Twelve mayors and reeves from communities in eastern Ontario have signed a letter opposing the ALTO high speed rail project.
The letter says the proposed project, which would link Toronto to Quebec City, has an estimated cost of $90 billion and lacks a transparent and credible business case.
It says that with no clear data on ridership or demand, they are questioning the justification for such a massive financial undertaking, especially when more viable options, such as utilizing the existing 401 corridor, have not been explored.
Other concerns raised in the letter include expropriation threats, loss of property value, disruption to local development and environmental impact.
The letter calls for the suspension of any further development plans for the project and calls for a more comprehensive consultation with rural municipalities.
Merrickville-Wolford Mayor Michael Cameron is among the officials who have signed the letter which will be sent to Prime Minister Mark Carney.
