A colourful display of giant letters and other signage in opposition of the proposed Alto project has appeared where the Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail crosses Dandy Road in East Hawkesbury.
On Wednesday, July 8, a group of East Hawkesbury residents installed giant letters spelling out “NO ALTO” and “NON AU TGV” on the existing farm fences fronting the road on each side of the trail. Signs were also installed on each side of the trail 60 metres apart to denote the width of the proposed high-speed passenger rail line.
The final route of the Ottawa to Montréal Alto line has not yet been announced. However, many landowners in the area, including near where the signs have been posted, received notices from Alto requesting access to their properties for environmental study purposes. Nearby, Highway 417 still crosses the recreational trail on an overpass built when the trail was still an active Canadian Pacific Railway line. A 10-kilometre-wide area from west to east across Prescott and Russell counties has been under examination. Once the route is determined, the area will be narrowed to one kilometre wide.
The idea for the signage along Dandy Road started with East Hawkesbury residents Kristin Muller and Kathleen O’Connell-Renaud, who have been among the strongest local organizers in activities opposing the Alto project. They are hoping people stop by and take photos of the signage and share it on social media to spread the message.
Photos: James Morgan
