Our step-by-step process
Alto’s property acquisition process is built around direct engagement, negotiated agreements, and clear communication with property owners. We recognize that property is more than land: it can support a home, a livelihood, a business, a farm, or a family legacy. That's why our process is designed to be structured, transparent, and responsive to individual circumstances.
1. Identification of the required properties
Once a route (we often call it the ″alignment″) is sufficiently defined, Alto will be able to identify specific properties and property rights likely to be required for the project. The requirements may vary by area. For example, in many rural areas, only a portion of a property may be required rather than the whole property.
If a property of interest to the project becomes available for sale, Alto will assess the opportunity to make an offer at fair market value.
2. Direct communication with property owners
The first point of contact with property owners will be a formal letter confirming that their property could be of interest for Alto and providing clear information about the project, what to expect at each stage, and what support is available. Property owners will be assigned a dedicated representative, who will be available to answer questions throughout the process.
Communication by email will only be used at the property owner’s request, and only after the discussions have already begun.
Property owners who indicate that they prefer to communicate by email can expect to only ever receive emails from our @altotrain.ca domain, and should be cautious of emails coming from any other domain that claim to contain information about the project, as these could be fraudulent, malicious, and/or contain misinformation.
A more precise corridor for the central segment (Ottawa–Montreal) is expected to be presented by fall 2026, with narrowed corridors for the other segments to follow later. The formal letters to property owners impacted on the central segment (Ottawa–Montreal) will be sent out prior to the public disclosure of the more precise corridor.
3. Negotiations
Alto will work with owners individually to reach negotiated agreements wherever possible. Alto will present a written offer that sets out the proposed terms of purchase and will discuss a transition timeline tailored to each situation, including farming seasons, business operations, or personal relocation needs where applicable.
The compensation offer will be informed by independent professional appraisals that reflect the market value of the property at the time of negotiation. These appraisals will exclude any reduction or appreciation in value caused by the project itself or by prior announcement of the project.
Owners will be given time to review the offer and seek independent legal advice before making any decisions. They may also obtain an independent appraisal of their own. Where more than one appraisal is obtained, both will be considered as part of the negotiation process. Alto will cover reasonable third-party costs related to the acquisition process, including independent appraisal and legal fees.
4. Completion of the transaction
Once terms are agreed upon by both parties, the offer will be signed by Alto and the property owner. A portion of the compensation may be paid upon signature, or shortly after, with the remaining amount paid at closing. The timing and structure of payments will be agreed upon between each owner and Alto.
Negotiated acquisitions may take several months, though timelines will vary by case. Alto will work at a pace that respects each situation.
When expropriation may be required
Alto will always prioritize direct engagement and aim for negotiated agreements. However, given the nature of a major linear infrastructure project, there will be circumstances where expropriation is required. In those cases, the process will be carried out under the federal Expropriation Act and administered by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC).
The federal expropriation process includes protections for property owners, including a formal compensation offer, the right to obtain an independent appraisal, and access to resolution mechanisms if compensation is disputed.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Being within or near the study area does not mean a property will be acquired, or that any immediate action needs to be taken. The rail route is still being defined, and many properties in the study area will ultimately not be affected. Indeed, while the study corridor is approximately 10 kilometres wide, the final alignment is expected to be about 60 metres wide.
Once the route is defined, if a property is affected, a formal acquisition process will begin and owners will be informed by letter. In the meantime, owners can continue farming, leasing, maintaining, and managing their property as usual. In most cases, Alto’s work in the study area does not limit owners’ rights, including the right to sell their property on the market. However, for some properties, specific notices may be registered on title. See question What types of notices may be registered on my property? below.
Expropriation remains an essential tool for major infrastructure projects. If Alto cannot reach a negotiated agreement and requires expropriation, it will be brought up during its ongoing engagement with the individual property owner before being undertaken by Public Services and Procurement Canada.
If a property, or a portion of it, is required for the project, compensation will be provided. Compensation will be based on various factors, including market value, losses such as agricultural losses or business losses, relocation costs where required, and reasonable third-party costs related to the transaction, including appraisals and legal fees.
Each property will be assessed based on its specific situation. When only a portion of a property is acquired, compensation will also consider impacts on the remaining portion, including changes to usability, access, or value.
Alto recognizes that property acquisition may affect both owners and tenants and is committed to working with them to understand and address any resulting impacts. Each situation will be assessed individually. Where rights or activities are affected, Alto will engage with owners and tenants directly to understand the impacts and determine next steps, including any applicable compensation.
Yes. If relocation is required for the project, Alto will work with owners and tenants to support relocation where needed and, subject to certain conditions, where requested. In many cases, particularly in rural areas, property acquisition will not require relocation as the project would only require a portion of a property. The type of support and any associated compensation will depend on specific circumstances and will be discussed directly with owners and tenants.
Where relocation is necessary, Alto will seek to provide owners with sufficient time and flexibility. Timelines will vary depending on individual circumstances and the progress of discussions. Reaching an agreement earlier will allow owners and tenants the time needed to plan their transition with clarity.
As part of the Alto’s acquisition process, the initial contact will be made by letter. If an owner prefers to communicate by email following initial contact, certain communications may be sent electronically. However, email will not replace direct engagement. Each property owner will have access to a representative who will be able to provide information and respond to questions throughout the process.
Property owners who indicate that they prefer to communicate by email can expect to only ever receive emails from our @altotrain.ca domain, and should be cautious of emails coming from any other domain that claim to contain information about the project, as these could be fraudulent, malicious, and/or contain misinformation.
In most cases, the acquisition process will not require the registration of notices on properties. In certain situations, and depending on the stage of the project, specific notices may be registered to support planning and avoid speculation.
- Right of first refusal: This notice allows Alto the opportunity to match a third-party offer if an owner chooses to sell their property. It does not limit a landowner’s ability to list their property for sale on the open market.
Prohibition on work: This notice limits certain new works that could enhance property value. However, it does not prevent property owners from performing necessary repairs and maintenance to ensure that their properties remain in good condition. Any work that has already begun at the time of registration may be completed.
Alto will notify the owner before any of the above notices is registered on a property.
Alto recognizes that properties are sometimes held through estates or other legal arrangements, and that personal circumstances can change during a lengthy process. If an owner has a representative, Alto will work directly with that representative in the same manner as we would with an individual owner.
In some cases, Alto may only need temporary access to a property for activities such as surveys, construction staging, or other temporary works. In those situations, Alto will communicate directly with the property owner, explain the purpose and duration of the access, and compensate owners and tenants for any impacts associated with that use.