Canada's Alto high‑speed rail project weighs Kingston stop

Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon and Alto President Martin Imbleau released the “What We Heard” report, summarising feedback from a 100‑day public and Indigenous consultation across the Toronto–Québec City corridor. The report outlines plans for Canada’s first high‑speed rail network, highlighting its potential to cut Kingston‑Toronto travel time to about 90 minutes and to make Kingston a regional mobility hub. MacKinnon has directed Alto to assess a southern alignment between Peterborough and Ottawa that could include a Kingston station, subject to technical feasibility and environmental review.

Stakeholders raised concerns about land acquisition, farmland impacts, and protection of natural areas such as Rouge National Urban Park. Respondents also suggested additional stations in Oshawa, Pickering and Markham to boost regional connectivity. Mayors of southwestern Ontario cities urged the federal government to prioritize passenger‑rail improvements and a customs facility in Windsor to link U.S. Amtrak riders to the future network. The project remains in the design and regulatory review phase, with further public engagement planned for late 2026.