I have been providing updates as new information comes in regarding the federally-led
ALTO High‑Speed Rail (HSR) project, and I will continue to do so as the project progresses.
Here is the latest:
The High‑Speed Rail project team will be carrying out field studies in and around Ottawa as part of the early planning work for a proposed high‑speed rail connection between Montréal and Ottawa. These field studies are expected to begin in the spring and continue throughout the year. The work will help Alto collect seasonal environmental and technical information needed to assess potential rail corridors and future station locations.
To complete this work, Alto may require access to both public and private property. Property owners whose land may be needed for the studies will be contacted directly by Alto to request permission to enter (PTE). The City of Ottawa, as a landowner within the study area, may also be asked to provide access to certain sites. At this time, the City does not have a list of specific locations or properties where field studies will occur. Alto is currently evaluating a broad study corridor that was shared with the public earlier this year.
Public consultation on the corridor remains open until mid‑April. By this summer, Alto expects to release a summary of what was heard through the consultation process. A preliminary preferred rail alignment and potential station location in Ottawa is anticipated by the end of the year, followed by additional consultation and refinement.
Residents with questions about the field studies or the permission‑to‑enter process can contact the Alto Liaison Office:
Phone: 1‑855‑888‑4421
Email: permissions@altotrain.ca
For more information, visit:
From Corridor to route: A multi-step approach