The United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) wants to be sure regional government has a role in influencing the outcome of planning for the proposed Alto high-speed rail line which, if completed, will cross the region to connect Ottawa and Montreal.
At the Wednesday, February 25 UCPR Council meeting, a resolution was adopted to establish a steering committee to gather and analyze information related to the project, including proposed alignments, timelines, municipal impacts, infrastructure requirements, and economic opportunities. The role of the steering committee was identified in a motion introduced by Warden Mario Zanth.
According to the motion, the steering committee is to identify the risks, challenges, and opportunities associated with the high‑speed rail project for the region as a whole and for each individual municipality; Develop policy recommendations and negotiation priorities to guide the UCPR’s participation with Alto, the federal government, and other stakeholders; Ensure transparent and ongoing communication with all UCPR municipal councils; Produce a preliminary report outlining the regional position for council’s review, at a date to be determined by the Warden, and prepare a long‑term strategic framework to support UCPR decision‑making as the project advances.
The motion also authorizes the Warden to represent the unified regional position of the UCPR in all official discussions with Alto, with the federal government, and with any other relevant body, unless otherwise directed by council.
Champlain Township Mayor Normand Riopel asked if the steering committee would include council representation or only staff.
Chief Administrative Officer Stéphane Parisien said the exact composition of the steering committee is still to be determined.
Riopel said he would let staff decide if another mayor should be on the steering committee in addition to the Warden.
Zanth proposed that a mayor from the more rural eastern municipalities and a mayor from one of the more urban western municipalities of the UCPR be members to ensure a diversity of perspectives.
Casselman Mayor Geneviève Lajoie expressed interest in serving on the steering committee. She said that she has been advocating rural needs to Alto. She said that initially, the new high-speed service was to travel through Casselman following the existing VIA tracks.
“My purpose is to ensure they invest in regional transportation services,” Lajoie said, adding she wants to at least ensure there is a shuttle service to Ottawa so residents can access the Alto station there.
There was no further discussion among the mayors before they unanimously adopted the motion to establish the steering committee. No decision was made about who the members of the committee will be.
