All-terrain vehicle (ATV) and snowmobile users across Eastern Ontario want to be sure that if the Alto high-speed rail project happens, that the route does not disrupt the trail system.
“We are a stakeholder, but we have a small voice,” Dan Lalande told United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) Council on Friday, March 27.
Lalande appeared before council on behalf of the ATV Club of Eastern Ontario and the Eastern Ontario Snowmobile Club seeking support from the UCPR to ensure the impact of any high-speed rail line upon the trail network is mitigated.
Lalande said the two clubs collaborate on common issues such as Alto. He said neither organization has yet taken an official position on Alto because they are waiting for more information and for new boards of directors to be installed.
Compared to ATV and snowmobile trails, Lalande acknowledged municipal road networks and farming communities are more important in the context of the project. However, he does believe ATV and snowmobile clubs have a vested interest in making sure the rail line does not “wreck” their trail network.
Lalande explained that the ATV club does not have financial or technical resources to address the Alto issue on its own, and that is the main reason for seeking help from the UCPR. He added that the clubs intend to fully respect the planning process and want to assist in providing information wherever possible to assist with decision making.
“The risk for us is severing a number of trails,” Lalande remarked.
“Our goal is to prevent permanent gaps in the Eastern Ontario ATV and/or snowmobile trail networks,” he added.
Lalande said the one gap in the existing trail network could have a domino effect on other trails.
As an example of efforts in Europe to allow recreational traffic and wildlife to safely cross high-speed rail corridors, he said wildlife crossing overpasses are used, but some of the basic research he did indicates that wildlife does not necessarily prefer to share crossings ATV’s and snowmobiles.
“The thought of adding ATVs to a green corridor may not be the answer.”
UCPR Warden Mario Zanth said he believes all of council understands the economic impact both clubs have on the area. He said the concerns are poignant and timely.
“There are tons of issues regarding this project,” Zanth commented. He noted that Clarence-Rockland Council was unable to get answers to questions it asked of Alto representatives at recent meeting.
“We will do everything we can to fight for everybody in our area to make sure that Prescott and Russell is not chopped in half by a train that will not serve anyone in this county,” Zanth said.
Casselman Mayor Geneviève Lajoie said she is pro-Alto but said there is an opportunity for collaboration and an opportunity to advocate. She commended the clubs for taking a non-alarmist approach. Lajoie said she believes project will go ahead and wants to find ways to work together. She suggested the club continue to work with Members of Parliament and municipalities to ensure their concerns are represented.
Hawkesbury Mayor Robert Lefebvre noted that a resolution was adopted by UCPR Council in February to establish a steering committee on addressing the Alto planning process.
