Alto Rail CEO Martin Imbleau revealed that Kingston, Ontario, is likely to be included as a stop on the forthcoming high-speed rail route connecting Toronto and Quebec City due to significant public demand. Imbleau highlighted the feasibility and strong ridership potential of adding Kingston as a stop during an interview on CBC Radio’s Ottawa Morning.
The planned Alto route will prioritize express service between major cities, with most trains passing through Kingston, Laval, and Trois-Rivières without stopping. Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon expressed openness to considering Kingston as part of Canada’s inaugural high-speed rail network, citing the city’s status as the fourth busiest Via Rail station in the country, particularly beneficial for Queen’s University students.
Imbleau emphasized the compelling business case for a Kingston stop based on received feedback, underscoring the importance of ensuring economic viability and efficiency in route planning. The proposed high-speed rail line, stretching from Toronto to Quebec City, was announced late last year, with planned stops in key cities like Trois-Rivières, Laval, Montreal, Ottawa, and Peterborough.
Alto intends to engage the public for feedback on the specific Montreal to Ottawa route this fall, with potential adjustments around Montreal’s Mirabel suburb based on input from local farmers. The segment connecting Toronto to Ottawa, including Kingston, will follow, culminating in the final leg to Quebec City.
Regarding additional stops like Smiths Falls, south of Ottawa, Imbleau indicated that Via Rail could serve smaller communities, emphasizing the need for strategic stop placement to ensure speed and cost-effectiveness. Despite concerns from some communities along the proposed route, Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson expressed support for the high-speed rail project, contingent on a Kingston stop being included.
The envisioned 1,000-kilometre electrified rail line, featuring trains capable of speeds up to 300 km/h, is estimated to cost between $60 billion and $90 billion. Paterson remains optimistic about the progress towards including Kingston as a stop and continues to advocate for its inclusion, emphasizing ongoing efforts to secure final decisions.
In contrast, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has called for the project’s cancellation, advocating for tax cuts instead. Meanwhile, the leader of the Parti Québécois has expressed intentions to withdraw the province from the Alto project if elected, redirecting funds to local transportation initiatives.