All Aboard the Alto High-Speed Train!

For far too long, Canada had studied the idea of high-speed rail; something which prompted a parody ad from Rick Mercer years ago. However, this latest round is the most serious one yet with actual funding, a contractor awarded called Cadence, and a new crown corporation called Alto which runs separately from VIA Rail. I attended a public consultation last night at St. Lawrence Market North which is also happening this afternoon (11 AM – 3 PM) and evening (5 – 9 PM) to learn more about the project, as well as how it could impact those who bike. Donna and Arthur with Toronto Centre Cyclists were also present to help ensure the interests of cyclists were represented.

Originally, this project was referred to as VIA High Frequency Rail which called for more frequent train service, but not necessarily high speed which several European countries – and even lower income countries such as Morocco and Uzbekistan – have enjoyed for some time now. Back in February 2025, the “high frequency rail” idea was replaced with true high-speed rail under the Alto brand. It aims to build a 1000 km rail line capable of speeds of 300 km/h from Toronto to Québec City with stops in Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, and Trois-Rivières on dedicated rights of way. Something which would address the endless frustration of VIA trains being at the mercy of freight train operators such as CN and CPKC. The Ottawa to Montréal segment will be the first one built starting in 2029 while the remaining segments will follow in due course. The aim is to allow for Toronto to Montréal trips in three hours, Ottawa to Montréal in one hour, and Montréal to Québec City in an hour and a half; all of which could render flying to those destinations unnecessary.

The Afrosiyob high-speed train in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

The consultation had several kiosks around which focused on the project, safety, corridor options, trains and stations, socioeconomic impacts, Indigenous consultation, and the environment with Alto representatives present at each one to answer questions. Free cookies and coffee were provided for a nice touch, while several iPads were placed at the end where participants could fill out the online survey. If there was one area of improvement I could suggest, it’s to have roll plans and sticky notes for people to write comments. Fortunately, you can do this online.

The two kiosks that were the most frequented were those relating to the corridors and the trains and stations. The corridors had two options between Peterborough and Ottawa with a northern one being more direct and a southern one veering near (but not quite reaching) Kingston. There were a number of people who questioned the rationale of having a stop at Peterborough instead of Kingston, but this would be the easier way to allow for a more direct route on rights of way not used by freight traffic. Not to mention, there were concerns with the southern route going through the Frontenac Arch UNESCO Biosphere Region as well as pristine farmland. My preference would be to pursue the direct northern route and then look at a connection to Kingston in a future phase to ensure this gets built as soon as possible.

One call-out I made regarding cycling is there are several rail trails that cut though either (or both) the northern and southern corridors per this image below. It’s essential that the final alignment preserve access along rail trails such as the Trans Canada Trail from Uxbridge to Ottawa and the K&P Trail from Kingston to Renfrew.

The Alto corridor options are highlighted in orange with bike trails crossing it marked in blue

There were also some concerns that the stations in Toronto and Montréal may not be at their existing central train stations. While every effort must be made to ensure Alto stops near Union Station, proximity to the TTC is non-negotiable in the event a stop at Union Station is not possible. One representative suggested the possibility of going underground to get to Union or maybe have a stop at Scarborough Centre instead. I also suggested a station at Pearson Airport in the event a western extension towards Windsor were to be pursued.

At the trains and stations kiosk, Donna, Arthur, and I all made it clear that not only should there be a need to carry bikes on board, it should also be done at no cost (unlike the $25 per direction VIA Rail charges for folding bikes). The good news is the renderings do call for bicycle storage and another representative agreed bringing bikes on board should be free. However, there will be a need to study demand in case there is enough to warrant a dedicated bike car as GO Transit currently uses for the Niagara Falls summer train service and along some Kitchener line trains. Finally, Donna brought up a good point at a socioeconomic impact kiosk on the need to cater to bicycle tourism.

If you have some time this afternoon or evening, please go to St. Lawrence Market and express your support for the Alto high speed train project. Consultations are happening in other cities along the corridor, while you can submit your feedback online.

I will close off this post with the obligatory Rick Mercer clip. 😉