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Alto High-Speed Rail Network
The specific purpose of this webpage is to impartially and factually explore the potential impacts of the proposed Alto high-speed rail project on the Eastway Gardens neighbourhood. However, it is importamt to keep in mind that Alto faces difficult choices in the Ottawa-Gatineau region as a whole. Rapid growth in the region suggests a population of up to two million within the next 15 years, potentially reaching three million in the next 40-45 years. Alto’s decisions will significantly shape the region’s rail transit and urban development for the next 50 years. Perhaps more than any other city, this project will have a profound impact on the future of the National Capital Region, and Alto’s choices must consider this broader context.
Project overview - Phase 1 - Ottawa-Montreal
Artist's rendition of an Alto train. Photo courtesy Environmental Defence Canada Facebook, December 12, 2025
As part of the Building Canada Act, construction of the first phase of the Alto High-Speed Rail Network between Ottawa and Montreal is slated to begin simultaneously in 2029 at both ends of the route. Fully electrified trains will reach speeds of up to 300 km/h, significantly reducing travel time to one hour between the two cities, including a stop in Laval.
Alto, the Crown corporation developing the Quebec City-Toronto high-speed rail, is currently considering the Phase 1 route between Montreal and Ottawa and potential locations for the Ottawa station, subject to technical specifications and public consultation. Once the route and station locations are confirmed by late 2026, land acquisition will begin, with construction on the initial Ottawa-Montreal segment anticipated to begin in 2029.
This initial phase, chosen for its relatively straight and high-potential corridor, aims to be completed between 2035 and 2038. It will utilize all Canadian steel, copper, wood, and concrete. The initial 10-kilometre-wide study corridor will eventually narrow to 60 metres in width as consultations near completion and the final route is established. The double tracks will be fenced in and powered by overhead catenaries throughout most of the corridor. To ensure high speeds, the tracks must remain flat and straight. (See Alto interactive map.) Existing tracks used by Via Rail, and owned mainly by CN as well as CPKC and other operators, cannot be repurposed for use by Alto high-speed rail.
Alto, the Crown corporation developing the Quebec City-Toronto high-speed rail, is currently considering the Phase 1 route between Montreal and Ottawa and potential locations for the Ottawa station, subject to technical specifications and public consultation. Once the route and station locations are confirmed by late 2026, land acquisition will begin, with construction on the initial Ottawa-Montreal segment anticipated to begin in 2029.
This initial phase, chosen for its relatively straight and high-potential corridor, aims to be completed between 2035 and 2038. It will utilize all Canadian steel, copper, wood, and concrete. The initial 10-kilometre-wide study corridor will eventually narrow to 60 metres in width as consultations near completion and the final route is established. The double tracks will be fenced in and powered by overhead catenaries throughout most of the corridor. To ensure high speeds, the tracks must remain flat and straight. (See Alto interactive map.) Existing tracks used by Via Rail, and owned mainly by CN as well as CPKC and other operators, cannot be repurposed for use by Alto high-speed rail.
- The public consultation period on the corridor under study has now concluded
- Alto, Canada’s High-Speed Rail project team, will begin field investigations this spring as part of their data collection program
- How Alto plans to buy out property owners for its high-speed rail plans (Crown corporation says precise route for first leg to be unveiled this fall)
(ABOVE) Initial 10-kilometre-wide "study corridor" between Toronto and Montreal will narrow to 60 metres.
Downtown station "not feasible"
Eastway Gardens preferred location of Alto train station
May 2, 2026 — Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon and Martin Imbleau, the CEO of Alto, the Crown corporation in charge of the proposed Toronto-Quebec City high-speed rail line, both say a station in the heart of downtown Ottawa is simply not feasible and would destroy the downtown neighbourhood. (See CTV News video below). That leaves the Via Rail/O-Train Line 1 station on Tremblay Road as the preferred location, at last for the time being.
(ABOVE) May 02, 2026 — ‘We would destroy the [downtown] neighbourhood’: Alto CEO rules out downtown Ottawa stop by Ted Raymond, CTV News Ottawa
May 1, 2026 — Officials dim hopes for downtown Ottawa high-speed rail station
Although he said no decision has been finalized, Alto CEO Martin Imbleau explained to Radio-Canada’s Première Heure Thursday that a downtown Ottawa station would have to be underground.
That would slow trains and make the project more complicated without growing ridership, he said in French.
An Alto spokesperson told Radio-Canada Friday a downtown station would be very, very difficult to do.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon also spoke out against the option when asked during a news conference on Friday.
