Alfred and Plantagenet Township Council has adopted a resolution opposing the proposed Alto project.
On Monday, April 7, Wendover resident Christine Finlay appeared before council and said even though the proposed high-speed train line will not impact her directly, she and her neighbours oppose it.
Finlay cited the potential loss of agricultural land and division to historic, generational farms in the area. She also expressed concern about a potential negative impact on the local food supply.
Finlay continued by saying the proposal and possibility of land expropriation is affecting property values. She said area residents are in a state of uncertainty until a decision on the route is made.
“Fair market value does not make this right,” Finlay said, referring to Alto’s promise to pay any landowners fair market value.
Finlay then highlighted concerns about the effect of the rail line on emergency response times due to rerouted roads, disruption to wildlife movement and habitat, and the effect on water resources.
She said that because no Alto stop is planned in the area, the project has no direct local benefit. She requested council adopt a resolution opposing the project.
” I am against it, for all the reasons you mentioned,” said Councillor Antoni Viau in response to Finlay. He referred to the troubled Ottawa LRT line as an example of why he does not support Alto. Viau said that because the closest stops will be in Ottawa or Montréal, there is no benefit for local tourism.
Mayor Yves Laviolette said Alto was invited three times to meet with Alfred and Plantagenet Council but did not respond.
Councillor Ian Walker said he also wanted council to adopt a resolution opposing Alto, but he was under the impression that Alto representatives would not meet with them if such a resolution were adopted. However, Walker proceeded and introduced the motion.
Viau seconded the motion and said it was time for council to make a decision and noted that Alto had been contacted numerous times to appear at a council meeting but did not respond.
