Open Houses scheduled for Canada’s first high-speed rail network

The crown corporation tasked with building the country’s first high-speed rail line between Quebec City and Toronto –  the largest public infrastructure project in Canada’s recent history – is kicking off a three-month long public consultation process with more than 20 open house information sessions, eight virtual sessions, and a dedicated online information platform.

The launch of public consultations marks a concrete step forward in the project’s development and pre-construction phase. Input gathered will help inform the selection of the rail network alignment and station locations, while guiding efforts to minimize impacts, promote inclusivity, and strengthen local benefits.

“The launch of public consultations is an important milestone for the Alto High-Speed Rail project. By engaging Canadians early, and by working in partnership with Indigenous communities, we are ensuring this project is shaped by local knowledge, environmental responsibility, and shared priorities,” said federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon. “This work will help lay the foundation for a modern transportation network that creates good jobs, supports economic growth, strengthens regional connections, and delivers lasting benefits for communities along the corridor.”

Public consultations on the corridor will take place from January to March 2026, offering multiple ways for Canadians to participate, including more than 20 in-person open houses/information sessions in as several communities, offering opportunities for direct, person-to-person interactions at a pace that suits each participant; as well as the virtual information sessions.

Open houses will be held in Toronto Feb. 4-5, in addition to a number of sessions in Ottawa, Montreal and parts east.

The conversations initiated through these public consultations will continue as Alto advances the project in partnership with Indigenous communities, municipalities, and public institutions, with the “diverse realities” of both rural and urban communities, including landowners and farmers, also considered.

“Public engagement is a cornerstone of the Alto project,” said Alto CEO Martin Imbleau. “We will ensure that every voice is heard in shaping the future of transportation. By working collaboratively, we will build a rail network that reflects shared priorities, respects Indigenous rights and knowledge, and delivers lasting benefits for generations to come.”

Feedback gathered during the public consultation will help shape the rail network’s alignment, which will be defined later in 2026. A second round of consultation will then be held to review and refine the proposed alignment.

With stations in Toronto, Peterborough, Ottawa, Montréal, Laval, Trois-Rivières and Québec City, the project is expected to connect millions of Canadians living along the country’s most densely populated corridor.

Details on consultation dates, formats, and participation options are available on Alto’s website.