Rideau Lakes staff have been directed by council’s committee to create an online petition stating council’s clear opposition to the Alto high-speed rail project, which would impact township lands if tracks are built locally.
They’ll create the petition and then share it on their official social media channels.
The exact wording of the petition, and who it will be sent to and when, will be determined later.
Councillor Jeff Banks wants anyone and everyone to know where the township stands on this matter.
Council is unified in their opposition, expressing varying environmental, tourism, safety, and economic concerns.
Councillor Ron Pollard said the rail would be a disaster for residents, particularly farmers.
Among other things, council has expressed concerns the project would see tracks split agricultural and residential property lines and dividing land.
Later in the meeting, Councillor Paula Banks said the high-speed rail project, “would be the biggest disaster in Rideau Lakes history,” if it were to pass through the township.
Banks later proposed a motion calling on the City of Kingston to reverse their support of the project, which passed.
An Alto representative will be virtually presenting to Rideau Lakes council at the March 2nd meeting.
A bid from council to turn that into an open house in either Elgin or Portland fell flat after staff pointed out scheduling concerns with the Alto rep.
Staff noted they will attempt to host one but say they have little control over the schedule of the representative.
Public comments are open until March 29th.
Story by Grant Deme
