The Town of Whitby is formally calling for a seat at the table as federal planners map out the route for the proposed Alto high-speed rail project. Mayor Elizabeth Roy recently sent a letter to federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon, urging the government to keep local officials informed as the massive infrastructure plan moves forward.
While Whitby is not currently designated as a station stop for the Alto rail network, early studies suggest the corridor could pass through rural areas or existing rail lines north of the town. This project aims to connect Toronto to Quebec City with 1,000 kilometres of track, allowing trains to reach speeds of up to 300 kilometres per hour.
The town’s request for involvement is driven by concerns over how a high-speed line might affect local land, farming, and transportation. Because the planned rail corridor would be continuously fenced and impassable at those speeds, local leaders are worried about how it might disrupt existing road networks. The town is seeking a technical briefing for council and staff, as well as formal collaboration between Transport Canada, Metrolinx, the Durham Region, and local municipalities.
Effective coordination is a priority because the province is already moving ahead with the GO Transit Bowmanville Extension. Construction on that project began in January 2026, and town officials want to ensure that any future high-speed rail development does not conflict with these existing efforts to expand regional transit.
As the planning process continues, Alto is also preparing to contact private landowners to request access for environmental surveys. These studies will examine local soil, waterways, and wildlife, though officials note that these initial requests for property access do not necessarily indicate where the final tracks will be built.
