Ontario and Quebec farm groups are urging governments to pause planning for a proposed new high-speed rail corridor, warning the project threatens some of the most productive farmland in the two provinces
The Ontario Federation of Agriculture and Quebec’s Union des producteurs agricoles are calling for an immediate suspension of the project until a more cautious and transparent process is undertaken.
The proposed high-speed rail corridor, Alto, would link Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City.
According to a joint release Friday, the proposed rail alignment would cut through prime agricultural areas, raising concerns about permanent land loss, farm fragmentation, and long-term impacts on food production.
“Ontario’s farmland is a strategic provincial and national asset, and the highest and best use of our arable land is for agriculture – and let’s not forget that agriculture and agri-food is a cornerstone of Ontario’s economic prosperity,” OFA president Drew Spoelstra said in the release.
He noted that agriculture and agri-food contribute $51 billion annually to Ontario’s economy and employ roughly 10% of the provincial workforce, underscoring the sector’s importance beyond rural communities.
Farm groups argue that projects deemed to be of national interest must not undermine food security or the long-term viability of farm businesses. Among their key demands, the OFA and UPA are urging governments and project planners to keep the rail line out of prime agricultural areas, avoid splitting farms into smaller parcels, protect critical drainage systems, and address construction and ongoing costs such as fencing and safe crossings for farm equipment and livestock. They also want agricultural impact assessments to be independent, comprehensive, and publicly available.
The call for a pause gained national backing earlier this week, when delegates at the annual meeting of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture passed a resolution urging the federal government to halt the project. The resolution calls for thorough economic, social, and environmental assessments, along with meaningful consultation with affected agricultural and rural communities.
