The initial phase of Canada’s proposed high-speed rail system, linking Montreal and Ottawa, is anticipated to traverse around 1,700 properties, including over 500 agricultural lands, as informed by the government entity managing the initiative to Radio-Canada. This development will necessitate the partial acquisition of lands, according to Martin Imbleau, the CEO of Alto, during an interview with Radio-Canada Québec’s Première Heure. Imbleau mentioned that approximately 30 to 40 percent of the affected properties are farmland, equating to about 500 farmers.
Following Imbleau’s statements, Alto’s spokesperson, Philippe Archambault, clarified that these numbers are estimates and that the identified properties may fall within the future 60-meter right-of-way of the rail network. Public consultations regarding the high-speed rail project concluded in late April, with Alto aiming to reveal a finalized and more precise route between Ottawa and Montreal by autumn. When questioned about Alto’s preferred route, the spokesperson stated that they intentionally sought early feedback to refine the corridor based on public input.
Michel Dignard, the vice-president of the Union des cultivateurs franco-ontariens (UCFO), expressed surprise at Imbleau’s figures, noting that he had not been previously informed about the extent of land acquisition. Dignard, a farmer himself, voiced concerns for his fellow farmers who are currently in the midst of the seeding season amidst uncertainties surrounding the project. The announcement by Alto at the end of March regarding the need for access to private lands for environmental assessments has further heightened anxiety among UCFO members.
Alto’s ambitious plan entails the construction of a 1,000-kilometer electric rail line connecting Toronto and Quebec City, with an estimated cost ranging from $60 to $90 billion. Dignard emphasized the potential impact on farmers, highlighting that while a 60-meter right-of-way may seem narrow, the ramifications could be significant depending on how it intersects with agricultural lands. UCFO is scheduled for a forthcoming meeting with Alto to discuss concerns and potential resolutions.
In their recent updates, Alto emphasized a commitment to prioritize negotiated agreements over expropriation, ensuring fair and long-term compensation aligned with the market value of the affected lands. The corporation also pledged to safeguard road access for impacted farms, aiming to address the concerns and interests of the agricultural community throughout the rail network development.