“Ottawa has an architecturally renowned train station,” MacKinnon said. “That is one site that will obviously be assessed, but I would not rule out exploring other sites closer to downtown.”
> Justin Ball · CBC News Ottawa · Posted: May 01, 2026: Officials dim hopes for downtown Ottawa high-speed rail station - Alto CEO, transport minister each talk of difficulty of downtown hub
Although he said no decision has been finalized, Alto CEO Martin Imbleau explained to Radio-Canada’s Première Heure Thursday that a downtown Ottawa station would have to be underground.
That would slow trains and make the project more complicated without growing ridership, he said in French.
An Alto spokesperson told Radio-Canada Friday a downtown station would be very, very difficult to do.
Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon also spoke out against the option when asked during a news conference on Friday.
“Ottawa has an architecturally renowned train station,” MacKinnon said. “That is one site that will obviously be assessed, but I would not rule out exploring other sites closer to downtown.”
> Justin Ball · CBC News Ottawa · Posted: May 01, 2026: Officials dim hopes for downtown Ottawa high-speed rail station - Alto CEO, transport minister each talk of difficulty of downtown hub
Eyes on Tremblay Station says Alto CEO
While Alto CEO Martin Imbleau, stresses that final decisions have yet to be made, he points to the existing Via Rail and O-Train Line 1 station on Tremblay Road as having more potential than the former train station downtown.
"Let me be clear that there’s no way that we could do an above-ground station there [downtown]. There’s simply no space.” He also rules out a downtown underground station.
"Let me be clear that there’s no way that we could do an above-ground station there [downtown]. There’s simply no space.” He also rules out a downtown underground station.
(ABOVE) May 02, 2026 — “It is true that the downtown Senate building, the old station, has been mentioned many times, but let me be clear that there’s no way that we could do an above-ground station there. There’s simply no space,” said Martin Imbleau on Newstalk 580 CFRA’s CFRA Weekends with Andrew Pinsent on Saturday.
Two possible sites for the Ottawa Alto Station were originally identified as downtown's former Union Station and the VIA Rail/O-Train transit hub on Tremblay Road.
However, Alta Vista Ward Councillor Marty Carr favours a third location, not formally mentioned by Imbleau. She sees the vacant tract of federal land at the intersection of Tremblay Road and St. Laurent Boulevard as a viable contender. (Read more below)
No matter its chosen location, high-speed rail right-of-way, which will reportedly be located north of the existing Via Rail right-of-way, will likely route through the Eastway Gardens neighbourhood. It is anticipate that some residential properties will be expropriated, but specifics won't be available until Alto releases its final decisions this fall.
However, Alta Vista Ward Councillor Marty Carr favours a third location, not formally mentioned by Imbleau. She sees the vacant tract of federal land at the intersection of Tremblay Road and St. Laurent Boulevard as a viable contender. (Read more below)
No matter its chosen location, high-speed rail right-of-way, which will reportedly be located north of the existing Via Rail right-of-way, will likely route through the Eastway Gardens neighbourhood. It is anticipate that some residential properties will be expropriated, but specifics won't be available until Alto releases its final decisions this fall.
THREE PROPOSED ALTO STATION LOCATIONS
1) Senate of Canada Building (Former Union Station) - Effectively ruled out
Photo courtesy Wikipedia
Attribution: Dpalma01, CC BY-SA 4.0
Located on Rideau Street near the Chateau Laurier, the former downtown Union Station is highly favoured by downtown Ottawa business interests and by Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
This location has been ruled out as impractical and too costly, however. Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon and Alto CEO Martin Imbleau, instead, favour the Via Rail/O-Train Station on Tremblay Road because it is currently a major transit hub.
This location has been ruled out as impractical and too costly, however. Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon and Alto CEO Martin Imbleau, instead, favour the Via Rail/O-Train Station on Tremblay Road because it is currently a major transit hub.
(ABOVE) February 02 — ‘Once in a lifetime’: Exploring high-speed rail station options in Ottawa [says Mayor Mark Sutcliffe] By Austin Lee, CTV News Ottawa
Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe believes that the former Union Station is the ideal location for the Alto Station.
“We have a once in a century opportunity to get this right. We’re only going to build a project like this once and if there is a way to get it downtown so that people are disembarking from the trains right in the heart of downtown Ottawa, we have to explore that,” said Sutcliffe (CTV Ottawa News).
