Statement from the Office of the Mayor – Alto High-Speed Rail Project Update

July 17, 2026 

I recently spoke with representatives from Alto regarding Federal Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon’s review of Alto’s What We Heard Reports. These documents summarize feedback from recent public and Indigenous consultations on the proposed high-speed rail project between Toronto and Québec City. 

As part of that review, the Minister has directed Alto to develop a plan assessing a southern route option between Peterborough and Ottawa, including a potential stop in Kingston that could connect with VIA Rail services, subject to technical feasibility and project requirements. In our meeting, Alto emphasized that this direction does not rule out a northern route as the eventual preferred option.  

According to Alto, the Ottawa-Montréal route will be identified this fall, with the Ottawa-Toronto route expected by early 2027.  

Major transportation investments shape how people move, where growth occurs and how communities connect. As route decisions continue to be made, it is important that local perspectives remain a part of the conversation. National priorities must balance with local realities.  

Many residents have reached out looking for updates and asking where they can find information. The following resources may be helpful:

• News release: Release of Alto’s What We Heard Report and Announcement of Kingston as a Potential Stop Along the High-Speed Rail Network
• Public consultation: What We Heard Report
• Indigenous consultation: What We Heard Report 

I encourage residents to stay informed by visiting Alto’s website and by subscribing to their Stay Updated page. 

We will continue to monitor the process closely and advocate for transparency and meaningful consultation every step of the way.