Public Works Committee on the ALTO High Speed Rail Network

At its scheduled meeting held on March 3, 2026, the Public Works Committee of the Township of Beckwith passed the following motion regarding the ALTO High Speed Rail Network project:

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.

Alto will be holding an open house in Lanark County:

• Perth – March 4, 11 am to 3 pm & 5 pm to 9 pm, Perth Lions Club, 50 Arthur Street

Please visit the Alto Train website for more information about in-person and virtual information sessions.