Union Station served as Ottawa's main train station until 1966. Currently home to the Senate of Canada, the building has recently undergone significant renovations, bringing it up to modern standards. Reusing this site would bring passengers directly into the city’s core, proponents argue, but requires complex, costly tunnelling estimated at an additional several billion dollars.
“We have a once in a century opportunity to get this right. We’re only going to build a project like this once and if there is a way to get it downtown so that people are disembarking from the trains right in the heart of downtown Ottawa, we have to explore that,” said Sutcliffe (CTV Ottawa News).
Union Station served as Ottawa's main train station until 1966. Currently home to the Senate of Canada, the building has recently undergone significant renovations, bringing it up to modern standards. Reusing this site would bring passengers directly into the city’s core, proponents argue, but requires complex, costly tunnelling estimated at an additional several billion dollars.
2) Via Rail/O-Train Station (Tremblay Rd.) - Currently #1 choice
The current Via Rail station on Tremblay Road is a strong contender, allowing for a "through station" that minimizes travel times, potentially reaching Montreal in one hour. This site is favoured by Federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon and Alto CEO Martin Imbleau because of its existing infrastructure, ease of expansion compared to downtown, and its connection to Via Rail and the O-Train LRT Line 1. Not only is this site a major transit hub, but it is a short distance to downtown and adjacent to Highway 417 Queensway East and West access ramps.
Alto CEO Imbleau notes in this interview that the Tremblay Road area has significant expansion capabilities and a crucial connection to the existing OC Transpo LRT system, which is a priority for the new station's location. (Audio - CBC Ottawa Morning High speed rail consultations being in Ottawa.)
Some Eastway Gardens residents are concerned about potential displacement. For example, the 60-metre-wide high-speed right-of-way would likely be routed from the city's eastern entry point through the residential neighbourhood to the Via Rail transit hub on Tremblay Road, potentially resulting in significant property expropriation. Construction of the Alto train station at Via Rail would cause major disruption.
However, Alta Vista Ward Councillor Marty Carr has identified a third location, not formally mentioned by Minister MacKinnon or CEO Imbleau. She sees the vacant tract of federal land at the intersection of Tremblay Road and St. Laurent Boulevard as a viable option. Locating the Alto station on this site would likely result in fewer disruptions to the residential part of the neighbourhood, at least until high-speed tracks between Ottawa and Toronto are installed much later in Phase 2. (Read more below)
Alto CEO Imbleau notes in this interview that the Tremblay Road area has significant expansion capabilities and a crucial connection to the existing OC Transpo LRT system, which is a priority for the new station's location. (Audio - CBC Ottawa Morning High speed rail consultations being in Ottawa.)
Some Eastway Gardens residents are concerned about potential displacement. For example, the 60-metre-wide high-speed right-of-way would likely be routed from the city's eastern entry point through the residential neighbourhood to the Via Rail transit hub on Tremblay Road, potentially resulting in significant property expropriation. Construction of the Alto train station at Via Rail would cause major disruption.
However, Alta Vista Ward Councillor Marty Carr has identified a third location, not formally mentioned by Minister MacKinnon or CEO Imbleau. She sees the vacant tract of federal land at the intersection of Tremblay Road and St. Laurent Boulevard as a viable option. Locating the Alto station on this site would likely result in fewer disruptions to the residential part of the neighbourhood, at least until high-speed tracks between Ottawa and Toronto are installed much later in Phase 2. (Read more below)
According to Councillor Marty Carr, vacant land at Tremblay Road and St. Laurent Boulevard most likely location of Alto train station> April 26, 2026 — (The Ottawa Lookout) Could high-speed rail ever reach downtown? Councillors say no
April 29, 2026 — Alta Vista Ward Coun. Marty Carr thinks the matter over a downtown station is much ado about nothing because she thinks it’s highly unlikely that high-speed rail would ever reach the core, anyway.
Instead, she thinks the most likely location is on a vacant parcel of land at Tremblay Road and St. Laurent Blvd.
While in support of the location, she says it’s a concern for residents who live in the Eastway Gardens neighbourhood — sometimes known as the alphabet streets — where fear of being forced out of their homes isn’t new.
[Source: The Ottawa Lookout]
April 29, 2026 — Alta Vista Ward Coun. Marty Carr thinks the matter over a downtown station is much ado about nothing because she thinks it’s highly unlikely that high-speed rail would ever reach the core, anyway.
Instead, she thinks the most likely location is on a vacant parcel of land at Tremblay Road and St. Laurent Blvd.
While in support of the location, she says it’s a concern for residents who live in the Eastway Gardens neighbourhood — sometimes known as the alphabet streets — where fear of being forced out of their homes isn’t new.
