Farm Groups Urge Review of Alto Rail Project, Citing Costs and Impacts
Farm groups say Alto’s projected benefits trail costs, while researchers estimate the line could ultimately reach $112 billion.
- On Monday, agricultural organizations including the Union des producteurs agricoles, the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, and the Ontario Federation of Agriculture held a press conference in Berthierville, Que., demanding a new review of the Alto high-speed rail project.
- Critics argue the project is underestimated, with Professor Jacques Roy of HEC Montreal estimating costs could reach $112 billion, while the initial 200-kilometre segment between Montreal and Ottawa would affect about 1,700 properties, including at least 500 agricultural sites.
- Martin Caron, president of the UPA, argued Ottawa should evaluate high-frequency rail options, which require less new infrastructure and offer lower environmental impacts than the proposed high-speed train.
- Agricultural leaders demanded Ottawa release analyses justifying the TGV choice, citing operational challenges and lengthy detours for emergency vehicles, as Caron noted, "It's a legacy we leave for generations."
- Experts also question the feasibility of high-speed rail in the Canadian climate, noting that similar projects abroad often face speed restrictions, and doubt private sector investment interest given the project's projected costs.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Agricultural sector in Quebec and Ontario calling for review of Alto high-speed rail project
The high-speed rail project between Quebec City and Toronto will be much more expensive and much less profitable than its promoters claim, and will cause irreparable damage to the land of thousands of agricultural and maple syrup producers in Quebec and Ontario. Based on a study conducted by three university researchers from HEC, Laval University […]
Winnipeg Free Press
Farm groups urge review of Alto rail project, citing costs and impacts
MONTREAL - Farm organizations from Quebec, Ontario and across Canada are calling on Ottawa to revisit the proposed high-speed rail line between Quebec City and Toronto, saying the project could cost far more than projected and cause significant damage to agricultural land.
The Union of Agricultural Producers and the Canadian and Ontario Agricultural Federations are calling for a review of the Alto TGV project.
OFA, UPA again urge government pause Alto
Ontario farmers are urging the federal government to pause the proposed Alto high-speed rail project, warning it could have permanent impacts on some of Canada's most productive farmland. They’re calling for a comprehensive economic, environmental and agricultural assessment to be completed, and meaningful consultation with affected landowners and communities. At a news conference on Monday,…
The TGV project between Quebec City and Montreal will be much more expensive and much less profitable than its claims ...
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