Alto, the Crown corporation overseeing Canada’s high-speed rail project, has unveiled its strategies for acquiring land and compensating landowners as part of the multibillion-dollar initiative. The initial phase of the network will connect Ottawa and Montreal, with the full Toronto-to-Quebec City system estimated to cost between $60 billion and $90 billion.
By this fall, Alto aims to finalize a 60-metre-wide right-of-way corridor within the existing study area. The corporation has outlined a structured and transparent process for property acquisition, beginning with route selection and identification of required properties. Each landowner will be assigned a dedicated representative to facilitate negotiations.
Negotiations will focus on achieving agreements with willing sellers, although expropriations may be necessary in some cases. The recently enacted Bill C-15, which includes the High-Speed Rail Act, impacts the expropriation process by granting Alto the right of first refusal for property sales.
Compensation for affected landowners will be based on various factors such as property market value, disturbance costs, and financial losses. Independent appraisals will determine the compensation amount, with property owners having the option to seek their own legal advice and appraisal services, which will also be compensated.
Alto plans to make partial compensation payments upon agreement signing or shortly after, with the remaining amount disbursed at closing. Construction activities may temporarily disrupt agricultural operations, but Alto assures that affected farmers will be financially compensated and provided with alternative routes where possible.
Post-construction, Alto commits to restoring agricultural land to its original state by implementing grading and drainage measures. Livestock safety will be ensured through the installation of fencing along the rail tracks. The corporation pledges to address any concerns or damages reported by property owners after construction completion.
Local roads may be affected by the rail line, prompting Alto to conduct traffic studies and construct access roads and crossings. Collaboration with municipalities, property owners, and agricultural associations will determine the locations of these crossings, ensuring farmers’ continued access for business operations.