According to a press release issued by ALTNO, the organization opposing the proposed Alto high-speed rail project, Canadians have not granted a clear mandate for the estimated $90 billion project, only 25 per cent of Canadians strongly support the project, and one-in-five Canadians remains unsure about it.

ALTNO commissioned the survey by Abacus Data, which was conducted between March 19 and 24. Abacus surveyed 1,515 Canadian adults. The results are valid within 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

The survey found support for the project is strongest in Ontario and Québec but declines in the west and Atlantic Canada.

The Alto rail lines are to connect Toronto to Ottawa, Montréal, and Québec City.

Forty per cent of respondents said the Alto issue would influence their vote, while 46 per cent said it would have no impact.

ALTNO contends the findings of the survey indicate support is lukewarm.

“The survey suggests that high-speed rail is not a top priority for most Canadians,” said ALTNO member Kathleen O’Connell Renaud of St-Eugène.

“We think people view high-speed rail as appealing, but Canadians haven’t been informed about, or considered, the serious damage this high-speed rail project will wreak,” said O’Connell Renaud.

These include environmental and land-use impacts.

“There is zero doubt that agricultural production, natural habitats, and critical water resources will be negatively affected,” O’Connell Renaud continued.

ALTNO claims no studies have been done on potential effects on animal and bird migration patterns, watersheds, protected species and natural environments in the proposed rail corridors.

ALTNO also said there is no fully reviewed business case for the project, which casts further concerns about cost and economic benefits.

ALTNO disputes claims of potential time savings for travelers. It alleges that the projected Toronto to Montréal travel time is just 21 minutes faster than the former VIA Turbo service, which ended in 1982.

“Alto and the government have failed in their ‘duty to consult’ and fully inform Canadians and we need more information and real consultation in Ontario and Québec “corridor” communities. Now. Before any expropriations happen,” said ALTNO member Kristin Muller, also of St-Eugène.

Muller said the Alto project was announced by former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in early 2025, without consulting Parliament, and without any public debate.

The full survey results can be found on ALTNO’s website- https://www.altno.ca.