What’s the Latest: Quebec farmers say proposed high-speed rail threatens their land, livelihoods
Farmers and local elected officials in Repentigny, Quebec, are opposing a proposed high-speed rail project due to concerns it could disrupt agricultural land and threaten their livelihoods. Guillaume Alary, a third-generation farmer in the area, expressed fears that the rail line may divide his property and affect his family’s way of life.
Alto, the federal agency overseeing the proposed high-speed rail project between Quebec City and Toronto, received 20,000 comments during earlier consultations held this year. Local farmers express concerns that the project could significantly disrupt agricultural operations by dividing their land, impacting their access to essential resources and changing their traditional farming practices.
Quebec farmers and local elected officials are urging the cancellation of a proposed high-speed rail project, citing threats to agricultural land and livelihoods. Bloc Québécois MP Patrick Bonin stated, “There is no proper public consultation and environmental assessment,” as concerns mount over the project’s impact on farming operations.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how much agricultural land farmers may lose if the high-speed rail project proceeds.
Quebec farmers oppose proposed high-speed rail project over land concerns
Farmers and local officials in Repentigny, Quebec, are voicing strong opposition to a proposed high-speed rail project they believe poses a significant threat to agricultural land and their livelihoods. The project, overseen by the federal agency Alto, plans to construct a rail network between Quebec City and Toronto, with much of the proposed route running through farming areas.
Guillaume Alary, a third-generation farmer, expressed deep concern about the potential division of his 260-hectare property, warning that it could drastically alter his family’s farming operations. “I’m concerned about my land, my family. I’m concerned about the land and families of my neighbours,” Alary stated. He highlighted the lack of transparency surrounding the project, emphasising that he had not been consulted prior to the planning.
Resistance is also mounting from the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) in Lanaudière. Simon Duval, the regional president, stated, “Right now what we have to do is stop the project,” stressing that the proposed rail would create significant detours for farmers, potentially disrupting their operations and finances. “Half of your land is going to be on the other side,” he explained, noting the detrimental impact on farm access.
An Alto spokesperson responded to concerns by indicating that the agency had held consultations and received approximately 20,000 comments, asserting that minimising impacts on both residential neighbourhoods and agricultural lands is a priority as the corridor approaches urban areas.
Local MP Patrick Bonin and city councillor Normand Urbain also raised objections, with Bonin citing inadequate consultation and environmental assessment, while Urbain questioned the practicality of moving equipment across a divided farm. Alary summarised the emotional toll the situation has created, declaring, “(I’d be) losing a piece of my reason to live.”