High-speed rail near Kingston raises concerns among landowners and officials

Residents and officials north of Kingston say a proposed high-speed rail corridor could cut through South Frontenac; Alto says no route has been selected and impact assessments and consultations are ongoing.

Landowners and local officials north of Kingston, Ontario, are raising concerns about a proposed high-speed rail corridor. The project is led by Crown corporation Alto and would link Toronto and Quebec City, with construction aimed to begin by 2029. Two corridor options are under consideration, and one would run closer to South Frontenac. Some residents and the township say a route through that area could affect private properties and parts of the Frontenac Arch biosphere. Key points: - Alto has proposed two corridor options and says no final route has been selected; impact assessments and consultations are underway. - South Frontenac township council voted unanimously to oppose a rail alignment through their community and suggested routing closer to Lake Ontario. - Landowner Gord Boulton said his 263-hectare property falls within a proposed corridor and started a Facebook group that drew thousands of members. - Alto told CBC it will assist with corridor refinement, study wildlife crossings, and that a Kingston station is not currently listed among seven planned stops. Summary: Local leaders and many landowners describe potential land loss and environmental effects if the southern corridor is chosen. Alto and federal officials report that consultations and impact assessments are ongoing, and a local consultation in South Frontenac is planned though details remain undetermined. Undetermined at this time.