions are being held in nearby communities such as Peterborough, Hastings, Madoc, and Stirling, there has been limited engagement within Northumberland County, despite the potential impact on the area.

Now is the time for residents to speak up and have a say in the future of our communities.

To keep updated with our latest news articles by having them sent straight to your email please visit www.smalltownproductions.org/signup or check out our other articles at www.smalltownproductions.org/news

Link for Donations

We’re proudly independent, with no corporate or political ties, just a commitment to truthful, fact-based reporting. Your support not only helps us stay free from outside influence but also allows us to give back to the communities we serve through meaningful coverage, outreach, and support where it matters most. If you value honest local journalism, please consider donating through the link below. Anything helps us keep you informed and make a real difference.

 https://square.link/u/3N7yXqU6