Last month a committee was established to provide a centralized voice to consult with the proponents of the Alto high speed train project. It includes the local mayors of the five municipalities potentially affected by the project as well as Peterborough County’s Warden, Deputy Warden and County planning staff. The group will coordinate and share information about the project, analyzing project details, identifying regional and municipal impacts, risks and opportunities and develop negotiation priorities based on feedback from their communities. While they are looking to exert influence that reflects local concerns, these representatives understand that this is a federal government initiative with authority to proceed with or without municipal support.
The group is not endorsing or opposing this major transportation project, understanding that it brings both significant opportunities and challenges. Instead of taking a side, the committee will facilitate clear communication with the community about the project as it unfolds, and will advocate for rural residents throughout its development to ensure local concerns are heard and improvements are made where possible. They hope to provide feedback on timelines, municipal impacts, infrastructure requirements and economic opportunities associated with this project, and prepare a report outlining the regional position about the project for review by the County and Municipal Councils.
Information on this project is available at www.ptbocounty.ca/alto. Residents are encouraged to participate in ongoing consultations and by contacting their local MP to express their opinion.