East Hawkesbury Mayor Robert Kirby says the municipality has significant concerns about the proposed Alto high-speed rail project and the way the information has been presented to local communities. “We’re against it,” Kirby said.
Kirby said the information provided so far has been unclear, leaving residents unsure about where the proposed rail line could pass through the region. “The presentation has been terrible. People don’t know where it’s going. We don’t know where the path will be. Where is this train going to be passing through exactly? It’s not clear.”
According to Kirby, the lack of detailed information has contributed to frustration among residents, particularly farmers who may be affected by the proposed corridor.
“It looks like the decisions have already been made. It seems like they’re just throwing it on our lap—this is the way it is,” he said.
From the municipality’s perspective, Kirby added, there appears to be a limited opportunity to influence the outcome of the project, saying, “Seemingly, not much. They’re not really listening. In my political career, I’ve never seen anything so pushed upon us like this.”
Kirby also raised concerns about potential impacts during the construction phase, including the use of heavy equipment on rural municipal roads. “There’s certainly a concern. These things have not been addressed. Why haven’t they come to the municipality and said, ‘We may be using this road a lot?’”
“Have they ever calculated what farmers plant and the return from those crops?” he said, adding that he was unsure whether local conservation authorities had been consulted.
Kirby noted that the municipality has not received information on whether Alto would provide funding if municipal infrastructure were damaged during construction. “Nothing, we’ve heard nothing,” he said.
Despite the concerns, Kirby said the council remains focused on representing residents’ interests as the consultation process continues.
