Alto High Speed Rail Project
The Council of the Township of Asphodel-Norwood recognizes that the proposed Alto High Speed Rail project has raised important questions and concerns for residents, landowners, agricultural operators, business owners, and the broader community.
The Township is located within corridor study areas currently being considered for the proposed Alto High Speed Rail route between Toronto and Québec City. While the project is being led at the federal level, Council has been actively engaged in gathering information, listening to residents, participating in public consultation sessions, and ensuring this matter remains a priority on Council agendas.
Council’s focus is to ensure that local concerns are heard, that residents have access to information, and that potential impacts to the Township are carefully considered as the project advances.
About the Alto High Speed Rail Project
Alto is the proposed high-speed passenger rail project intended to connect Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières, and Québec City.
The Township does not make decisions regarding the final route, corridor selection, land acquisition, project design, or construction. However, Council continues to advocate for meaningful consultation, clear communication, protection of local interests, and direct engagement with municipalities that may be affected by the project.
Council’s Actions to Date
In addition to participating in Alto's public consultation sessions, Council has taken several steps to remain informed and engaged on the proposed Alto High Speed Rail project.
December 9, 2025
Alto Delegation to Council
A representative of Alto attended the Regular Council Meeting on December 9, 2025 to provide information to Council regarding the proposed project.
- Presentation materials: Alto Delegation to Council – December 9, 2025
- Video: Delegation begins at approximately 9:15
February 10, 2026
Resident Delegation to Council
A resident delegation was received by Council regarding the proposed Alto High Speed Rail project and community concerns related to potential local impacts.
- Meeting materials: Resident Delegation Presentation – February 10, 2026
- Video: Delegation begins at approximately 9:20
February 24, 2026
Council Discussion
The proposed Alto High Speed Rail project was discussed under Business Arising from the Minutes and Notice of Motion at the February 24, 2026 Regular Council Meeting.
- Meeting materials and minutes: Council Meeting – February 24, 2026
- Video: Discussions begin at approximately 2:45 and 2:21:40
March 10, 2026
Council Discussion
Council continued its discussion regarding the proposed Alto High Speed Rail project at the March 10, 2026 Regular Council Meeting, under General Business.
- Meeting materials and minutes: Council Meeting – March 10, 2026
(General Business can be found on page 173 of the Agenda Package) - Video: Discussion begins at approximately 1:30:00
March 24, 2026
Integrity Commissioner Advice and Council Discussion
In advance of the March 24, 2026 Regular Council Meeting, four members of Council obtained advice from the Township’s Integrity Commissioner, as landowners in the study area being proposed by Alto. The Integrity Commissioner opinions are appended to the March 24, 2026 meeting minutes.
Council continued its discussion regarding the proposed Alto High Speed Rail project at this meeting, under General Business.
- Meeting materials and minutes: Council Meeting – March 24, 2026
(General Business can be found on page 77 of the Agenda Package) - Video: Discussion begins at approximately 30:20
April 14, 2026
Council Resolution and Correspondence
At its meeting held on April 14, 2026, Council passed a resolution regarding the proposed Alto High Speed Rail project.
The resolution outlines residents’ concerns regarding the project’s potential impacts on local communities, agricultural operations, municipal infrastructure, businesses, landowners, neighbouring municipalities, and the area’s rural character.
- News item: Council Passes Resolution on Proposed Alto High Speed Rail and sends correspondence to the Prime Minister of Canada, the Premier of Ontario, the Minister of Transport, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, the Minister of Finance and National Revenue, the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, the federal opposition parties, Senator Robert Black, the Secretary of State for Rural Development, the Secretary of State for Nature, MP Emma Harrison, MP Philip Lawrence, MPP David Piccini, Peterborough County Council, the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture, the Otonabee Region Conservation Authority, and Alto
- Meeting materials and minutes: Council Meeting – April 14, 2026
- Video: Discussion begins at approximately 57:00
April 17, 2026
Mayor’s Video Message
On April 17, 2026, Mayor Wilford recorded a video message, shared through the Township’s official Facebook page, to update residents on the proposed Alto High Speed Rail project and to outline how Council has been actively engaged.
- Video message: Mayor’s Update on the Proposed Alto High Speed Rail Project
April 28, 2026
General Business
At its meeting held on April 28, 2026, Council discussed the project under General Business.
- Meeting materials and minutes: Council Meeting – April 28, 2026
- Video: Discussion begins at approximately 1:33:00
May 12, 2026
General Business
At its meeting held on May 12, 2026, Council discussed the project under General Business.
- Meeting materials and minutes: Council Meeting – May 12, 2026
- Video: Discussion begins at approximately 1:36:00
June 9, 2026
Council Discussion
At its meeting held on June 9, 2026, Council received an article from the Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) regarding Food security, farmland must not be sidelined by high-speed rail project with a resolution of support.
- Meeting materials and minutes: Council Meeting – June 9, 2026
June 23, 2026
Review of Alto Public Consultation Report
At its meeting held on June 23, 2026, under General Business, Council discussed the Public Consultation Report prepared by Alto following the public consultation period that concluded on April 24, 2026.
At the meeting, Council passed a resolution directing that this webpage be created to outline Council’s activities and provide residents with one location to access related information and updates.
- Report: Alto Public Consultation Report
- Meeting materials and minutes: Council Meeting – June 23, 2026
- Video: Discussion begins at approximately 1:51:10
Stay Informed
The proposed Alto High Speed Rail project is a federal initiative, with decisions regarding route selection, project approval, land acquisition, and construction resting outside the Township’s authority.
As the project continues to move through the planning and consultation process, Council remains committed to staying informed, sharing information with residents, and ensuring local interests and concerns are communicated.
Residents are encouraged to review Council meeting materials, watch meeting recordings, follow Township updates, and participate in public consultation opportunities when available.
The Township will continue to share information through the municipal website and official communication channels as it becomes available.