[Source: The Ottawa Lookout]
Map showing possible site of Alto train station on vacant parcel of land at Tremblay Road and St. Laurent Blvd. (Courtesy The Ottawa Lookout)
Some, like Alta Vista Councillor Marty Carr, view this vacant land as a prime location for the Alto high-speed rail (HSR) station due to its proximity to existing transit infrastructure, including the O-Train LRT Line 1 station at the St. Laurent Shopping Centre and the nearby Tremblay VIA Rail/O-Train station.
The vacant federal land at 599 Tremblay Rd. (historically known as 530 Tremblay Rd.) is currently under consideration by Alto (the federal Crown corporation leading Canada’s high-speed rail project) as a potential site for the new Ottawa high-speed train station.
CURRENT STATUS AND POTENTIAL
KEY STATION CRITERIA
Alto has indicated that the final selection for the station location will depend on several factors:
A preliminary preferred rail alignment and station location for Ottawa is expected to be identified by the end of 2026.
NOTE: The summary above was produced with the help of AI and reviewed by an editor for accuracy and clarity.
CURRENT STATUS AND POTENTIAL
- Station Options: Alto CEO Martin Imbleau has identified the current VIA Rail station area on Tremblay Road as one of two "top of mind" locations for the high-speed rail hub in Ottawa, primarily due to its "expansion capabilities". The other primary option being considered is the former Union Station building downtown.
- Study Area: As of March 2026, Alto is beginning the next stage of field studies and environmental assessments. They are expected to reach out to the City of Ottawa and other landowners to formally request access to specific sites for these studies.
- Site Context: The 10.7-hectare parcel at 599 Tremblay Road is federal land that was previously slated for a massive 1.6-million-square-foot mixed-use office complex. However, those development plans were cancelled by the federal government in 2023, leaving the site—a large greenfield near the St. Laurent LRT station—available for other uses, such as a major transit hub or housing.
KEY STATION CRITERIA
Alto has indicated that the final selection for the station location will depend on several factors:
- Connectivity: Proximity to existing transit like the O-Train.
- Feasibility: Engineering challenges and cost (e.g., the high cost and complexity of tunneling to reach a downtown location).
- Capacity: Ability to accommodate 72 trains per day on a dedicated 1,000-kilometre track.
A preliminary preferred rail alignment and station location for Ottawa is expected to be identified by the end of 2026.
NOTE: The summary above was produced with the help of AI and reviewed by an editor for accuracy and clarity.
Two possible locations of Alto high-speed train station in Eastway Gardens.
The 26-acre vacant site was originally planned for a massive federal office complex, but those plans were cancelled in 2023. The land remains under federal ownership by Public Services and Procurement Canada (read more on the "Residential Developments" page).
There is unconfirmed speculation that the Ottawa-Montreal high speed corridor could use the 72 km Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail—a former rail bed. Some view this as a strongly preferred route as it aligns well with the vacant federal land at 599 Tremblay Road at the intersection of Tremblay and St-Laurent Boulevard.
There is unconfirmed speculation that the Ottawa-Montreal high speed corridor could use the 72 km Prescott and Russell Recreational Trail—a former rail bed. Some view this as a strongly preferred route as it aligns well with the vacant federal land at 599 Tremblay Road at the intersection of Tremblay and St-Laurent Boulevard.
While it is theoretically possible, whether a high-speed train could use the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail corridor is a subject of significant current debate. Historically, this 72 km trail was a rail line, and it has recently been identified as a potential segment for the federal Alto high-speed rail project.
Here is the current situation regarding its potential use for high-speed rail:
1. HISTORICAL & INFRASTRUCTURE CONTEXT
2. HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECT (ALTO)
3. LOCAL OPPOSITION & CONCERNS
4. CURRENT RECREATIONAL RULES
Under its current management, the trail is strictly for non-motorized use in the summer (cycling, walking) and is restricted to snowmobiles and cross-country skiing in the winter. General motorized vehicles like cars, trucks, and ATVs are strictly prohibited.
NOTE: The summary above was produced with the help of AI and reviewed by an editor for accuracy and clarity.
Here is the current situation regarding its potential use for high-speed rail:
1. HISTORICAL & INFRASTRUCTURE CONTEXT
- Former Rail Line: The trail is a "rail-to-trail" conversion built on a former railbed (the Montreal and Ottawa Sub-Corridor).
- Ownership Transition: While an agreement was reached in 2021 for the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail Corporation to acquire the infrastructure from VIA Rail, some sources suggest that portions within city limits may still be under federal influence for future transportation needs.
