Canada is embarking on one of the most ambitious infrastructure projects in its history: ALTO, the country's first high-speed rail network connecting Toronto to Quebec City. This transformative project will reshape how millions of Canadians travel, work, and live. And here's the exciting part—you can help shape it.
A Project Built with Communities
ALTO is committed to meeting with communities across Ontario and Quebec in an initial round of public consultations starting in January 2026. This isn't just a formality; your participation is essential to building a project that truly reflects the needs and expectations of the communities served.
The consultation process aims to inform route alignment decisions, station locations, environmental studies, and ways to minimize impacts while maximizing community benefits. As Alto President & CEO Martin Imbleau stated, "As consultations begin, we look forward to engaging with communities and hearing their perspectives firsthand."
Multiple Ways to Participate
ALTO recognizes that everyone has different schedules and preferences, which is why they're offering several flexible ways to share your input:
1. In-Person Open Houses
Experience immersive open-house events where you can learn about the project, meet experts, and connect directly with the ALTO team. These events will be held in multiple cities across Ontario and Quebec, with sessions available in both English and French. Alto's website has complete details at https://www.altotrain.ca/en/public-consultation/open-house
Ontario Open Houses
- January 21-22 — Ottawa: Bayview Yards
- January 29 — Vankleek Hill: Vankleek Hill Community Centre
- February 4-5 — Toronto - Downtown and Scarborough: St. Lawrence Market North
- February 10 — Scarborough: Scarborough Civic Centre
- February 11 — Markham: Victoria Square Community Centre
- February 12 — Pickering: Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex
- February 26 — Peterborough: McDonnel Street Community Centre
- March 4 — Perth: Perth Lions Club
- March 5 — Madoc: Madoc Township Recreation Centre
- March 25 — Stirling: Stirling and District Lions Club
Quebec Open Houses
- January 21-22 – Montréal : Y des femmes de Montréal
- January 28 – Laval : Sheraton Laval Hôtel
- January 29 – Brownsburg-Chatham : Salle du centre communautaire Louis-Renaud
- February 3 – Terrebonne : Impéria Hôtel & Suites Terrebonne
- February 5 – Saint-Eustache : Impéria & Suites à Saint-Eustache
- February 11 – Québec : Hôtel Hilton Québec
- February 12 – Québec : Université Laval - Pavillon Alphonse-Desjardins
- February 18 – Trois-Rivières : Hôtel Delta Trois-Rivières – Centre des congrès
- February 19 – Berthierville : Centre communautaire de Berthierville
- February 25 – Cap-Santé : Maison des Générations
- March 11 – Gatineau : Maison du Citoyen (City Hall), agora Gille-Rocheleau room
2. Virtual Information Sessions
Can't attend in person? Interactive online open-house events bring the consultation to you, wherever you are. Login times and links will be announced shortly by ALTO.
English Sessions
- Friday, January 23
- Saturday, January 31
- Friday, February 20
- Tuesday, March 3
French Sessions
- Saturday, January 31
- Friday, February 6
- Monday, February 16
- Tuesday, March 17
3. Online Consultation Platform
From January to March 2026, the online consultation platform will be available 24/7—in both English and French—allowing you to provide in-depth feedback at your own pace. This digital space will feature all available documentation about the high-speed rail network project and enable you to submit written feedback conveniently.
4. Roundtables
For civil society representatives, focused discussions will explore specific aspects of the project and provide informed recommendations, bringing together diverse stakeholders for balanced dialogue.
What's at Stake?
ALTO will feature trains reaching speeds up to 300 km/h, nearly double current VIA Rail speeds, cutting travel times dramatically. The network will span approximately 1,000 kilometers of new passenger-dedicated electrified track.
The federal government announced that the first segment will run between Ottawa and Montreal, with construction expected to begin in 2029. The project is projected to boost GDP by up to $35 billion, create 51,000 jobs during construction, and generate tens of thousands of high-quality jobs across various sectors from steel manufacturing to electrical systems.
Why Your Input Matters
This three-month consultation process represents just the beginning of an ongoing conversation that will continue throughout the project's development. The process will inform the selection of the preferred alignment and station locations, guide efforts to minimize impacts, and strengthen local benefits.
ALTO is committed to engaging Indigenous communities, municipalities, and public institutions throughout design, environmental studies, construction, and long-term operations, with each step guided by commitments to reconciliation and sustainability.
Get Involved
Don't miss this opportunity to shape Canada's transportation future. Whether you attend an open house, join a virtual session, or participate through the online platform, your voice will help create a high-speed rail network that serves communities for generations to come.
For the latest updates, detailed schedules, and participation information, visit the official ALTO website at www.altotrain.ca
The date when the online consultation platform becomes available will be released shortly, so stay connected through ALTO's newsletter and social media channels to ensure you don't miss any opportunities to participate.
This is your chance to be part of one of Canada's largest infrastructure projects. Mark your calendars, choose your preferred consultation format, and make your voice heard. Together, we're building the future of Canadian transportation.
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