NO ALTO

First I would like to say that I COMPLETLEY OPPOSE this Project. But as many have said and as History has shown, if the Federal Government wants to do something they will simply push it through.

So, yesterday at the Regular Council meeting, Council passed Resolution #156-26, directing Mayor Lichty and Staff to prepare an organized response and communications strategy on the proposed ALTO high-speed rail project. I was glad to see this move forward. For several months now I’ve been working on practical ways to protect North Frontenac residents if this project ever advances. I’ve already shared two detailed documents with Mayor Lichty and all of Council that together offer a strong, balanced approach:

1. “Paying for Every Inch of Track: ALTO High-Speed Rail Compensation Demands”

This outlines clear compensation principles: full fair-market value (plus a premium) for any land taken, complete upgrades to impacted roads like Road 506 and 509 at ALTO’s expense, strong environmental protections for our lakes and wildlife corridors, a community benefit fund, and full support for affected property owners. The message is simple....make ALTO pay for every inch.

2. “Proposed 10-Year Township Development & Relocation Support Plan – Open for Opportunity”

This complementary plan positions North Frontenac as a compassionate, “Open for Business” and “Here for You” community. If any of our own neighbours or our neighbours in Central Frontenac (or elsewhere) are displaced, we can welcome them with new housing and business opportunities in our hamlets, create jobs, strengthen our tax base, and improve local services, all while protecting our rural character, lakes, and forests.

I’m NOT in favour of this project cutting through our township, but I believe we need to be both firm and forward-thinking. We should protect what we have and be ready to turn any challenge into an opportunity for North Frontenac.

Both documents have already been sent to Council. Anyone who is interested I happy to share them.

What are your thoughts?

Do you support this “protect + prepare” approach?

Drop a comment below. I’d love to hear from you.