Township of Rideau Lakes — Official Position
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 and Complete Petitions
Businesses Have Your Say
The Rideau Lakes Against Alto HSR Working Group has written a letter on behalf of businesses in Rideau Lakes opposing the High Speed Rail Project.
Other Resources and Events
About the Alto Project
PROJECT
Alto High-Speed Rail
PROPONENT
Government of Canada
LAND WIDTH REQUIRED
60-80 Metres
197–262 feet. Continuous fencing on both sides; no at-level crossings.
Not all roads will receive an overpass or underpass. Some will be dead-ended.
STUDY AREA (CURRENT)
~10 KM Wide
As planning progresses, this will narrow to approximately 1 km wide, and ultimately to the 60–80 metre corridor required for construction.
Routes Under Study Between Ottawa and Peterborough
NORTHERN ROUTE
Highway 7 corridor
Generally following Highway 7 between Ottawa and Peterborough.
SOUTHERN ROUTE
Cataraqui Trail corridor
Alto aims to follow existing corridors such as roads, railways, and power lines. In Rideau Lakes, this could include the Cataraqui Trail and existing hydro corridors.
Affects Rideau Lakes
Project Timeline
End of 2026
Preferred route identified
End of 2026
Late 2026 - early 2027
Land acquisition
Properties and parcels within the selected corridor will be subject to acquisition, which may include expropriation.
Following route selection
Further studies and regulatory approvals
Following route selection
2029
Construction begins — Montréal to Ottawa segment
The first segment to break ground, ahead of the broader Ottawa to Peterborough corridor.
Mid-to-late 2030s (~2037)
Construction begins — Ottawa to Peterborough segment
Mid-to-late 2030s (~2037)
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
- Multi-year construction with heavy equipment and traffic
- Road closures, detours, and reduced access
- Ongoing noise and ground vibration from passing trains
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