2. HIGH-SPEED RAIL PROJECT (ALTO)
- Study Area: The United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR) are currently within a 10-kilometre-wide study corridor for the first phase of the Alto project, which aims to connect Ottawa and Montréal.
- Technical Requirements: To reach speeds of 300 km/h, high-speed rail requires straight tracks, wide curves, and a fully fenced-in right-of-way with no level crossings. If the current trail were used, it would likely be transformed into a restricted, high-security corridor, ending its use as a public recreational path.
3. LOCAL OPPOSITION & CONCERNS
- Community Impact: Local leaders and residents have expressed concerns that a high-speed line would "traverse" the region without providing local stops, effectively splitting communities with a "sealed" barrier.
- Alternative Routes: Many local officials, including the Warden of the UCPR, have suggested that the train should instead run alongside existing major highways like Highway 401 to minimize disruption to rural lands and trails.
4. CURRENT RECREATIONAL RULES
Under its current management, the trail is strictly for non-motorized use in the summer (cycling, walking) and is restricted to snowmobiles and cross-country skiing in the winter. General motorized vehicles like cars, trucks, and ATVs are strictly prohibited.
NOTE: The summary above was produced with the help of AI and reviewed by an editor for accuracy and clarity.
The trail begins at the Quebec border, just outside of the village of Saint-Eugène, and goes to the eastern boundary of Ottawa, passing through the townships of East Hawkesbury, Champlain, The Nation, Alfred and Plantagenet, and Clarence-Rockland. The trail primarily passes through farmland, with some forested sections. Because it runs along a former railway, it is quite flat—a prerequisite for the high-speed rail corridor.
No one will confirm this route as a viable option. A mitigating factor might be the fact that on or about November 9, 2021, Via Rail and the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail Corporation signed an agreement to secure the future of the trail.
No one will confirm this route as a viable option. A mitigating factor might be the fact that on or about November 9, 2021, Via Rail and the Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail Corporation signed an agreement to secure the future of the trail.
Backgrounder: What exactly is High-Speed Rail? Definitions vary!
There are more than 20 countries that have true high-speed-rail (HSR), generally defined as cruising at 240 km/h or more. Canada is currently the only G7 country that does not have any "high-speed " or "higher-speed" rail lines. (Read more here.) There are many reasons for this. Among them are prohibitive costs, geography, government changes, and opposition—especially from rural parts of the country.
(ABOVE) The United States is facing challenges with getting true high-speed rail (HSR) projects off the ground. Watch the April 5, 2026 program "Why high-speed rail hasn't tracked in the U.S. | 60 Minutes"
Definitions of what constitutes high-speed rail vary. While there is no single definition or standard that applies worldwide, lines built to handle speeds of at least 250 km/h or upgraded lines of at least 200 km/h are generally considered to be high-speed. (Read more here.)
In the United States, inter-city rail with top speeds between 140 and 180 km/h qualify as higher-speed rail, though some states choose to define high-speed rail with top speeds above 140 km/h. (Read more here.)
Alto's promises speeds of 300 km/h, classifying it as true high-speed rail (HSR).
In the United States, inter-city rail with top speeds between 140 and 180 km/h qualify as higher-speed rail, though some states choose to define high-speed rail with top speeds above 140 km/h. (Read more here.)
Alto's promises speeds of 300 km/h, classifying it as true high-speed rail (HSR).
While public consultations have concluded, possible locations of the Ottawa station and Ottawa-Montreal route are still subject to feasibility studies. Final decisions will be released in the fall of 2026. Below are schematics, some showing design details of Alto high-speed stations and cars. Most of these posters were presented at in-person consultation sessions.
Artist's rendition of an Alto high-speed train (photos courtesy of Ontario Construction News).
Poster - Schematic of an Alto train station. Surface‑level Alto stations require approximately 42,000 m².
Poster - Labelled schematic of an Alto train station. Surface‑level Alto stations require approximately 42,000 m².
Poster - Labelled schematic of an Alto train car.
Poster - More than 20 high-speed rail systems worldwide.
Poster - Phased Construction: Efficiency and Impact Reduction
Eastway Gardens is a transit-oriented neighbourhood
Banner Photo Credits:
• Via Rail train - Keira Clarke, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
• OC Transpo Train LRV - By *Youngjin - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
• Via Rail train - Keira Clarke, CC BY 4.0
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• OC Transpo Train LRV - By *Youngjin - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
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