Daniel Legault’s family has a rich farming history dating back to 1929. For the past three decades, he has managed Ferme Legault, a dairy and cereal farm in Rigaud, Quebec, with his wife and son. However, their agricultural legacy faces a potential threat from a high-speed rail project that could divide their land and disrupt their business.
The proposed train line, aimed at reducing travel times between Toronto and Quebec City, may directly intersect Legault’s property. Despite receiving informational materials about the Alto project and requests to survey his land, Legault refused access, fearing the negative impact on his farm’s operations.
If the train route is implemented as planned, it would split Legault’s farm and restrict access to essential roads, forcing him to take lengthy detours multiple times a day, significantly affecting the farm’s efficiency. Legault expressed concerns about the logistical challenges this would pose in feeding their 200 cows and managing 1,200 acres of farmland.
Apart from the implications for Ferme Legault, Alto estimates that around 1,700 properties, including at least 500 farms between Ottawa and Montreal, could be affected by the rail project. This lack of communication and transparency from project authorities has left Legault and his family uncertain about their future in farming.
Jérémie Letellier, the president of Fédération de l’UPA de la Montérégie, emphasized the potential disastrous consequences for farming communities in Ontario and Quebec due to the proposed rail project. He highlighted concerns about the project dividing farmland and creating significant obstacles for property owners along the proposed train path.
Alto’s spokesperson, Caroline Des Rosiers, assured that efforts are being made to minimize the impact on agricultural communities. Plans include designing the route to limit disruptions and building overpasses and underpasses where feasible. Despite these promises, uncertainties remain about the exact locations of these structures and the areas that will be affected.
Public consultations have been held, but the Legault family remains apprehensive about the future of their farm, which has been the cornerstone of their livelihood for almost a century. As consultations continue and plans progress, the family hopes for clarity and fair consideration of their farming operations amidst the proposed changes.