Community groups come together in opposition to high-speed rail

Save South Frontenac and Save Stone Mills are among the groups that have formed a common front against the high-speed rail proposal.

SYDENHAM — Kingston-area citizen’s groups are among those that that agreed to form a united front against the Alto high-speed rail project. Representatives of the groups met Saturday to formalize their inclusion under the ALT-NO banner. “Because this divisive project, and its treatment of Canadians, is the exact opposite of what it means to build a nation, the communities we represent have not been persuaded that this project is ‘nation-building’ and we are not persuaded that its benefits will be shared by Canadians generally,” a news release from the group stated.

“The costs, by contrast, will fall on identifiable people in identifiable places and are already visible. Expropriation and land acquisition, severed farm parcels, construction and operating impacts on air, water and habitat, and permanent barriers to the movement of people, livestock and wildlife, are costs that far outweigh the promised benefits.” Related Alto to look at adding Kingston station to high-speed rail project High-speed rail opponents call for local councils to adopt stronger stance Among the groups that joined the new coalition are: Alt No; North Belleville Against Alto; Rideau Lakes Against Alto; Rural Counties Action Network

| NO HSR in Peterborough and Northumberland; Save Stone Mills; Save South Frontenac; Stirling and Area Residents Concerned about Alto High-Speed Rail; Tyendinaga Township Landowners Coalition; United Front Quebec and Ontario. Together, they plan to work together on education programs and voicing concerns about the project’s potential impact on farms, rural communities and the environment along the proposed 1,00 Related Alto to look at adding Kingston station to high-speed rail project High-speed rail opponents call for local councils to adopt stronger stance 0-kilometre route. elferguson@postmedia.com