KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
Local journalism initiative reporter
Along with other Eastern Ontario municipal leaders, North Glengarry Mayor Jamie MacDonald has taken a firm stance against the federal government’s proposed Alto train. In a video posted on social media, MacDonald stated he, along with North Glengarry Council members, are firmly opposed to the high-speed train that will tear a swath through rural Eastern Ontario on its path from Montreal to Ottawa and then on to Toronto.
MacDonald said he is standing up to represent the people, farms and rural communities of Eastern Ontario, which will bear many of the costs for the Alto high-speed train with little benefit for the area. MacDonald and his council feel Alto directly threatens family farms that have been productively operating for generations.
The Alto train would severe their properties, disrupt operations, reduce productivity and cause a loss in earnings. The corridor could alter the waterway systems that farms depend upon for drainage and water supplies. Some land owners have received access requests to their properties by Alto. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture has also voiced strong opposition to the federal government’s plans for the railway.
MacDonald raised concerns about the negative environmental effects on ecosystems and natural habitats of endangered wildlife. Opponents also fear of the new service could cause a reduction or elimination of current VIA rail services through rural areas.
When improvements are desperately needed for housing, health care, schools and transportation infrastructure, MacDonald questioned if the potential $90 billion for the Alto trains is the best use of public funds. “Communities deserve a seat at the table, not decisions being made behind closed doors,” said the North Glengarry Mayor.
This isn’t the first time local government has taken a strong stand against the federal government regarding rail transportation in Alexandria. Forty years ago, then Mayor J.P. Touchette successfully fought to maintain a VIA rail stop in town, when the government wanted to see the Ottawa to Montreal route generate enough money to cover its operating costs. Trains in Alexandria have been running since the first tracks were laid in 1881. In 1905, the Grand Trunk Railway took over the line, building the station in Alexandria in 1917. Since 1978, VIA Rail has operated passenger trains from Quebec City to Windsor. Alexandria is included in the 13 stops from Montreal to Toronto, providing a valuable service to residents along the corridor.
L’article North Glengarry Mayor says “AltNo” est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
