More than 1,000 Surveys Completed: Understanding the Territory to Plan Responsibly

Since the beginning of the year, Alto and Cadence teams have completed more than 1,000 field surveys between Ottawa and Montréal. Conducted by biologists, engineers and other experts, these activities support project planning, engineering and environmental assessment work.

These surveys have collected data on a wide range of elements, including watercourses, wetlands, vegetation, as well as the habitats and movements of numerous species such as bats, frogs and birds. Field studies play an essential role in establishing baseline environmental conditions and in identifying measures to avoid, reduce or offset the project’s potential impacts.

What's next in the field studies program

Between July and August 2026, aircraft equipped with LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and photogrammetric sensors will fly over the study corridor to produce detailed models of the terrain and its features. These flights will be conducted at high altitudes, typically between 800 and 1,000 metres, allowing detailed data to be collected while preserving residents’ privacy.

Topographic surveys will also be carried out by land surveyors at various locations throughout the study corridor. Conducted on public lands, these activities involve taking measurements using specialized equipment, including a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver, and documenting certain terrain features through ground photography.

Visual landscape surveys will also be undertaken to document current visual conditions along the corridor. Photographs will be taken from public spaces or locations where the necessary permissions have been obtained. They are not intended to document private properties or individuals. Where needed, portions of the images may be masked.

Beginning mid-August, geotechnical investigations will also be conducted at selected sites to better understand soil, subsurface and groundwater conditions. These activities may include drilling, soil testing and the temporary excavation of monitoring wells.

It is important to note that conducting these activities does not mean that the project alignment has been determined. These studies are carried out throughout the study corridor to improve our understanding of the territory and support ongoing analyses.

A rigorous approach built on respectful collaboration with communities

All field study activities are conducted using recognized methods and in compliance with applicable requirements related to safety, environmental protection and privacy. All surveys are carried out with the necessary authorizations and, where applicable, with the prior agreement of property owners involved.

Alto would like to thank the property owners, municipalities, communities, Indigenous organizations and partners contributing to this work. Their collaboration is essential to improving our understanding of the territory and advancing informed and rigorous project planning.

To learn more about activities completed to date and upcoming field studies, visit the field studies section.