SMITHS FALLS — Smiths Falls council is backing the Alto high-speed rail project, but only if the town is included in the final network.
In a split vote Monday night, council approved a resolution calling on the federal government to include Smiths Falls in the proposed Toronto to Quebec City corridor, either through a passenger station, a maintenance and storage facility or another form of rail presence.
The motion also states that if no direct connection or rail presence is planned for Smiths Falls, council would formally oppose the project, arguing it would offer no benefit to the community or the broader region.
Council also approved a motion to adopt the Smiths Falls Alto strategic case, prepared by David Cooper of Leading Mobility, and directed staff to submit it as part of Alto’s public consultation process, open until Friday, April 24.
Cooper presented the report at the April 13 committee of the whole meeting.
Chief administrative officer Malcolm Morris said the goal is to ensure Smiths Falls remains part of the conversation as the project moves through its early planning stages.
“We’re not asking council to decide on a rail project,” Morris said. “The request tonight is to simply decide if you want to be at the table for future discussions about a potential presence in Smiths Falls.”
The strategic case argues the town is well positioned to play a role in the future network, citing its rail history, existing infrastructure and central location in Eastern Ontario.
Cooper told council the project is advancing through a critical development phase and communities that want to be considered need to speak up now.
“This is where the project gets defined,” he said, referring to decisions on routes, stations and supporting infrastructure.
Debate around the council table reflected both interest in the opportunity and concern about the broader project.
Chair Steve Robinson questioned the process and whether it made sense to invest time and money advocating for a stop that may not materialize.
“Why are we dedicating time, effort and taxpayer dollars towards something that’s not going to happen?” he said.
Coun. Jay Brennan raised concerns about the lack of support across neighbouring municipalities and said the town should acknowledge broader regional opposition while continuing to gather more information.
Brennan said he agreed with the Eastern Ontario Wardens’ Caucus, which has opposed the project.
“There is no cost analysis or business case for this project,” he said. “It is probably a train that has left the station. My prediction is that it is probably going to go forward with that money that has already been spent on it.”
Brennan said the town still needs to speak up, but added that opposition among neighbouring municipalities is widespread.
“It’s not some of them, it’s all of them,” he said. “A lot of these neighbours are our partners and they partner with us in lots of things and we want them to partner with us in lots more things.”
He said he would like to see more recognition of those relationships and “the respect that we have for them and their position.”
Coun. Dawn Quinn said she remains concerned about affordability, disruption and potential impacts on property owners, though she supported continuing discussions.
Others argued the town cannot afford to step aside.
“To close the door at this point would be, I think, foolish and short-sighted,” said Coun. Peter McKenna.
Coun. Chris McGuire said if the project is moving ahead, the town has a responsibility to negotiate the best possible outcome for residents.
“I think to turn our back to the negotiation table at this point would be irresponsible,” he said.
Mayor Shawn Pankow said the project appears to be moving forward regardless of local opposition, and that Smiths Falls needs to keep pushing for a role.
That means keeping “our foot in the door,” he said, rather than stepping away while decisions are made elsewhere.
In speaking to the motion, McKenna said the resolution reflects years of discussion dating back to 2017, when the proposal was framed as high frequency rail, and keeps the door open to potential long-term economic benefits for the community.
“We don’t have all the answers yet,” he said. “But we believe through this motion that the town is keeping the door open for significant benefits of this opportunity going forward.”
Council voted to accept the draft Smiths Falls Alto strategic case, prepared by Leading Mobility, and directed staff to submit it as part of the Alto public consultation process.
A separate resolution supporting the project, conditional on a rail presence in Smiths Falls, passed despite opposition from councillors Brennan, Robinson and Quinn.
Same topic around the region:
- Rideau Lakes to host Alto rail pinning party
- Lanark County opposes ALTO rail, reviews newcomer programs, sets April meeting schedule
- Mississippi Mills raises rural concerns over Alto rail, stops short of taking stance
- Tay Valley council delivers blunt rejection of Alto high speed rail’s eastern Ontario route
- Alto high-speed rail rips through rural Ontario
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