More information coming in March on proposed high-speed rail line through Rideau Lakes
RIDEAU LAKES — Rideau Lakes council is pressing for greater public awareness and consultation around a proposed high-speed rail corridor being studied between Toronto and Quebec City, amid concerns the project could affect rural communities within the township.
Council discussed the issue during its Feb. 17 committee of the whole meeting, focusing on how best to inform residents about the Alto-led study and upcoming consultation opportunities.
Chief administrative officer Shellee Fournier told council that a representative from Alto has confirmed she will attend the March 2 council meeting virtually.
“We asked if she was available on another day and she has responded that unfortunately, due to engagements scheduled with open houses across the corridor, the team is tied up,” Fournier said.
Coun. Paula Banks said she did not believe council was doing enough to ensure residents understand the potential implications of the project.
“I feel that we need to do a mail-out to every resident,” Banks said. “There are so many people that don’t understand what’s going to happen. I don’t feel we’re doing enough. Not staff, but council.”
Banks also said council should support a neighbouring township’s preferred corridor proposal advanced by South Frontenac.
“I think we should fully support Gord Boulton’s 401 Alliance. It makes the best sense in any research I’ve done,” she said.
Coun. Dustin Bullock said council’s role should include encouraging residents to seek out available information.
Council agreed that sharing information with lake associations and road associations could help reach seasonal residents and non-resident property owners.
In a separate motion, council voted to ask the City of Kingston to reconsider its position supporting the high-speed rail proposal.
“What does it hurt to let Kingston know how we feel?” said Coun. Debbie Hutchings. “They’ll either say yes, no, or ignore us, but at least it’s out there.”
Coun. Marcia Maxwell opposed the motion.
“I’m not sure we’re really in a position where we can be trying to tell another municipality what they should or shouldn’t be doing,” Maxwell said.
Council also supported preparing an online petition to allow residents to formally express their views ahead of the consultation deadline of March 29.
“We throw everything we have at this,” Banks said. “It will be the most devastating thing to happen to Rideau Lakes.”
Staff were directed to return to council with details on the proposed mail-out, petition and next steps at the March 2 council meeting.
Background
The proposed high-speed rail project is being advanced by Alto as part of a federally supported initiative to study a high-speed passenger rail connection between Toronto and Quebec City.
The project remains in the planning and consultation stage, with potential corridors under review across eastern Ontario and Quebec. No final route has been selected.
Rideau Lakes council has previously expressed concern that one of the proposed corridors could pass through the township, potentially affecting rural communities, farmland, environmentally sensitive areas and waterfront regions.
Councillors have raised issues related to environmental disruption, property impacts, tourism, agricultural land use and the potential for land expropriation.
More information on the project is expected to be presented at the March 2 meeting of council, which begins at 6 p.m. and will be available virtually through the township’s website.
Alto will also host an in-person public engagement session in Perth on March 4 at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Perth Lions Club. Residents may also participate through an online engagement platform.
Keep connected to your community—Read the latest Rideau Lakes news.
For all Rideau Lakes council and committees meetings, visit their website.
