Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette says he needs more information from Alto about the southern corridor portion of the high-speed rail project.
In a statement on Friday, Malette says until Alto provides more clear route details, gives meaningful consultation, and gives a transparent financial and policy case demonstrating that the southern route is sound planning and good public policy, he cannot support the southern corridor.
You can read the full statement from Malette below:
I wish to clarify for residents of Bay of Quinte that the proposed Alto high-speed rail project would have minimal direct impact on lands, properties, or infrastructure within our riding. A small portion of land in the northwest corner of the riding may be affected under the proposed southern route; however, details provided by the proponent to date have been limited.
That said, my office has received significant correspondence from residents, the vast majority of whom oppose a route that would traverse productive farmland, rural municipalities, local roads and highways, sensitive conservation areas and Canadian Shield landscapes.
In recent weeks, what began as a limited discussion has evolved into widespread concern among rural communities across southeastern Ontario that may be affected by the proposed southern alignment. Our neighbours in Hastings–Lennox and Addington–Tyendinaga have formally expressed opposition to both the northern and southern route options, as noted publicly by my colleague MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman.
I am not in a position to comment on the proposed northern route, as I do not have sufficient familiarity with the lands identified in that corridor.
However, based on the information currently available regarding the southern route, and in light of the clear and consistent opposition expressed by municipal leaders, conservation authorities, agricultural organizations, and community groups, I cannot support the proposal in its present form as it is outlined for the proposed southern corridor.
While I strongly support the broader vision of high-speed rail and more efficient, frequent passenger rail service in Canada, significant concerns remain regarding the current proposal, matters of expropriation and disruption of communities and infrastructure and properties therein and its proposed alignment.
Until Alto provides clear route details, meaningful consultation, and a transparent financial and policy case demonstrating that the southern route is sound planning and good public policy, I cannot support it as your Member of Parliament for Bay of Quinte.
