Alto to assess new stop in Kingston, launches developer engagement process

The announcement follows an initial 100-day public consultation period that resulted in federal officials directing Alto to consider a southern route and an additional stop in Kingston, Ontario, Alto officials said in a press release. During the consultation period, Alto gathered and summarized feedback from Canadians, Indigenous communities, municipalities, agricultural producers, landowners, industry stakeholders, community organizations and transportation experts. Important questions have been raised about property acquisition and impacts on farmland and agricultural operations, Transport Canada officials said in a press release. Following the review of comments, Canada Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon directed Alto to develop a plan to assess a southern route option between Peterborough, Ontario, and Ottawa with a potential stop in Kingston that would connect to VIA Rail Canada service. The market engagement launch allows Cadence to share proposed early procurement activities, anticipated work packages and timelines for the first phase of construction between Ottawa and Montreal, Quebec, Alto officials said in a press release. Alto will hold information sessions in July. Alto is developing Canada's first high-speed rail network. With planned travel speeds of more than 186 mph, Alto would cut the travel time between Toronto and Quebec City in half, Transport Canada officials said.