Belleville council opposes proposed Alto high-speed rail southern corridor

Motion

Whereas Alto, a federal crown corporation, whose role is to establish a high-speed rail (HSR) network between Toronto and Quebec City has recently released possible route options, with one coming through the City of Belleville – Ward 2 (Thurlow);

Whereas Alto has stated that the proposed southern corridor, in prime agricultural and densely populated residential areas, as well as the Moira Watershed and numerous conservation lands, simplifies construction and operations; and

Whereas the City of Belleville takes pride in its rural character, its residential and agricultural lands and many natural features continued within, such as the Moira River, Eastern Ontario Trails and the Frink Centre and we take pride in our efforts to protect environmentally sensitive areas throughout our community;

Whereas the City of Belleville prefers to maintain continuity of our municipality and its unique features without the obstruction and obstacle of a high speed rail line;

Therefore Be It Resolved that with the limited information and consultation that has been provided to date, and with our understanding of the potential impact to our community, the City of Belleville does NOT support the proposed southern corridor which will significantly impact Ward 2 (Thurlow) area of the City; and

That this motion be sent to the Honourable Steve McKinnon, Federal Minister of Transportation, The Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman, MP Chris Malette, Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, MPP Ric Bresee, MPP Tyler Allsopp, Martin Imbleau, President of Alto, and neighbouring municipalities within the HSR southern corridor.