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Our approach to public engagement
We want to hear from anyone interested in the project. Our goal is to build strong, lasting relationships grounded in mutual respect and trust. That means keeping the conversation going, not just once, but throughout the life of the project. We’ll be hosting ongoing engagement activities, and we’re committed to making them meaningful.
Public consultation report on the study corridor now available
The public consultation period on the Toronto–Québec City corridor has now concluded.
Following extensive consultations conducted between January to April 2026 across the study corridor, Alto’s What We Heard report summarizes key insights gathered from participants. Input will help inform the selection of the rail network alignment and station locations, while helping to minimize impacts and strengthen local benefits.
Indigenous Engagement
Indigenous participation will be integrated across all stages of the project, with a focus on participation in planning, delivery, and opportunities related to employment and economic participation.
Community Partnerships
Alto supports communities' initiatives aiming to prop up the economic, environment, and social vitality of populations along the Québec City–Toronto.
Principles of Public Participation
Accountable
We believe that trust and confidence increase when all parties are clear of their responsibilities and positively engaged in the decisions that affect them.
Locally focused
We’re committed to being a good neighbour. That means building strong, lasting relationships with the communities where we work. We listen, learn, and reflect local values in how we communicate and engage.
Collaborative and Inclusive
We’re committed to creating space to facilitate the involvement of a diverse range of stakeholders with different perspectives, levels of knowledge, time constraints, accessibility requirements, and preferred methods of participation, in order to foster a shared sense of purpose and direction.
Open and responsive
We believe in clear, two-way communication. We’ll share timely, relevant updates and make it easy for stakeholders to provide meaningful input. Whenever possible, we’ll also let you know how your feedback has shaped our decisions.
Innovative
We’re not afraid to look at things from a new angle. By staying open-minded and adaptable, we aim to shape solutions that benefit everyone involved.
Trust and Transparency
We are committed to inform and engage community members early and regularly as well as providing opportunities for people to be involved in the engagement process.
Respectful
We respect individual values, recognize the legitimacy of concerns, and value stakeholder input.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Public input is considered in our decision-making process. We have chosen to consult early, before selecting a route, so feedback from residents, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and organizations can directly inform technical analyses and design choices.
The comments and concerns expressed during consultations are documented and referenced to inform the refinement of the corridor under study. They help identify local areas or issues that warrant special consideration—such as sensitive or significant environments, agricultural realities, community priorities, or technical challenges—and assist in shaping mitigation measures. A report will be issued at the end of this first phase of consultation.
Our objective is to identify the alignment that best balances long-term benefits and minimizes impacts based on studies and what is heard through consultations.
Alto began early project introduction and relationship‑building with potentially impacted Indigenous communities in 2017, and engagement and consultation continue as the project advances. Alto works directly with community leadership and technical representatives on project planning, which includes socio‑economic participation, archaeology, field and environmental studies, and potential impacts on Aboriginal and Treaty rights.
Alto is fulfilling the constitutional Duty to Consult and, where appropriate, accommodate Indigenous communities and groups, with the aim of securing free, prior, and informed consent. Through engagement with potentially impacted Indigenous communities, Alto is advancing the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
Yes. The participation of Indigenous groups is essential to the success of the project. To support and encourage their participation, funding is available to eligible recipients who would like to participate in project-related engagement or consultation activities.
Please contact [email protected] for more information.
Yes, extensive public consultation is a cornerstone of Alto’s development. The first round of consultation took place between January and April 2026.
We are committed to meaningful, two-way dialogue, where listening is as important as informing.
Engagement is ongoing and inclusive, with multiple opportunities for the public, municipalities, and Indigenous communities to shape the project, from route alignment and station design to defining local priorities and potential community benefits.
We will offer different forms of consultation based on best practices: public meetings, open consultations, engagement meetings with municipalities and organizations, etc.
The process will allow residents to access detailed information about the project, to have a voice on how Alto and Cadence should mitigate impacts and be consulted every step of the way to make sure the High-Speed Rail Network benefits all Canadians.