Living in North Frontenac has always felt like a dream, surrounded by serene natural beauty and a close-knit community. But recently, our peaceful way of life is being threatened by Bill C-15 and the construction of the proposed $60-90 billion+ Alto High Speed Rail (HSR) in the North corridor! For my family and so many others, this project jeopardizes the very essence of what makes North Frontenac home — its tranquility, its landscapes, and its wildlife.

The Alto HSR is slated to cut through significant portions of our community (and surrounding Northern communities), endangering not just our environment but our heritage. According to Environmental Defense reports, large-scale projects like these can lead to a loss of biodiversity and the degradation of water quality from runoff during construction. Furthermore, the Canadian Wildlife Service highlights the negative impacts noise pollution and increased human activity can have on local ecosystems. Finally, the final construction of a double fenced track (with minimal over/underpasses) and potentially rerouted waterways and dead-end roads will negatively impact ecosystems, wildlife and human activity. This is not just a local issue, but a matter that could set a precedent for unsustainable development practices across Ontario and beyond!

We all understand the need for progress, and efficient transportation can be a key element in regional development. However, this should not come at the expense of sacrificing our environment and quality of life. Alternative routes or technologies that mitigate environmental impacts must be thoroughly explored and prioritized. Sustainable development must guide our approach to growth, balancing advancement with the preservation of our natural and cultural landscapes.

Furthermore, this project threatens not just the environment, but also our economy. North Frontenac and surrounding North communities relies heavily on eco-tourism. Visitors come here to enjoy hiking, camping, and observing nature in its untouched form. The construction and operation of a high-speed rail could disrupt this industry, leading to a downturn in local businesses and livelihoods.

We, the residents of North Frontenac and North corridor are not opposed to development but demand it be achieved responsibly. We, the residents, do NOT support the construction of the  Alto HSR in the proposed Northern corridor; home of Bon Echo Provincial Park, the Canadian Shield and serene cottage country. We equally do NOT support HSR construction in the Southern route; home of Ontario’s picturesque farm land, rolling hills and equally sensitive land!

We urge the Minister of Transport, members of Parliament (provincial and federal) and the developers of the Alto HSR to reconsider this route through our beloved community and to engage with us in finding a more suitable solution. For example,  implement the prior less costly proposal of High Frequency Rail (HFR). Run it directly parallel to the busiest Southern 401/Via corridor through Quebec, Ottawa, Kingston, Durham Region, Toronto, Windsor etc. Finally, we implore all decision-makers to listen to our concerns and work in tandem with environmental experts to ensure that the natural beauty and integrity of North Frontenac and North corridor are preserved.

Please help us protect our home by signing this petition. Together, we can stand up for the environment, for responsible development and for the future of North Frontenac (Northern corridor)!

Say NO to ALTO HSR in the proposed Northern corridor, and NOT at the expense of building it in the Southern corridor!