Speculation that the Alto high-speed rail line could end up taking over the route of the Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail was discussed at the Wednesday, April 22 United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) Council meeting.

The 72-kilometre trail follows almost the entire length of the UCPR’s territory from the Ottawa city limits in the west to St-Eugène in the east. Prior to the 1980s, the route was an operating railroad line by Canadian Pacific (CP).

Before Trail Executive Director Collard addressed council, Warden Mario Zanth reminded him that UCPR Council has already adopted a resolution opposing the Alto project as it is currently being proposed.

Collard said the trail forms a 650-acre linear park and had 120,000 visitors in 2025. He briefly outlined the restoration of the former CP station in Bourget which is adjacent to the trail. He said every effort is being made to keep the trail as it is.

“We’re doing as much as we can to see our trail remains the same,” Collard said.

“If the trail gets expropriated, we have little to no recourse,” he added.

Collard said any financial settlement the trail receives if the route is expropriated will not resolve the loss of recreational opportunities.

“If they are going to take over the trail, we would like a trail to replace it,” he said.

Zanth thanked Collard for the leadership he has shown managing the operations of the trail. “You guys are doing some incredible things on there,” he remarked.

Zanth said it is good the not-for-profit trail agency is continuing with its activities as usual so none of its plans fall behind amid unanswered questions about the Alto route. Zanth emphasized that the UCPR is not backing down on the issue either.

“We’re not taking our foot off the gas on this one,” remarked Zanth. He said conversations continue and the public will be updated when more information is available. He does not want the public to think the issue is being ignored. Both Collard and Zanth indicated the line across the region could lead to the “Divided Counties” of Prescott and Russell.

Alto has not yet announced if the trail will be used for all or part of the route, but concern remains as an area the entire width of the UCPR’s territory from north to south is under consideration.

“I do believe this project will go ahead whether we like it or not,” said Casselman Mayor Geneviève Lajoie. She said that instead of being completely against it, it is important to look at what could be done to best plan for the future. She urged the trail organization to develop a plan and identify how the UCPR could support that plan.

Collard said ideally the train goes somewhere else, or not at all, but he understands that is not likely.

“We strongly think having a regional trail helps everyone,” he commented, emphasizing its benefits for economic development, environment, and mental health.

Collard said he met with Member of Parliament Giovanna Mingarelli and told her there must be a new trail if the existing one is used as the route.

He said visitors are driving from Ottawa, Québec, US, and other parts of Canada to use the trail.

East Hawkesbury Mayor Robert Kirby said it is disturbing to see all of the work volunteers have done to build the trail only to have it possibly removed. He described the potential loss as disrespectful after all that has been done. He also said the trail is something that attracts visitors to the region.