Rideau Lakes Alto petition joins growing opposition to proposed rail corridor
RIDEAU LAKES — A township-backed petition opposing the proposed Alto high speed rail project is headed online after councillors approved the wording during their March 2 meeting.
The motion, moved by Coun. Dustin Bulloch and seconded by Coun. Paula Banks, follows a recommendation passed at the Feb. 17 committee of the whole meeting directing staff to prepare a petition related to the proposed rail corridor.
During discussion, Deputy Mayor Sue Dunfield suggested removing one section of the draft, saying two of the points raised similar concerns.
“Point number three is almost a duplication of point number two,” Dunfield said, noting the second point already referenced potential impacts along the Highway 401 corridor while raising concerns about effects on homes, farmland and the environment.
Staff confirmed the wording had incorporated previous comments from council and said the third point could be removed without changing the intent. Councillors agreed to delete the section before voting.
Coun. Jeff Banks said residents should understand that even if the rail line followed the Highway 401 corridor toward Kingston, it could still pass through the eastern portion of Rideau Lakes if the route continues north toward Ottawa.
“If it’s going to go to Kingston, then it’s probably going to go to Ottawa,” he said. “It’ll go through the eastern side of our township, so I just want people to be aware of that.”
Coun. Debbie Hutchings asked for clarification on how the petition would be shared, noting council had already approved a separate mail-out to residents.
Staff confirmed the mail-out had previously been approved and that the motion before council related to an online version.
Hutchings said using both approaches would help ensure residents are aware of the issue.
“I don’t see anything wrong with doing both of them because you want to catch as many people as you can who haven’t been informed,” she said.
Coun. Marcia Maxwell questioned whether another petition might create confusion, noting that other campaigns opposing the project are already circulating in the community.
Staff said several petitions are underway, including one associated with MP Scott Reid’s office and others organized by residents.
Bulloch said the township initiative would help amplify those concerns.
“I think it’s OK if we have multiple petitions,” he said. “I think it just shows that there’s a lot of concern here.”
Paula Banks agreed, noting there is a limited window for communities to respond to the proposal.
Rideau Lakes council approved the wording as amended and directed staff to publish the petition online.
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