Progress, Concerns and NDAs - Alto Updates for Kingston

By Aara Macauley, CFRC's Broadcast Journalist and Local Journalism Initiative Reporter. 

On June 22, Alto President and CEO Martin Imbleu released a “What We Heard Report” alongside Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. The report, which was published online and delivered at a press conference in Kingston took into account public feedback gathered during the first phase of Alto High Speed Rail’s consultation process. Following review of the report, Minister MacKinnon directed Alto to develop a plan to assess a southern route option between Peterborough and Ottawa that includes a potential stop in Kingston, with VIA Rail service integration.

Kingston City Council has since signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) with Alto as part of the development of a high-speed rail line through the region, which has sparked concerns with the ALTO HSR Citizen Research Initiative, who had petitioned the city not to sign the agreement.

Last week, Transport Action Canada, a non-profit, citizen-based organization that promotes sustainable transport and functions as a consumer-based advocacy group, sent a letter to Minister MacKinnon, and issued a press release outlining their support for the Kingston stop, with some concerns.

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