Ottawa residents voice concerns over proposed high-speed rail

Residents in Ottawa’s Orléans South-Navan ward have expressed significant concerns regarding the proposed high-speed rail network managed by the Crown corporation Alto. The project, announced in February 2025, aims to connect Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City with trains reaching speeds of up to 300 km/h.

Local community members fear the rail route will negatively impact rural properties and agricultural lands. Specific concerns include the potential loss of farmland and the disruption of residential areas. While the first phase is planned to run between Montreal and Ottawa, residents in the east end of the city argue that the high-speed service may not provide direct benefits to their quiet, rural community.