Ontario Construction Report staff writer
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is urging the federal government to cancel a proposed high-speed rail project between Toronto and Quebec City, raising concerns about cost, procurement priorities and impacts on communities along the corridor.
Speaking to reporters in Peterborough, the Conservative leader characterized the project as a “Liberal boondoggle” and called instead for investment in infrastructure projects that can be delivered more quickly and with less risk to taxpayers.
“Conservatives want projects that make money, by getting government out of the way, granting fast permits and low taxes to privately-funded construction,” he said. “We support targeted improvements to existing transportation infrastructure that can move people and goods faster, at lower cost and with less risk to taxpayers.
“That includes greenlighting extended runways at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to allow more competition, as well as proposed upgrades to existing roads, such as designating Ontario’s Highway 11 as a project of national importance under the Building Canada Act.”
The project is being led by Alto, which estimates the 1,000-kilometre line will cost up to $90 billion, with construction expected to begin in 2030. The proposed route would connect Montreal and Ottawa, with seven planned stops including Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Laval, Montreal, Trois-Rivières and Quebec City. Travel time between Toronto and Quebec City is projected at about three hours.
Industry stakeholders and municipal leaders in eastern Ontario have raised concerns about the potential construction impacts of the project. A coalition of Kingston-area mayors, farmers and residents says the proposed corridor could divide communities, require significant land expropriations and disrupt agricultural operations.
At least five municipalities in the region have passed resolutions opposing a southern alignment, while another has rejected a more northerly route. The Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Union des producteurs agricoles have also called for the project to be paused.
Alto is currently evaluating two corridor options through eastern Ontario: a direct route between Ottawa and Peterborough, or a longer southern alignment.
Some municipalities have expressed conditional support tied to project design. Kingston city council recently backed the southern route provided it includes a stop in Kingston and follows the Highway 401 corridor to avoid environmentally sensitive areas—conditions that are not included in the current proposal.
Poilievre also questioned the project timeline, suggesting it would take years before construction benefits or service delivery are realized.
“Carney Liberals will confiscate farmland and private property, disrupting communities and harming the quality of life of local residents who will not even get to use the train because it won’t have any stops near their homes,” he said.