Property owners concerned their land could be part of the proposed Alto high-speed rail line are hoping to stand firm like a tall oak, maple, or pine against the possibility.

Isabel Deslauriers of St-Eugène decided a symbolic message of hope was needed. She decided to plant a tree, and that was the beginning of Trees for Hope.

“I grow food for my family and for local food banks and community events. Like many others, I worry about losing everything if the first phase of the Alto high-speed train goes ahead,” Deslauriers said.

“In recent months, this uncertainty has taken a serious toll on my mental health—and I’m seeing the same struggle across my community. This “dark cloud”, possibly losing our land. hangs over us. We are not okay. For me, it shows up in quiet but heavy thoughts: when I consider planting something new, I wonder, is it even worth it? Will I be here to see it grow?” she commented.

Deslauriers said discussion at a meeting she attended with Member of Parliament Giovanna Mingarelli and other local farmers inspired her to act.

“Many spoke openly about the mental health impacts of this situation, something that is already a challenge in rural communities and too often goes unspoken. I left feeling somber, but also less alone and somewhat hopeful because of the strength in that room,” Deslauriers said.

“On the drive home, I made a decision: I would plant a tree in front of my property as a symbol of hope. I would plant it with the commitment to a belief that I’ll be here to see it grow. That small act gave me renewed resolve. I began to imagine others doing the same along the proposed corridor, each tree a symbol of solidarity, care, and resilience,” she added.

Deslauriers planted a serviceberry tree in her yard.

Within hours, Deslaurier’s neighbours started supporting her idea. Others are now planting a tree on their property with the hope it continues to grow and stand as a sign of resilience and solidarity.

Even though trees are what supporters are hoping take root, Deslauriers describes the Trees for Hope initiative as a grassroots effort.

“It is very grass roots. I am partnering with many groups including the ones I already mentioned. Alt-no is helping in a big way by providing an online space to host the resources and by helping get the word out. The Canadian Mental Health Association has also been very helpful, they have helped me put together the mental health resources we are providing, and they will give at least one workshop on mental health on May 26 in Chûte-à-Blondeau, it will be focused on Uncertainty in Agriculture.”

Deslauriers described Trees for Hope as a combination of instilling hope that the planters of the trees get to see them grow to maturity and landowners caring for each other’s mental health during a difficult time.

Participation in Trees for Hope is free. The initiative is being promoted at two local free tree seedling giveaway events. One is the East Hawkesbury Tree Giveaway on May 5 outside the township office building in St-Eugène from 9 am to 6 pm. Proof of residence in East Hawkesbury is required. Another Trees for Hope event is during Charlie’s Trees Parade at the May Show Festival in Vankleek Hill on Sunday, May 17.

Trees for Hope organizers believe the initiative connects environmental stewardship with community advocacy, underscoring the long-term value of agricultural land, food security, and rural resilience. By planting trees, residents are not only investing in the future—they are making a collective statement about the kind of future they are willing to accept.

For more information on the Trees for Hope initiative, visit: https://www.altno.ca/treesforhope.