Message from Reeve Richard Kidd Regarding the Proposed High-Speed Rail Project

The High-Speed Rail Project consultation has raised more questions than factual answers and has made us all very nervous about what this means for Beckwith.

First, it is important for us to understand that high-speed rail is a federal project, and decisions about routes, approvals, and construction ultimately rest with the Government of Canada. Municipalities like ours will be consulted as part of the process. I am sure that none of the over 100 municipalities that are included in the proposed study area want this High Speed Rail running through their municipality except the ones that will have a train stop being Ottawa, Peterborough and Toronto.

At this time, no final route has been determined, and it is not known whether the Township of Beckwith will be directly affected by the project. Planning for infrastructure of this scale involves many years of study, consultation, and environmental review before any decisions are finalized.

In Beckwith we are fortunate to have very valid reasons, beyond the approach of “not in our backyard”, for the route not to come through Beckwith. We have two (2) natural barriers: Mississippi Lake and Goodwood Marsh, including the Jock River. Both of these run north and south across almost the total width of the Township creating a natural barrier for the rail which will be running east and west. Mississippi Lake is 2.6 kilometers wide at its widest point within Beckwith. The Jock River and the Goodwood Marsh stretch across the length of the Township from Ashton to just past Franktown being a natural heritage corridor. In Alto’s criteria not disturbing wetlands is a priority. For Rideau Valley Conservation Authority, wetlands are essential because they maintain ecological balance and species habitats across the watershed. From RVCA’s perspective, the Goodwood Marsh is important because it helps protect water quality, manage flooding, support wildlife habitats, and maintain the ecological health of the Rideau Valley watershed. Another very important criteria for the High-Speed route is that is has to be as straight as possible. To go around any barrier the gentle bend would take approximately 11 kilometers due to the high speeds of the train. With these two (2) natural barriers and with Carleton Place at the Head of the Mississippi River and Perth lining up straight down the second line in Franktown, it would seem logical to go south of Franktown or North of Carleton Place, outside of the boundaries of Beckwith.

Council has been working to ensure our voice is heard. We had a vague presentation from Alto on the project in general at the December 2nd, 2025 Committee meeting. Alto also presented to every other Municipality in Lanark County including Lanark County Council. Myself and CAO / Clerk Cassandra McGregor, attended a municipal round table discussion on Tuesday March 3rd, 2026 in Perth, and we reported back at our regular Township meeting later that evening.  Immediately after the report the Members of Council passed the following motion unanimously, the first of its kind in Lanark County:

WHEREAS Alto, a federal crown corporation, whose role is to establish a high-speed rail (HSR) network between Toronto and Quebec City has recently released the study corridor in Ontario with the Northern option coming through the Township of Beckwith;

WHEREAS Alto has stated that the proposed Northern corridor, more direct, crossing the Canadian Shield and counties such as Lanark, Frontenac, and Hastings. This reduces travel distance and community impacts but involves complex work in remote and sensitive areas.; and
WHEREAS Beckwith Township takes pride in its rural character, the protection of environmentally sensitive areas, its agricultural lands and its many natural features combined with our historical growth and continued growth pressures;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, with the limited information and consultation that has been provided to date, the Council of the Township of Beckwith does not support the proposed Northern corridor going through its Township;

THAT staff be directed that this motion be sent to the MP Scott Reid, MPP John Jordan, and Martin Imbleau, the President of Alto.

On Wednesday, a Public Open House was held in Perth which myself and other members of Council were able to attend. It was the largest information session that Alto had with over 1,000 people attending throughout the day. One of my take a ways is that there is no budget for expropriation and it would have to go back to Federal Parliament for approval to obtain the budget to do so. Another was that it could be up to two (2) years before they choose a preferred route. The final main corridor will be 60 meters wide with two (2) electrified tracks within it from fence to fence.

To sum up, this is a Federal Project which the Township is able to put forth comments on your behalf and will continue to do so. Council and Township staff will continue to monitor the project closely and ensure that Beckwith’s interests are represented should the planning process involve our area. If consultations occur that relate to our community, we will make sure residents are informed and have the opportunity to share their perspectives.

Your Council has been united and working on your behalf to point out why Beckwith should not be the preferred route and will continue to do so. You can send your concerns to Alto on design and route alignment at altotrain.ca. This website also has an interactive map which you can add your concern to.  For concerns regarding the project feasibility or cost, Scott Reid our Federal Member of Parliament should be your point of contact scott.reid@parl.gc.ca or 1-866-277-1577. Scott has started a petition to stop this Project all together which can be found: https://scottreid.ca/lets-stop-alto/.

As more information becomes available, we will continue to share updates with the community through the Township website —including whether the project will affect Beckwith.

I hope this update has been helpful. As I have already stated, I do not believe that a route through Beckwith will be the preferred route. I hope this helps ease some of your immediate concerns as we await further information.

Sincerely,

Reeve Richard Kidd